Starboard gauge backing on the center console
 

Thinking about putting Starboard up on the center console to mount all the Gauges, GPS, etc to. Anyone know what thickness sheet I should get for the job.
I am taking down that ugly teak border and Plexiglas sliding doors.
Anyone have any pictures to post that did a similar job?
Not sure what color either, white or black.

Re: Starboard gauge backing on the center console
 

I am in the process of doing the same thing. I am using Dark lexan that is 3/8" thick. It is a piece that someone gave me so I don't know cost or supplier but it may give you an idea of how it will look. I shaped the piece then wet sanded and buffed the edges. I cut the guage holes this morning. I will try to get some pics in the next few days, here is an old one.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y84...r/Helmpod1.jpg

Re: Starboard gauge backing on the center console
 

That looks sweet, I was thinking of doing white, but black looks great. nice job.

Re: Starboard gauge backing on the center console
 

i used 3/8 on mine and found it to be too thin (starboard) I ended up going with 1/2" and it works well- no flex with heavier electronics. Here are a couple of pix. Ive since added a black vhf over on the left hand side and putting a black am/fm over there as well. good luck- be sure to save your old one as a template for both the beveled edge and also the screw holes work well too. craig

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...x/S4010095.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...ngarage001.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...leingarage.jpg

you will probably find like me that ended up using all new gages, rewired the whole thing (which led to rewiring the whole boat)so beware- before it all ends it is possible to start getting real expensive!!! :D

Re: Starboard gauge backing on the center console
 

I used 1/4" - no problem so far (1 year)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...O/102_0283.jpg

Re: Starboard gauge backing on the center console
 

Nice job guys. Not to hijack the thread but question on guage backing material. How are you guys sealing the starboard against the console so it does not leak? I was thinking of taping off the area where I wanted a gasket to be then putting on a thin layer of black 5200, pull the tape and let that dry. This way I could remove the panel at any time and not have to re caulk. I guess that would not work on starboard but the 52 should stick to my lexan. Any thoughts or options. Thanks in advance.

Re: Starboard gauge backing on the center console
 

I used 1/2" white. It is thick enough to allowed me to drill and screw the board to the console from the back. hidden screws made it look better to me. You can also 4200 it from the back and have no sealant showing.

Re: Starboard gauge backing on the center console
 

pictures from console rehab! experimenting with a site that I can look at from work. new console
http://www.myfishingpictures.com/img/095636.jpg
old console
http://www.myfishingpictures.com/img/095635.jpg