2006 Mainship Lower Helm Dash Mod

[jefndeb]

I was tinkering around with the idea of adding more dash space to flush mount my lower helm chartplotter.

It is currently mounted close by, on a trunnion bracket.. but I sorta want to add something like what I built there (as a rough template), as to relocate & flush install the current unit and also add additional space to add another 9' display later maybe.

It will of course have a top and a rear covering, just didnt have enough template material.....

Anybody know where I can buy some large cherry wood that could be used here?

Suggestions?

 

[Bacchus]

Just an opinion and food for thought... I have basically the same boat w/o the upper helm so everything is at lower.
If it were me I don't think I'd want that much height to block visibility.
I'll attach a pic to consider. Basically remake the complete upper dash that holds everything. Place gauges & switches in the near level lower section and if extended further fwd to sloped section for display doesn't have to be as tall.
Flat Top provides place to mount compass and to store log book, etc.
I can look for more pics if interested.
My complete dash shown is hinged w/ a swing down support leg below to hold it up when accessing.

 

[jefndeb]

yeah, I wish I had something like yours, lots a space there...I got minimal area for anything on mine....i was initially think like you said, just build another housing that would simply fit over this one....

 

[Comodave]

I don’t think that I would go high like the template. Too much lost visibility.

 

[Cartouche]

I was tinkering around with the idea of adding more dash space to flush mount my lower helm chartplotter.

It is currently mounted close by, on a trunnion bracket.. but I sorta want to add something like what I built there (as a rough template), as to relocate & flush install the current unit and also add additional space to add another 9' display later maybe.

It will of course have a top and a rear covering, just didnt have enough template material.....

Anybody know where I can buy some large cherry wood that could be used here?

Suggestions?

This is what we did

 

[Solly]

You could find cherry veneer plywood at a good lumber store.

Since everybody is talking about visibility how about mounting them from the top of the window hanging or angled down ?

 

[danderer]

My solution, FWIW.

 

[jefndeb]

These isn't a visibility issue, it may seem that way but the lower helm has a 6 inch step up so its pretty high up..

 

[jefndeb]

Here is the completed project...didn't go with the original idea but this worked pretty good it seems....

There are before and after pictures.

 

[Dougcole]

I think that looks great. Very clean install.