AIS Backing Plate

[Obsidian]

Like most people I have time on my hands, so the boat rewire looks like a nice project to keep me sane.

First priority is to fit an AIS Transceiver, mainly because the boat's radar return is so poor.

I dont want to drill through the console, there are already enough blemishes from previous bits and bobs. So I have 3D printed a backing plate, specced exactly to match the drill holes in the AIS, my idea being to epoxy that inside the console and then clip/screw the AIS to that.

Has anyone attempted similar, will it hold up to bouncing about?

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Obsidian

Like most people I have time on my hands, so the boat rewire looks like a nice project to keep me sane.



First priority is to fit an AIS Transceiver, mainly because the boat's radar return is so poor.



I dont want to drill through the console, there are already enough blemishes from previous bits and bobs. So I have 3D printed a backing plate, specced exactly to match the drill holes in the AIS, my idea being to epoxy that inside the console and then clip/screw the AIS to that.



Has anyone attempted similar, will it hold up to bouncing about?

Should be fine. All my gubbins inside the console are mounted on 2 backing plates. They carry the lot, AIS, fire extinguisher, fuel filter, autopilot pump & controller etc. The backing plates are fixed to spacer battens that stand off the inside face of the console. I can fix whatever I want without drilling through the console face.

[Obsidian]

Thanks PD

[Obsidian]

Pic of the plate and AIS, four 4mm raised parts on the corners line up with the mounting holes - on the table it makes for a solid fit.

[GuyC]

Have you tapped the 3D part to attach the AIS?

I like the idea of printing stuff in 3D but I can't quite justify buying one yet.

The bit of the picture that departs from my mental image is that I anticipated the backing plate to be offset from the console and then you could bolt through the backing plate without affecting the console.

My backing plate in the console is as big as I could make it as it allows for 'expansion' but I guess that would defeat the object of the 3D printing.

[Nasher]

I did exactly what you are suggesting for my Raymarine Fishfinder module about 10yrs ago.

Although I did it with a plywood pad which I glued in place with thickened West System Epoxy then flowcoated it.

I'll see if I can find an image.

It's been fine, I wouldn't want to try and remove it.

Nasher

[Nasher]

Top Right here:

As you can see, my console has been modified several times.

Nasher.

[Obsidian]

Originally Posted by GuyC

Have you tapped the 3D part to attach the AIS

Yep, there is a threaded insert to accept the M4 machine screw on each side, these fit the slotted holes in the AIS so the screws can be in place first, then the AIS dropped in and everything tightened up.

Really Like Nasher's set up, kind of wish I had done down that route now!

[Obsidian]

Pic of the threaded insert, they are really strongly held in place. To get one out I have to cut the material around it and lever it out.

[GuyC]

The backing plate works quite well as it allows you to fit it out before putting it into the boat. I've spaced mine away from the console side so I can bolt through it.

[GuyC]

Originally Posted by Obsidian

Pic of the threaded insert, they are really strongly held in place. To get one out I have to cut the material around it and lever it out.

I like that although I tend to be a bit more agricultural.