Custom Dash for New Electronics?

[ThirdHatt]

I have a small custom housing/dash extension between the factory helm guages. It sits in the space between the factory helm and the windshield. It has a teak faceboard that matches the factory teak well and it is wrapped in a vinyl that is quite similar to the factory dash vinyl. It blends well and almost looks factory if you don't look too close and I like that. I am about to upgrade the electronics on Sweet Melissa and I will now need room for two large (10.4") screens and radio's, etc. I basically need a box/cabinet like this one but taller to accept the larger screens. I'd imagine I will have to locate a carpenter to build this locally, but I thought I'd ask here if anyone has any other suggestions?

 

[SeaEric]

With even some basic carpentry skill, you may be surprised at what you can do yourself. On my previous 42 Post, I built an electronics enclosure that hinged up from the top of a cabinet to the right of the helm. It had a teak top and the sides were made of starboard. The faceplate I had professionally produced with the exact cutouts of the electronics I was installing. The nice thing was, when not in use the equipment folded out of sight, securely hidden. I later added a linear actuator to open and close it with the push of a button. I don't know if something like this would work for your application. If I can find some pics I will post them.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Eric,
I like that setup. If I wanted to do that on my flybridge, I could even make that top piece to overlap when closed to help keep water out. Maybe even add a weather seal and a latch to hold it tight. Thanks for the picture. It's amazing how much those help.

 

[SeaEric]

That one did overlap, although did not have a seal. The cool thing is, with the electirc lift, when the power was shut off from below the box would not open. This made it (sortof) secure from theft. It was surprisingly easy for a do it yourselfer to engineer and fabricate.

 

[Starman]

Building these sort of "custom pieces" is where the fun really comes in. We are planning a similar set up on Boss Lady for the fly bridge.

On the lower helm I built this electronics box. It will be painted white and secured with cleat/caulking/screws.........Made for removal !

The back side of this 3 sided fiberglassed plywood box will also have 3 openings that will be coverd with white or black plexi for acsess to the electronics.

Hopefully this will give you some more ideas/options for you to study on.

 

[ThirdHatt]

Good stuff guys! Eric, I guess I could give it a try. Although I am quite comfortable working with mechanicals and marine systems, I am not a carpenter and I do not even own a circular saw!

Paul, in the bottom picture the box you made for Boss Lady is basically what I am talking about. That exact location on my boat, but without the side/angle pieces. Just the box directly in front of the factory instrument panel. That is going to be BEAUTIFUL Paul! GOOD WORK!!! Hey, you feel like coming to New Orleans for Mardi Gras and maybe bringing a couple woorworking tools with ya? I'm sure Chris would KILL me!

 

[Starman]

TH,

Very doable.......

lets see, about 3 weeks of sightseeing, visiting, a few party's ect...... and a day or two of woodworking.

I can build and ship also !

How about teak with nice 1" radius on the solid corners ?

Would need the face outside measurements of the electronics as well as the actual cut out size.

Do this, get some cardboard and tape up a box. It will give you a real good idea as to the height, width and depth that will work for you and the electronics.