replacing dash

awthacker

awthacker

Junior Member
I made this template with a piece of 1/4" plexi glass. I was going to paint the backside black. Well, my jig saw blade melted the plastic as it cut and it was a pain in the ***. Finally, my blade got melted stuck and I broke the plexi trying to free up the blade. So it became a template instead of the final product.

Now, after fitting it to the boat, the depthsounder is too deep and bumps into the helm where the red circle is. So I can just cut that out a little, but before I do would like your opinions on the layout.

What layout would you guys do... What type gauges and what locations (I was thinking two 4" gauges top/bottom)? What material (the plexi doesn't seem very durable)?
 

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plex will work, I use a Bosch varible speed jig saw with a fine tooth blade, i cut it slow and avoid melting the plastic. You may be able to find a better grade of plexi to work with, try asking at a sign shop
 
i would put the steering wheel back on before you make any final decision. are the 2 gauges a tach and speedo? with gps i don't think a speedo is necessary, i'd rather have a temp and water pressure.
 
I agree with Phatdaddy.. put your wheel on first, so you get a better idea of how it will all go together. Then, just like Spareparts said, turn your saw down real slow and use a fine tooth blade. (24t should work fine). Lastly, when you are making square cutouts like that, use a 1/4" drill bit and drill 4 holes, one in each corner of the square before you cut the straight lines. The rounded edge of the hole will help keep the plexiglass from cracking at the corner. Also, if you can find it, I'd go with Lexan rather than Plexiglass... it's much, much stronger. (Also more expensive, but you get what you pay for) :head:
 
Starboard all the way. You can get it in black if you want but I like mine in white. Check my gallery.



EDIT:

Scratch that...I just realized you cant see the dash and alot of those pics are old. I got some somewhere.
 
Stinky_Hooker said:
Starboard all the way. You can get it in black if you want but I like mine in white. Check my gallery.



EDIT:

Scratch that...I just realized you cant see the dash and alot of those pics are old. I got some somewhere.
Click to expand...

I completely agree with you Stinky, Starboard is the way to go. If I was doing my dash that's what I'd use. But it sounded like he wanted to use Plexi, so that's the way that I tailored my answer to him.

There are also a few other ways of going. I've seen teak wood dashes that look awesome, and also ones made out of white nylon 3/8" sheet.... but for good looks and ease of work starboard would be my choice.
 
Gotcha...

One thing for sure is starboard is easy to clean and durable. Doesnt scratch like plexi. Even if the boat gets mildewed or dirty a little bleach and a spray hose and starboard is new again. :beer:
 
DSCF0518.jpg


this is one vic(a fellow member) made for me out of ipe and i finished with cetol. it has been on for about 5 or 6 years and has held up great.
 
That's nearly the same boat, Phatdaddy. I was thinking maybe teak. I like the ipe you used (what's ipe?). Either teak or black starboard, I think.

For gauges, I'm thinking tach w/ hourmeter and a fuel/temp/voltage combo. If I can't find a combo to match the tach I choose, then I'll just go with fuel and I think I would ditch the volt & temp. I favor a simple, clean look. I figure the engine alarm will tell me if it's hot and the electronics will offer voltage.
 
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if i had to give gauges priority, i'd have temp & water pressure before fuel & hourmeter. i have never had a fuel guage that was very accurate, i use the gps trip log. i avg 2 mpg and when i get between 80 & 100 miles on the gps i know i'll need about 45 gallons & have 15 left in the tank. i actually get 2.4 to 2.9, but 2 mpg gives me nice fudge factor. on the pressure guage, with a new pump @4500 rpm i run 10 - 12 psi. when it drops below 5-7, i put a new one in. to me a temp warning buzzer is like a light , your not aware of a problem until you have a problem. i know new engines give you a lot more info, but mines a no computer, carb, gas loving beast..
 
Had to go out and get some updated pictures.
 

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Starboard is the only way to go.

Might i suggest sealing the cut out too once you cut it, with some resin, not like its going to get waterlogged or anything, but i like every opening in my boat sealed from the elements to prevent anything from happening down the road. i plan to pass mine down to my son as my father has done to me.
 
More pics taken in daylight today.
 

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I used a piece of scrap plywood sanded and stained. I put on about 8 or 9 coats of varnish and it looks great. Plus, if you screw up you're not out much, just time really. I would take your saw and trim out the extra pieces of fiberglass to make your hole in the dash square, making it easier to fit the gauges. In my opinion a speedo and fuel gauge are the two most worthless gauges on a boat.. I would have a tach, voltmeter, and water pressure for sure, maybe a water temp, and a floscan, maybe an hour meter.
 
I used 1/2 inch black starboard. Used circular saw & jig jaw to cut. Used a router to round over the edges. Was easy...The screws are capped with black covers ...got those at West Marine. Thats a Blue Seas switch panel and the Suzuki all in one gauge (Tach & idiot lights). Have lots of room for an indash FF/GPS...someday....
 

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