starboard to flush mount electronics

Hooper · #1 11-15-2003, 08:02 PM

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]

Miles Offshore · #2 11-15-2003, 08:45 PM

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.

TUGBOAT · #3 11-16-2003, 09:21 AM

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]

Hooper · #4 11-16-2003, 10:08 AM

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

RS · #5 11-16-2003, 12:52 PM

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.

Miles Offshore · #6 11-16-2003, 05:20 PM

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.