Console/Dashboard faceplate replacement

[Andys Delight]

After replacing all the wiring I have been contemplating replacing the dash faceplate or even the entire console piece.  I think with marinetex I can repair the console, but the dash faceplate is pretty beat up and all the corners where it attaches via screws are broken off.  I'd like to maybe replace the entire plate and cut new holes for all my tachs and radio.  Any ideas where I can find one?  It's a 1988 Welcraft 230 Coastal. 

[NJ Guy]

http://www.fishing-catalog.com/docks/cm/Consoles.html

[IKAT]

Just FYI
Any Pics
If your just replacing the cover plate--Aaron (offshore Madness) has a nice piece of Starbord for sale


http://njsaltwaterfisherman.com/forums/index.php?topic=25468.0

[Andys Delight]

I think I can get away with just the dash piece.  I don't have a pic, but the dash is contoured and "stepped" for lack of a better description.  The switches are on top in a horizontal row, it then "steps" inward and the tachs and radios are angled and bumped out a little bit to face upwards towards the captain.  It does mount completely flat to the console so a single flat piece of starboard would work well, it just wouldn't have that angled up level for the tachs and radio, which honestly I don't think it's necessary.  I thought of Aaron's piece but it's a half inch, way to thick for what I need.  Might just go with a 1/4 inch flat black matte piece and customize it.

[Still Running]

This help?

[Duffman]

Did this a few years back on my ride.  There are a ton of options to go with.

I used 1/4" starboard.  Used a router to bevel the edges. Hole saws and drill bits make the cuts for guages and switches.  Very easy material to work with and very forgiving with slight mistakes.

Another option was teak. I didnt go that route, but have seen them and they look real nice. Just be sure to seal with varnish as you dont want to be oiling that every year.

One option I'm kicking myself for not going with was using engraving stock. They come in different thickness and every imaginable color.  A little more difficult to wotk with than starboard. Best thing about it, is once your done, bring it to an engraver.  You can have each switch function engraved along with any thing else you can imagine....boat name, brand, your name etc.

[Andys Delight]

This help?

Thanks Rick, awesome!  That's exactly it.  As you can see it's got a little bump out on the top for the switches and the gauges are bumped out and angled.  With that said it's actually flush mounted flat from the back, so a flat piece would work just fine.  Only reason I'm looking to replace it is because I butchered the existing one pretty badly when I replaced the existing stereo with a Fusion Marine stereo with an Ipod dock. 

All in all I'm looking to squeeze about 7 more good years out of the boat and I really have been taking advantage of this weather to do some solid upgrading.  I know I've said it a bunch Rick but this boat has been absolutely perfect for me.  I've been learning a ton and it has been great for my family.  The new wiring is all in place now so I really want to do a top job buttoning it all up for the season.   

[BigAl13]

It's a 1988 Welcraft 230 Coastal. The boat im looking at is a 1988 wellcraft 250 coastal.