What Material to Use as a Replacement Plate ?

[SvenG]

We are removing the classic Standard Horizons instrumentation and replacing the binnacle guard with a 12" guard using 1.25" SS tubing. The current setup looks like the picture below shows:



I'm trying to decide what to use to replace the flat cast aluminum plate that currently ties together the binnacle and the guard and serves as the mounting platform for the instruments.

I looked at using a 1" Al plate but that was a no-go even with McMaster-Carr prices, apart from being overkill to the extreme.

I considered using teak but really don't want to add more varnish tasks and I'm not sure exposed teak would be structurally sound in the long run unless I laminated a few layers.

I looked for 1" white prefab fiberglass sheets of an inch but so far I haven't found any.

Right now it seems like the only option is to create a fiberglass part myself but that sure seems like a lot of work for something which is essentially just a 1" thick sheet of flat stock with 1 large hole and 2 smaller ones.

Or maybe laminate thinner white prefab fiberglass panels ?

Suggestions ?

Thanks,



-Sven

[anjou]

How about industrial/catering grade ABS?
High density plastic.

SS would be the best but a piece that thick would cost a fortune. What about quarter sheet with folded edges, welded seams and polished.

Im sure thats what James S would do.

[SvenG]

Originally Posted by anjou

How about industrial/catering grade ABS?
High density plastic.

I agree that a SS sheet with a welded lip and polish would be great but I think you might be right about the ABS solution. McMaster-Carr sells a 1" by 2'x2' sheet for about $160. ABS can be painted (UV protection and color matching) so it would probably be a good solution.

Thanks !



-Sven

[Stillraining]

So Im confused...you want to through out your curent set up and build one just like it?

[SvenG]

Originally Posted by Stillraining

So Im confused...you want to through out your curent set up and build one just like it?

No, I hadn't considered that possibility, maybe I should !

The old Standard Horizon instruments are barely semi-usable but I've already had to swap out the depth display once (only possible thanks to a CF member who gave me his old working one). The "ears" on the current plate and the two side pods also make it very difficult to get past the binnacle. So they will go.

The current binnacle guard is also of a non-standard width so it has some compound curves to fit any standard 12" NavPod or the like. The current NavPod location is perfectly in the line of sight for the helm so you have to look around it. The pod has to be lowered, but not too low and close to the compass so it will also be moved forward.

IOW it is a it more than just replacing with the same

I probably should have made some of that clear.



-Sven

[Jimbo2010]

How about a strip plank build to match the table.

Take 8 1" wide strips x 3/8" thick wood glue on edge then epoxy two layers together, resulting in a 3/4" x say 8" wide plate.
cover all in 6oz fiberglass clear.

It will take the weather and look great softening all the metal and white look.

[Ziggy]

I think King Starboard or a similar material is just what you need.

[Blue Stocking]

Why does it have to be 1" thick? I made Bluestocking's from painted 1/4"aluminum plate. Put my ST40 instruments in a NavPod on the offset guard.

[Hudson Force]

Needs like this usually find me shopping in some places that are not marine supply sources. I woulld be looking at the upscale cutting boards in the restaurant supply stores. Possibly, something found that would be the core that I would cover with an epoxy finsh or something found that is ready to use.

[capngeo]

Originally Posted by Ziggy

I think King Starboard or a similar material is just what you need.

+1 on Starboard.... I slowly but surely replace all my wood with it.

I have some 1" pieces in the shop.... what dimensions do you need? I may have what you want

[SvenG]

Originally Posted by capngeo

+1 on Starboard.... I slowly but surely replace all my wood with it.

I have some 1" pieces in the shop.... what dimensions do you need? I may have what you want

It's very generous of you to even just offer ... thanks.

18" x 24" is what I was searching for but I'd probably get by with 16" by 16".

I'm curious. When you say you are replacing all the wood does that include structural components or just the trim ?

Thanks again.



-Sven

[capngeo]

Starboard is worthless as structural components... Yes just the trim and just EXTERIOR trim at that.. I LIKE wood, just not the maintenance.

Let me look in the shop... I'll PM you back with what I have

[SvenG]

Originally Posted by capngeo

Starboard is worthless as structural components...

That's what I thought and why I asked.

Let me look in the shop... I'll PM you back with what I have

Thanks again,



-Sven

[SvenG]

Originally Posted by Blue Stocking

Why does it have to be 1" thick? I made Bluestocking's from painted 1/4"aluminum plate. Put my ST40 instruments in a NavPod on the offset guard.

I haven't taken apart the binnacle yet but suspect it is set up for a 1" thickness. A spacer could take care of that.

What concerns me more is that falling against a 1/4" edge could do a lot more damage than a 1" edge would. Of course, there is so little space to move around the binnacle that falling may not really be an option !



-Sven

[capngeo]

Sven... PM sent.... BTW, if you want alum or SS, I can fab that up too

For everyone else...Tap Plastics has a good supply of sizes and sell retail quantities.