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.
Good luck.