replacing dash

[Destroyer]

Originally Posted by Stinky_Hooker

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.

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.

[Stinky_Hooker]

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.

[phatdaddy]

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.

[awthacker]

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.

[phatdaddy]

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..

[awthacker]

Had to go out and get some updated pictures.

[RWilson2526]

Wow looks like awesome progress!

[SkunkBoat]

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....

[Bruce]

^ Yeah thats the way to do it, except i'm partial to the white.