Console Rework

[saltycrab]

The previous owner wasn't very good at wiring on my skiff, or making a shelf in the center for that matter. I am taking the boat out this weekend, then after that she will be down to get re-wired, stuff moved around, etc.

(1) The shelf in the center console is just a single plywood shelf holding the VHF and CD Player, bolted down. The shelf has seen better days. I would like to redo the shelf with starboard, and enclose the CD Player and VHF. My question on this is, how do I go about flush mounting the VHF? The CD Player of course is common sense, the VHF may be too, I just might not have any. The unit is older, if I buy a new one, will it come with a mounting sleeve? Or can I buy a mounting sleeve for my current one? Also, I would like to counter sink and screw the enclosure togethor with SS screws, but is there anywhere I can purchase plugs/caps to go in the holes? The white and SS wouldn't look too professional in my opinion.

(2) I plan on buying a thin aluminum sheet and cutting it to fit the shape of the "dash" of the console. To cover up unused holes, and to hide little imperfections. I plan on painting it with the zinc chromate primer and painting it blue to accent the rest of the boat. Will this be ok, or should I use a different material for this? Also, what do I use to cut aluminum? I assume a regular table saw will not be good?

Thanks guys!

[Shakespeare]

My question on this is, how do I go about flush mounting the VHF? The CD Player of course is common sense, the VHF may be too, I just might not have any. The unit is older, if I buy a new one, will it come with a mounting sleeve? Or can I buy a mounting sleeve for my current one?


You didn't mention the make or model of your current VHF so it's gonna be kind of hard to advise what you can and can't do. Most new VHF's can be flush mounted with an optional flush mount kit... something purchased as an accessory. Need to check the specs on your intended purchase to make sure.

Be careful to NOT mount the VHF close to your AM/FM.

Mike C.

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

There is no problem mounting them next to each other.I have mine that way and i do not have any problem.

[workinprogress]

Also, I would like to counter sink and screw the enclosure togethor with SS screws, but is there anywhere I can purchase plugs/caps to go in the holes? The white and SS wouldn't look too professional in my opinion.

IMO, white and stainless steel usually look very professional. If you disagree, it is your boat and you should absolutely do what YOU think will look the best. If I understand what kind of shelf you are making you will have 2 identical pieces of starboard mounted horizontally, with a "face plate" of starboard (probably 3" tall and the width of your console) between them vertically. Why don't you countersink your screws from the bottom and top horizontal pieces into the vertical piece, thus leaving no screws at all visible in your face plate.

I plan on buying a thin aluminum sheet and cutting it to fit the shape of the "dash" of the console. To cover up unused holes, and to hide little imperfections. I plan on painting it with the zinc chromate primer and painting it blue to accent the rest of the boat. Will this be ok, or should I use a different material for this?

A sheet of stainless would look nice, and you would never need to repaint.

Just a few ideas, good luck.

[Shakespeare]

There is no problem mounting them next to each other.I have mine that way and i do not have any problem.

I mention that because Harry has had some issues with his VHF mounted adjacent to the AM/FM. In my CB radio days I would bleed the color off the tv in the house while chatting in the driveway. It's RF and can possibly cause interference especially with compasses. Just a heads up.

Mike C.

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

Shake, that is possible too, you are right, but i think when the two antennas are not in site with eachother(radio lower, vhf higher in my case)should not be a problem. *006**006*

[saltycrab]

I would really like to do away with the shelf. I can't flushmount the stereo and vhf above the steering wheel as there isn't enough room. Would it be ok to turn the vhf sideways and flush mount it to the left of the steering wheel. Would there be any problems mounting it this way?

[Shakespeare]

I would really like to do away with the shelf. I can't flushmount the stereo and vhf above the steering wheel as there isn't enough room. Would it be ok to turn the vhf sideways and flush mount it to the left of the steering wheel. Would there be any problems mounting it this way?

You need to refer to the unit's documentation to see if mounting it that way is acceptable. There may be heat dissipation issues when changing the orientation. Doesn't hurt to check the instructions.

I just checked my documentation for the Uniden Oceanus DSC and it said just make sure there is air space (free air flow) around the unit.

Mike C.