I purchased a 6 switch panel, a battery selector, and a battery test meter. My plan was to cut out a piece of plywood (cabinet grade) the shape of the port side bulkhead just inside the companionway, mounted with standoffs allowing enough room for the devices and with cutouts to accept said devices.
My co-partner on the boat would rather cut into the fiberglass and recess the panels, perhaps with the plywood still installed, but flush mounted to the bulkhead. His reasoning is space, he does not want to give up more cabin space then necessary.
I think a few inches of intrusion is meaningless compared with sawing large holes into fiberglass.
So...what is the common practice?
Keep in mind this is a 22 footer, cabin room is a consideration, I suppose.
My co-partner on the boat would rather cut into the fiberglass and recess the panels, perhaps with the plywood still installed, but flush mounted to the bulkhead. His reasoning is space, he does not want to give up more cabin space then necessary.
I think a few inches of intrusion is meaningless compared with sawing large holes into fiberglass.
So...what is the common practice?
Keep in mind this is a 22 footer, cabin room is a consideration, I suppose.