starboard to flush mount electronics
 

Hi Guys (Brrr!)

I am looking at flush mounting my electronics this winter and think that a piece of Starboard might do the trick nicely. Here is what I am wondering...

Where do I find the best prices around? I have heard the internet has a few good site, but I have yet to find them.

Is this a really tough project to undertake? It seems like a matter of carefully measure and cut with a modest degree of finish work? Am I cracked or what? I know some of you guys have done some great work in this area and would be curious to hear what you think.

Is 1/4" a good size or 1/2"???

Many Thanks, Hooper [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Re: starboard to flush mount electronics
 

Hey Hoop , just go to a plastics shop give them the measurements and and tell them which side to bevel. When I bought mine they were happy to do it and no extra charge.Took about 10 minutes.I actually took them my old console panel and he just copied it. I also got thinner starboard that I should have. I believe I got 3/8" but I would get 1/2" if I did it again. I think mine ended up costing 16 bucks.

Re: starboard to flush mount electronics
 

Hooper
I was originally going to use Starboard ended up with Fiberglass(made a recesed panel). 1/4 is way to thin. I ,bought a sheet of 3/8 & it was border line.Go 1/2 the first time .This stuff works easier than wood.You WILL have a MESS of lil black plastic around.My only concern with using starboard was how to seal all the joints , electronics , gauges etc. , without leaking water in.?? I was told pvc glue would bond it ? Someone here will have an answer on this I'm sure. I used all black gauges , electronics.I really like that blacked out look. I opted for what I have.
Scream'n Reels' [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

Re: starboard to flush mount electronics
 

Miles-

So you went to a a shop who sells starboard and asked them to cut you a piece to size, is that right? That's interesting... Then all you had to do was decide where to cut in your electronics right?

Capt. Brad-

Have you sealed the openings yet? I wonder how the PVC glue would be and it you may not want that making a seal with your expensive electronics... or am I missing what you wrote?

I do agree tho, it will make the console look much better and give it a real finished look.

-Hooper

Re: starboard to flush mount electronics
 

At about half the price of starboard is another UV resistand HDPE plastic called Seaboard. I've bought it at J Freeman in Dorchester, MA. They were easy to deal with and the stuff seems the same as starboard that I've worked with. They will cut to size. http://www.jfreeman.com/cpg_seaboard.html

Most glues and caulks won't stick to these products. If you need to prevent water from leaking in you might want to use plumber's putty to form a non-permanent gasket.

Re: starboard to flush mount electronics
 

Heck I dont think 5200 will stick to it. There are several "plastics" shops in this area and they are happy to cut and bevel anything you want. The stuff is very slick. I didnt seal mine with anything,actually I even thought about,the original one wasnt sealed either. Getting the original screw holes lined up with the new plastic was the hard part.

Re: starboard to flush mount electronics
 

Hooper
I did not go with starboard because of the sealing problem,Down here We can get 5"s of Rain in about 5 min.s did'nt want to run / leave the plexi installed,also i do not cover the boat after washing I let Her Dry out then cover.Sometimes(In the Summer) It will Gulley wash & thats all I need is water inside the console (AGAIN).Built a New instrument panel(mold) of the original wood.Lil deeper.Used a flat primer(self sealing)(NO GLARE).SEALED !Drain tubes in the bottom edge.
http://www.theboatzone.com/albums/Ca..._005.sized.jpg
Scream'n Reels' [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

Re: starboard to flush mount electronics
 

Brad.....NICE WORK ..... Do you have a panel covering everything when not in use ....similar to Regulators console??

Is it that cover/panel you are talking about here...

"did'nt want to run / leave the plexi installed"

You did this work didn't you ....very professional looking ..well done

Gluing starboard ...think you need to use "their" stuff...and from what I've heard is very expensive ...but it is the only thing that will bond it together properly.... I think its a solvent that fuses or "melts" it together....Would be interesting to see if PVC cement worked or an acrylic cement....that fuse thing together

[ November 17, 2003, 11:26 AM: Message edited by: Scott ]

Re: starboard to flush mount electronics
 

I have 2 sets of plexi sliders gray & clear , I like the open look .The problem I have with the sliders is that the radio is split,I'm gonna make a 1 piece plexi cover that will cover the instr. panel & will keep the water out.The thickness of the panel made it tough I had to make every bracket on the back,so the instr. could be removed later. Thanks this was & is the best ("Can't wait") part of the restore !I think this (Consoles) are what most people look at.I notice Myself when admiring anothers boat I look at this,Look at Capt. steele's ! I gotta look at the console the most , Of course 1 Eye is all-ways on the Admiral !!
Thanks
I'm gonna try that pvc glue tonite,Gotta lot of scrap left.

Re: starboard to flush mount electronics
 

Hooper,

When I redid my instrument panel earlier this year, I used black Rowmark engraving stock. It's not as thick or as strong as starboard but you could probably epoxy some encapsulated ply to the back of it to get the strength. I didn't back mine since the installation of all the gauges firmed it up pretty well.

This way, if you wanted any functions for switches or the boat's name or even the SeaCraft logo engraved on the panel, it would not be a problem.

http://w3.mivlmd.cablespeed.com/~bri...mentpanel6.jpg

Good luck.

Re: starboard to flush mount electronics
 

I really like the engraving stock option. I am planning to re-instrument my Sceptre this winter and have found a few manufactureres of the engraving stock. I have not yet found one that has a similar woodgrain to what they used at the factory that can tollerate the UV and moisture. The plan is to replace the glove box as well and engrave the "Sceptre" text back in as well as the switch and fuse panel text. Anyone gone down this road?

Re: starboard to flush mount electronics
 

Hey Gang

There is some new material on the market which is "Expanded Foam PVC" I used this stuff vs starboard for the gauges & back board. It can be cut, sanded, routed, shaped, painted, sealed and it's waterproof and stiff. It is a grey color in it's raw state and is available in different thickness 1/8" thru 1".Check with your local sign manufactures.
If not, there is an outfit here in Stuart,Fl called "Fantastic Plastics" (772)223-8005 who carries it. I think Mark Lewis is having some replacement parts manfactured for his boat at this place.

Just some alternative options for you [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

Re: starboard to flush mount electronics
 

Mark,

The stuff I got comes in two grades, indoor and outdoor. I asked if the outdoor would stand up to the harsh marine environemnt and the guy told me yes, so that's what I got. It was almost twice as expensive as the indoor stuff.

After almost year, it still looks new. But the console stays covered when I'm not using the boat. Only time will tell but so far, it's holding up well.