What do you call those panels...

[MV Wanderlust]

Apparently, I'm not googling the right terms. What do you call those pre-made panels used to cover openings left behind in a boat dashboard when old equipment is removed? We have two pieces of equipment that are no longer used and the wiring harness has already been removed. One is about 4x6" and the other is about 5x7". I'd like to remove those two items and cover the holes with a white "blank" panel. What are those panel/covers called and does anyone have a good source for them?

Thanks.

John

[Copacabana]

Not sure what the technical name is (if there is one).

You can always use white acrylic. You can get off-cuts and scrap pieces from a place that works with acrylic (like a sign maker). Easy to cut to size.

[JimsCAL]

Also not sure there is a specific name. As noted, just get some plastic pieces. Starboard is a brand name for PVC lumber sold in marine stores. On my previous boat, I installed a holder for a handheld VHF radio to cover a patched instrument hole.

[WSMFP]

Boat outfitters makes a glove box that I have used to fill holes in the dash.

If you just want a panel I would use acrylic. It looks cleaner than starboard.

[Spot]

Cap'n,
Are you looking for something that is pre-made and snaps in or just something neat that mounts with 4 or 6 screw? I just made the latter, a new cover for a switch panel over here:http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...-217158-5.html . If you need a little help let me know.

[Matt Johnson]

They are typically called "Blanking Plates" in the automotive world, but you'd probably need to make your own for this application.

Matt

[MV Wanderlust]

Acrylic panels. From sign makers. Huh. Hadn't thought of that. Got a couple of messages into local companies to see if they have any scraps.

[MV Wanderlust]

Originally Posted by Spot

Cap'n,
Are you looking for something that is pre-made and snaps in or just something neat that mounts with 4 or 6 screw? I just made the latter, a new cover for a switch panel over here:http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...-217158-5.html . If you need a little help let me know.

Hey Spot. Doesn't need to be pre-made, necessarily. Just want to buy or make some blanks that could be attached with four screws.

Nice work on the switch panel.

John

[Spot]

Originally Posted by CaptJohnEasley

Hey Spot. Doesn't need to be pre-made, necessarily. Just want to buy or make some blanks that could be attached with four screws.

Nice work on the switch panel.

John

Thanks John. I have a small CNC router that is ideal for smaller projects like that. On that panel I measured the existing outline and screw holes, drew it in CAD, and then placed the populated and non-populated 'expansion' holes where I though they'd work. I printed a paper copy to test fit to the box and found a small error which I fixed before going to the machine. It's kind of a thrill to be able to process small pieces of scrap into usable parts.

[OldMan]

Starboard?

[Spot]

Dollar store cutting boards sometimes fit the bill too...

[MV Wanderlust]

Originally Posted by Spot

Dollar store cutting boards sometimes fit the bill too...

Oh! That's freakin' brilliant. Thanks, Spot.

[senormechanico]

Office supply stores sell cheap clip boards.
Use the clip board for your hole cover, then use the clip installed inside a galley cupboard door to hold the recipe card currently being used while cooking.


We use two clips as we have lots of small storage compartments on our boat.
The second one holds the food and supplies list and a boat map where everything is stored.

[MV Wanderlust]

Originally Posted by senormechanico

Office supply stores sell cheap clip boards.
Use the clip board for your hole cover, then use the clip installed inside a galley cupboard door to hold the recipe card currently being used while cooking.


We use two clips as we have lots of small storage compartments on our boat.
The second one holds the food and supplies list and a boat map where everything is stored.

That's a great idea, too! Going to look into those.

[stormalong]

Originally Posted by JimsCAL

Also not sure there is a specific name. As noted, just get some plastic pieces. Starboard is a brand name for PVC lumber sold in marine stores. On my previous boat, I installed a holder for a handheld VHF radio to cover a patched instrument hole.

King Starboard is not PVC. It is HDPE - a completely different plastic. It is UV stabilized and I have some in use for over 20 years that looks as good as new.

You can buy acrylic plastic cut to size at many stores throughout the world. In England it is called perspex. It is available in many colors and thicknesses to fit your needs. No need to hunt for scraps.

TAPP Plastics, here in the Pacific Northwest is one example. They have an online store and will ship to you. Check them out. Disclaimer: Just a satisfied customer - no other business relationship.

PS. They are just called cover plates.