console "repair"

olisquire · 01 March 2011, 17:58

I wish to replace the fishfinder and GPS in the rib, from separate fishfinder and GPS to a 2-in-1 job. The annoying thing with this is that I would have a cut out fro the console where the other unit would have been. Is it possible to fill the hole in somehow?
Perhaps fibre glassing from behind and gel coating on the top?
Thanks.

Mollers · 01 March 2011, 18:03

I'd go for a well made/fitted stainless cover plate. Other instruments or switches could be fitted in the plate.
A GRP job would always be visible and could look a mess.

Channel Ribs · 01 March 2011, 18:22

A repair to fill the hole is possible, but as Mollers says it might be a lot easier and effective just to make a plate. It depends if you want a super-smart remodel or a working re-jig.

biffer · 01 March 2011, 18:48

this is a matt carbon dash we did in a marlin

walruz · 01 March 2011, 18:55

Sweet Biffer. I wish I could afford to commision such good work.

Ian

Nasher · 01 March 2011, 19:44

I had exactly the same issue when I replaced the systems in my console.

The main face was full of odd holes that didn't fit any of the new gear, so my answer, like Biffs, was to cover over all the existing holes with a piece of new material, and in effect start with a clean sheet.

I've actually done this twice over the last few years as I was never really happy with the cut edge on my first attempt.

I found an off-cut of Black Plastic at a sign makers that has a nice leather style embossed finish, cut it to size, screwed it down onto some sealant and cut the new holes through the new 'dashboard insert' and the original face of the console.

It's obviously not pretty from behind, but looks good from the front.

Best of all it cost me just a couple of quid for the off-cut that I've now got two inserts from.

The stainless Box section along the top edge has been added more recently, firstly to hold the front edge down more securely so the rain doesn't go down the back, and secondly as I have another project in mind that will use it as a mount.

Nasher.

Burtox · 01 March 2011, 23:47

I had the same problem with my Ribcraft 585 as it was littered with holes. I made a top and bottom panel to form a sandwich which I sikaflex'd in place. I also made a adaptor plate for the the radio and the compass. I do have the advantage of a sheetmetal laser at hand. The couple of photo's are midway through the refit. If I can help let me know.

Ps Salcombe is one of the best boating locations in the uk.

Dr Doof · 01 March 2011, 23:53

That looks very smart. Impressive.

Simon B · 02 March 2011, 12:18

I'd go the stainless route, draw it out and take it to a stainless fabricator and get it laser cut. If you really want to be anal you could even have it laser marked at a sign place that does this, you could then mark all the switch legends etc direct into the metal.

Might avoid the mirror polish look and go for light sandblast say wi prune pips or something.

Burtox · 02 March 2011, 13:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simon B

I'd go the stainless route, draw it out and take it to a stainless fabricator and get it laser cut. If you really want to be anal you could even have it laser marked at a sign place that does this, you could then mark all the switch legends etc direct into the metal.

Might avoid the mirror polish look and go for light sandblast say wi prune pips or something.

Polished stainless means you can check you hair whilst underway. All I need now is hair

Jizm · 02 March 2011, 13:41

Had the same issue on my refurb, fitted a stainless plate for the extra gauges and switches etc over a large hole.

jyasaki · 02 March 2011, 16:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burtox

Polished stainless means you can check you hair whilst underway. All I need now is hair

biffer · 02 March 2011, 17:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burtox

Polished stainless means you can check you hair whilst underway. All I need now is hair

also means when the sun's out you can't see where you're going

martini · 02 March 2011, 19:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by biffer

also means when the sun's out you can't see where you're going

Powder coated aluminium might be a better option, save you a fortune in jigsaw blades too if you're diy'ing it

Razorbill RIBs · 02 March 2011, 19:32

We also used (brushed) stainless steel for the new top mount control and steering boss when we repowered, but also used some white plastic (not perspex....this stuff was weather resistant etc) for covering the old holes (stereo and different vHF) where we remounted a new vHF....Sikaflex and allen key domes stainless bolts to fix....Found a guy online who cut /drilled the perspex to order (to accept the vHF) and posted through all for less than £10!!.....MUCH cheaper /easier than buying a large sheet

olisquire · 03 March 2011, 18:54

Thanks for the advice.
The plate sounds like a good option to keep the console looking neat. Also does anyone have any experience with the garmin 551s? or have any other similar plotters that they could recommend?