Need some advice on customizing the helm and teak

[BAHILA / PCramer6]

Im looking to customize my helm a bit.  The original Wellcraft guage panel is old, cracking etc..  Any suggestions to where i can start looking online?

Also i have teak trimwork in various locations throughout the boat.  Is there an alternative to teak?  Custom fiberglass or similar material?


thanks

[IrishAyes]

Long time no see Bahila. Welcome back.

I believe Starboard would probably be the way to go for the dash panel. West marine carries it but you should be able to do better online.

[Luna Sea 5]

 

[Hunter 2]

Diamond plate or stainless steel might look cool, Starboard is easier to work with. No pitting to worry about too.

[wb]

starboard or pvc as an alternative to teak but expensive if you have large sizes or long runs

if using pvc ensure it is uv resistant; the ones sold for base molding in the homey dees ususally do not

[BAHILA / PCramer6]

Starboard.... never heard of it.  I found some Poly material from Flounderpoundermarine.com which they say is UV resistant.  I was figuring on cutting it up to match my existing teak on the table saw.   They also have some metal plating with a carbon fiber look to it.  I thought that would be cool with blue lit rocker switches and some new Livorsi Marine LED guages.  I wanted to check in with the forum to see if anyone has had any luck with any other material.

YES, Nice to see you guys again (Luna & Irish Eyes)!!!

[Bucktail]

I believe Starboard would probably be the way to go for the dash panel. West marine carries it but you should be able to do better online.

Starboard is the real deal!   It's very tough, lasts forever and requires zero maintenance.

[IrishAyes]

This is what starboard is. 

http://www.kingstarboard.com/Products/starboard.aspx

[barrell]

I used 1/4 inch black lexan on my old boat. Looks great and is very durable. You can buy it at any glass shop.

[wb]

good call on the lexan- very tough stuff and readily available, but some types scratch easily

[Duffman]

Like guys have said, starboard is the way to go. Lasts forever, easy to work with, and available in many colors.
  Best place online I found is at:
http://www.buckwoodcraft.com/king_starboard.htm
  Good prices and shipping is real quick. They'll cut to whatever size you need.

I did my dash a few years ago and its holding up well, seeing many hours of direct sunlight every year.  Not the best of jobs, but works fine.  If I could do it again, I would use a router bit to put a nice edge on the trim.
   Your possibilities are endless as far as guage/ electronics placement.
Good luck with the project.

[Stray Cat]

Like guys have said, starboard is the way to go. Lasts forever, easy to work with, and available in many colors.
  Best place online I found is at:
http://www.buckwoodcraft.com/king_starboard.htm
  Good prices and shipping is real quick. They'll cut to whatever size you need.

I did my dash a few years ago and its holding up well, seeing many hours of direct sunlight every year.  Not the best of jobs, but works fine.  If I could do it again, I would use a router bit to put a nice edge on the trim.
   Your possibilities are endless as far as guage/ electronics placement.
Good luck with the project.

Nice job Duffman.