Console/switch panel ideas

[jaycal3]

Ok guys, so I am about to repower.  I am pretty sure a tach or two along with the binnacle will be replaced.  I am looking for some creative brainstorming on what I can do to make this dash worthy.  I have seen some pretty nice ones but the resources for Aquasports seem to be on the scarce side.  The block under the wheel is cracked and needs to be replaced.  I will also be making an access panel or door for the compartment under the console where the wiring and batteries are housed.  Oh, and for the record, I now have a cover for my Furuno radar unit.

[Capt Matt]

Starboard and plexiglass are your friend
Capt matt

[wessnapp]

"Seabob4," aka Yoda, is working on some new designs and going into business with another to make and pre-rig panels.  

I would definetly wait to see what his responses are.  I have seen some pics of new rocker switches and designs that are awesome.  

If I had only waited another 4 months, my design would be amazingly different and solely through Bob.

[seabob4]

Who is this Yoda guy???  

Jay,
If you have the room, I would swap the toggles over to engraved Carling Contura switches and Carling breakers.  The switches have their own indicator lights so you can do away with the old lights...



If you want me to wire it...



...we can talk.

[jaycal3]

Wow Bob, great work, you do... ok, sorry for the bad Yoda humor...

That panel looks great!  I would be very interested in a panel and the pre-wiring as well.  Would you just need the measurements of my existing space?  Let me know (you can pm me if you'd like, or just respond here since it may answer a bunch of forum members questions) and give me an idea of how much damage we are talking... Maybe I will even have the Marina that is rigging my motor install it obviously depending on cost.  I really have no idea what a panel like that would cost.  How difficult would it be for me to do?

[wingtime]

Did I spy a CJ-7 in the background?

[seabob4]

Alright Jay, you have a 10 switch panel.  For the switches and caps, you would be looking at around $160.  For the breakers, around $60.  For the terminals, around $60.  For the wire, around $60.  For the panel itself?  Probably $75-$100.  So, even before you, or I, touched it, your looking at around $400 for materials, then factor in the labor.  

The panel I made above (I cut it out, was a blank piece of starboard when I got it from the owner) was a grand total of $585.  But I use ONLY heat shrink adhesive lined terminals, whereas money could be saved, materials wise, by using uninsulated terminals and adhesive lined heat shrink, but the labor goes up.  And if you can buy wholesale, or know someone who can, you get savings there as well.  Only marine fully tinned wire, and I feed all the breakers with 10GA...

Either way, it costs some bucks...

[jaycal3]

Did I spy a CJ-7 in the background?

You have keen eyes, kind of 8)   I threw you a bit of a curve ball... its actually a 93 Wrangler YJ with a CJ hardtop and full steel doors.    Thats my other toy.  Truth be told, I am just getting into boats.  The Jeep thing has been a hobby for 6-8 years now.  I think I will be taking up motorcycles next for he who has the most toys when he dies, WINS!!! Here she is:


Bob, again your work is awesome.  And I have learned through my other projects that doing it right, with quality materials the first time is worth it.   I will certainly let you know more sooner than later... if you have any ideas for things that would complete my center console please let me know.  I would like to "clean" it all up the best I can prior to dropping her in for the season.  I want the King of the C's to truly look like a King :king: !

[Blue Agave]

LOL! Striking resemblence.

[RickK]

Needs a hat  

[seabob4]

LOL! Striking resemblence.

You're sorry, Fernando!  

[pete]

Sorry,Bob,my fault I started it...

[jdupree]

Who is this Yoda guy???  

Jay,
If you have the room, I would swap the toggles over to engraved Carling Contura switches and Carling breakers.  The switches have their own indicator lights so you can do away with the old lights...



If you want me to wire it...



...we can talk.

I am building a new switch panel for my CCP.  I went with the Carling switches that Seabob posted above.  I made my panel from starboard.  As you know, decals, stickers, etc will not stick to starboard.  I wanted a switch that was labled.  Great advice from Seabob on these switches

[wessnapp]

All this talk about console/switch panels has me all sorts of excited to get my panel done!!!

Last night I pulled out the gauge panel from my boat.  This was probably the last panel Scott Cambra/Vector LED did prior to disappearing on some drug bender.  I replaced the panel with a very cheap quick temporary panel I made.  If anyone sees it on the 24th - please don't laugh at me.



I know those rocker switches look awesome, but I am glad I am going with the standard toggle switches with the rubber boot.  Last night it dawned on me that my boat has never been re-wired and 12 years later all switches and breakers are still working!!    Why would I replace something that has stood the test of time and elements with a product I know nothing about?  Also, if a light in the rocker goes out - it would drive me CRAZY.

[gran398]

LOL! Striking resemblence.

You're sorry, Fernando!  

Look even more like him with a hat like Rick says AND a little hair on his shoulders