New console build

[stevebrownell]

Subject: New Console Buildup

Scrapped the tired stock console this past spring on the 20SF I/O, decided to start a full restoration, but this was the first project I had time to finish. Basic stuff: plywood, cloth, epoxy. Pics attached are the highlights from construction, and show it in primer. Going to spray w. Interlux this fall. I have the same boat as want2fish, but I'm seriously lagging his progress.

Going to be hydroblasting the hull soon, will post before and after pics once that is complete.

I think some of these shots are too big - should I resize based on the max. size, or just stick w. the 640x480 pixel standard? Sorry if this looks like crap....

First panel:


Skipping ahead a bit - rough carcass assembled. Control panel is 2 layers of plywood, wanted something sturdy. Everything was cabosiled together, 2-4 layers of 9 oz cloth tape to reinforce corners, 4 oz cloth inside and out:


Side view - my dimensions were based on what I think will work best for the limited space on each side - this piece is about 28" wide, vs. around 36 for the original. Console is roughly 4' tall, vs. the orig. which was way too low. I'll wrap a short windscreen around the top when done. This will also bring the controls up some; instruments closer to eye-view too:


Front - some fairing needed:


In primer, testing wheel fit, short grab rails. Steering is backed up with 2 inches of laminated marine ply. One of the weak spots on the teleflex install on the last console was in that area:


With controls installed, test fit sounder and mini-switch panel:


Another shot, testing layout of gauges -went with another cluster layout in the end: