instrument panel

[specktackler]

Hi guys, I'm new here and am still trying to figure this out. I purchased a 1996 Aquasport 175 Osprey last year. While the boat seems to be in great condition, I need to upgrade the instrument panel. I changed a couple of the old circuit breakers but really want to do away with them. Any ideas on what material I should use for the panel? I was thinking lexan but I'm not sure how it will hold up. Also, I've got a couple of soft spots in the floor. One forward of the console and one at the gas tank access. It doesn't seem like anything major. Was Aquasport using wood in the flooring in 96'?

[RickK]

You might find a new panel at a marine surplus place.  Marine connections on the east coast of FL might have them.

[CLM65]

I recently had a panel made for my project boat.  I believe it is made of acrylic.  And I think they still used wood in the floor in 1996, but I'm not 100% positive.

[flounderpounder225]

I have made a few panels from LEXAN, pretty straight forward and easy to work with.  You can either buy the black or white acrylic, whichever you prefer, or buy the clear, and after you have cut all your holes paint the BACK-SIDE the color you want with that Krylon plastic paint.  Use alcohol (not drinking) to cool the acrylic while cutting with the hole saw, you get less chipping around the hole edges.  And they sell drill bits for drilling acrylic, the bevel is different than steel cutting bits, and you can drill close to the perimeter of the panel without cracking it, alcohol use there also while drilling..  and yes, your deck is end-grain balsa wood.  mine has a few soft spots also.