Console Rework?

[saltycrab]

Hey guys!

The previous owner wasn't very good at wiring on my skiff, or making a shelf in the center for that matter. I am taking the boat out this weekend, then after that she will be down to get re-wired, stuff moved around, etc.
(1) The shelf in the center console is just a single plywood shelf holding the VHF and CD Player, bolted down. The shelf has seen better days. I would like to redo the shelf with starboard, and enclose the CD Player and VHF. My question on this is, how do I go about flush mounting the VHF? The CD Player of course is common sense, the VHF may be too, I just might not have any. The unit is older, if I buy a new one, will it come with a mounting sleeve? Or can I buy a mounting sleeve for my current one? Also, I would like to counter sink and screw the enclosure togethor with SS screws, but is there anywhere I can purchase plugs/caps to go in the holes? The white and SS wouldn't look too professional in my opinion.

(2) I plan on buying a thin aluminum sheet and cutting it to fit the shape of the "dash" of the console. To cover up unused holes, and to hide little imperfections. I plan on painting it with the zinc chromate primer and painting it blue to accent the rest of the boat. Will this be ok, or should I use a different material for this? Also, what do I use to cut aluminum? I assume a regular table saw will not be good?

Thanks guys!

[Chalk]

The radio has to be flush mount able and the holes are best filled with a fiberglass repair kit. A picture would help.

You can cut aluminum with a jig saw with a metal cutting blade. I would use starboard and be done with it.

Welcome aboard

[saltycrab]

Thanks, I have been a long time browser, and figured I should actually get some posts up.

I actually found some flush mount units for Standard Horizon Eclipse units, but mine is older, so I have contacted Standard Horizon to see if they will fit.

I also found some very thin Plexiglass that I could possibly paint and use as a "dash cover". How thin does starboard come in? I want my switches to still be able to run all the way through.

I also found some possible plugs that are used for installing windows. I want to be able to get to them incase I need to re-wire.

Thanks

[Chalk]

I have seen some 1/8" starboard at Boaters World and West Marine.

Flush mounted my Standard Horizon about two years ago. You probably just need the brackets to mount it flush.

[tin can]

Turn a carbide tipped blade backwards in your 7 1/4" circular saw and cut all the aluminum you want. You don't have to turn the blade backwards, but you better have a good pair of safety glasses if you don't.

[Reel Cowboy]

If all else fails you can either have a new console made ($$$$$$) or buy one from West Marine, Boaters Wolrd or just about any other marine supplier.

[Tom Keels]

I have seen some 1/8" starboard at Boaters World and West Marine.

Flush mounted my Standard Horizon about two years ago. You probably just need the brackets to mount it flush.

1/8 inch starboard will sag and warp in the sun. Best to go with 3/8 or thicker. Your switches will still fit. Countersink your mounting screws and fill the holes with marine tex or cut plugs from scrap starboard.

I would not use aluminum at all especially if you will have any electrical devices mounted to it. Any hardware you use will corrode due to electrolysis. You have to have flush-mountable electronics if you want to flush mount them.

[RodBow]

TC, Do your boys off Weems Rd. - Metal Supermarket- handle aluminum? They could probably set him up with a nice smooth cut sheet of aluminum.

[tin can]

TC, Do your boys off Weems Rd. - Metal Supermarket- handle aluminum? They could probably set him up with a nice smooth cut sheet of aluminum.

They are now caled Metal Fabricators, and yes, they'll make anything he wants.

[saltycrab]

Where is the best place locally to purchase StarBoard? I assume both West Maine and BoatersWorld are high? Why would 1/8" sag? It will not really be holding anything, just an overlay for the dash. Also, what thickness should I use for the new shelf holding the VHF and CD Player?

What about plexiglass for the overlay, which should be cheaper?

[Reel Cowboy]

Try one of the local boat dealerships, I know Tallahasse Marineused to keep some.

[tin can]

Starboard and Plexiglass are both going to be expensive. Another alternative is a piece of cutting board. It isn't cheap, but can be purchased in various sizes and thicknesses from your local kitchen supply. I've made several items out of cutting board. Holds up well.

[Tom Keels]

Where is the best place locally to purchase StarBoard? I assume both West Maine and BoatersWorld are high? Why would 1/8" sag? It will not really be holding anything, just an overlay for the dash. Also, what thickness should I use for the new shelf holding the VHF and CD Player?

What about plexiglass for the overlay, which should be cheaper?

Maybe I misunderstood but I thought you wanted to flush mount your electronics into the new overlay. A picture of your existing dash will give us a better idea of what you have and what you are trying to do.

Marine Liquidators in Perry is a good place to get starboard and any other thing you might need to replace on the dash.

Don't use plexiglass.

[saltycrab]

Here are some pictures to try and explain what I am talking about. I will try and take some actual pictures of mine today after work, but the first picture is almost identical to mine, I have a tach there, and a lot of toggle switches under the steering wheel. My steering wheel is a little lower. I am going to re-measure today to see if I can maybe fit the CD Player and VHF into the console to skip the shelf step.

Here is the plain console:



Here is one with a CS factory overlay, not the one I want, but shows what I would like to do. I just want it to accent the rest of the blue on my skif, and hide any small holes and imperfections that I wouldn't be using:


Does that make any sense?

[Reel Cowboy]

Gotcha now boss.
Like TC said if you can get a regular cutting board that is big enough for what you need that is probably the cheapest route but 1/8" Starboard will work but its a little more expensive (everything boat realted is).