Replacing instrument panel with ???
 

The console is painted and buffed. I have all of the new instrumentation on hand. I'm reconfiguring the instument panel and originally was convinced to go with Starboard or equal. That would be too easy.

I've replaced all of the original teak with modern materials, but am now thinking that having some teak would be nice. So, I'm considering using teak on the instrument panel - just one piece with a routed perimeter and counter-sunk (sinked) s/s screws. The console will have a cover and will not see much UV after the T-top is installed. Plus it's a trailer boat, stored inside.

Please comment on the use of teak as a practical material as well as a centerpiece to attract the eye to the instrument astheticaly. I guess I feel the need to keep some element of the heritage of boating and the "classic" aspect of the boat.

Re: Replacing instrument panel with ???
 

Practical? maybe not, but that would be a stand out addition to your console. Gets me thinking...

Looking forward to seeing the finished project.

Re: Replacing instrument panel with ???
 

Practical? maybe not, but that would be a stand out addition to your console. Gets me thinking...

Looking forward to seeing the finished project.

Re: Replacing instrument panel with ???
 

I'll agree that it's probably not practical. No matter how much you keep it covered up, at some point you'll eventually have to refinish the teak. Doing that will require the removal of all of your gauges, switches, etc...

Don't know if you've already seen the picture or not, but I used black Rowmark outdoor engraving stock and went for a modern look. I had all the switch functions engraved directly into the panel.

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

If you are dead set on the wood-look, there are more maintenance free alternatives. Don posted one not too long ago, but I can't remember what it was.

Good luck and take plenty of pictures for us! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Re: Replacing instrument panel with ???
 

Had Teak Love Teak NO MO' !!!! Upkeep got into My Beer/Fish'n Time.As brian sez' Ya gotta remove everything once Ya start the upkeep process ! Mine was even polyuretened (Thick bar/clock top coating . What a mistake that was ! I glassed the flat primered.It looks good & worked the 2 Times I've been able to go Out ! [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img]
Scream'n Reels'
http://www.frenzie.com/SeacraftFin._005_small.jpg [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

Re: Replacing instrument panel with ???
 

Ha Otto
The part of your brain that got you into your 4 boat theory is working on your logic again. Dump the teak and two of your boats. Then use the other two boats with no teak twice as long.
FellowShip [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

Re: Replacing instrument panel with ???
 

Otto

I Will agree that a bit of teak looks great on a boat. I too have been through the "upkeep" and "maintenance" issues with teak [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

Until I found the right stuff, it now is not a hassle. I did mine in 1986 (that's right over 15 years ago!) and only have slight repairs every couple of years or so to keep it looking good. I used the Signature Honey Teak as seen on "Ship Shape TV"
Email me if you want to discuss the proceedure. I am probably the only one on the site that likes teak and I know you saw it before but take another LooK [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

http://www.theboatzone.com/gallery/CSteele/res8250

Re: Replacing instrument panel with ???
 

I had the privilege of riding on Capt. Chucks boat last week and must say that it looks as though he redid his teak a week ago inspite of it being many years old. If you want to go with wood, I would suggest looking into that Signature stuff that he uses, it seems to really hold up well [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Re: Replacing instrument panel with ???
 

I would suggest the Honey Teak also.
Fabula Inc
772-287-6077

http://www.signaturefinish.com/index...pic=Honey+Teak

Re: Replacing instrument panel with ???
 

I Like to keep my 1970 20 cc as orig. as pos. All my in deck compartments and org. helm box seat tops are teak and all are varnished thats alot of teak, I glassed the undersides of all and used ALOT of gloss varnish on the tops if done with a good uv varnish you can get 3 seasons before you have to take it down and start over. My boat is kept in the water at a well known marina where it is seen by many...lots of complements and its worth it to me... In fact it was another boat owner who stopped by my slip and said he was very sorry thathe sold his old seacraft years ago AND he also told me about this web site...itis worth keeping some of the tradition.......Joe R

Re: Replacing instrument panel with ???
 

Otto,
Anyone can have a teak dash! I went with ribbon stripe mahoangy. As far as up keep, i finished with with three coats of MAS epoxy, them 6 coats of AWLspar varish. Came out real nice. The plasctic wood is good on some places, however the real thing is nice in others.
I will snap some pics today and try to post them or dend them to you to post.

Still filling holes,
jW

Re: Replacing instrument panel with ???
 

I have always had teak on my boats and always will. Personal preference, I just feel teak adds a little more 'class' in classic. Upkeep is definitely more of an issue. However, there is nothing that looks as nice as the warmth of wood on a boat, especially teak.

Personally, I feel if you are going to cover teak with varnish or similar - don't use teak wood at all. Use mahagoney or something less $. It defeats the purpose of teak. And, to varnish correctly is an art - maintenance on it can be a PITA too.

I was told by an old salt to keep teak clean, and healthy, just sand it down w/ a fine grit - to reduce the surface area ( the peaks and valley's ). Use no oil ( I feel that's the biggest waste ). Then, every 2 months or so, on a sunny day, and with a beer and good tunes playing, scrub it with a light brush ACROSS the grain ! with salt water and a little clorox. Rinse w/ salt water and let dry in the sun. It gives the teak a whole new life and after a few years, it seems that the wood weathers just right. Never use a power washer or brush with the grain no matter how easy it makes it. It totally ruins the wood.

As for the teak around the gauges - a little more work, but use an old, firm toothbrush for the tight spots...

Anyway, that's my .02. I have refinished all the teak on my Tsunmai - instead of opting for the easier, less maintenance way of starboard or another way. I know it will look great and I also don't mind giving it a little love down the road either...

Re: Replacing instrument panel with ???
 

http://mysite.verizon.net/vze26833/s...res/dashsc.jpg

The mahogany dash I was telling you about and important Seacraft rebuilding tools.

JW [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Re: Replacing instrument panel with ???
 

JW When you talk obout ribbon stripe, are you talking about teak and Holly?

http://www.worldpanel.com/thply.gif