I just did mine over this summer. I used 1/4 white starboard for my dash. And I put my switch pannel to the right side also.
I also like the rams, but because of money at the time I decided to do it this way. It wored out pretty nice!! I am happy with it.
My VHF is mounted on the inside right in the cuddy, and the mike reaches fine and UI have a remote speaker. This keeps it high and dry! But for some reason I have to buy a new radio every 3 years?
Being a old CB person I think it has tio do with the tuneing of the attenna, that burns them out??