Replacing instrument panel with ???

[ocuyler]

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.

[Abe's Rocket]

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

Looking forward to seeing the finished project.

[Abe's Rocket]

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

Looking forward to seeing the finished project.

[gw204]

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.



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]

[TUGBOAT]

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'
[img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

[FELLOW-SHIP]

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]

[jw]

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

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