I realize that this is merely a cosmetic issue, but it's important to the Admiral. What are some of the solutions you have come up with to cover, hide or disguise the backs of instruments that have displays in the cockpit? We have two compasses and some GPS wiring that are unsightly above the galley in my cabin.
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S
sinnettc
Wooden covers
My Catalina Capri 22 has the back of the instruments covered by boxes that look like they're made of varnished 1/8" plywood. It appears that there's a block or two attached to the bulkhead and then the boxes are screwed to the block. Each box has a notch that the power lead passes through but that's all the wire you see.
Chris
My Catalina Capri 22 has the back of the instruments covered by boxes that look like they're made of varnished 1/8" plywood. It appears that there's a block or two attached to the bulkhead and then the boxes are screwed to the block. Each box has a notch that the power lead passes through but that's all the wire you see.
Chris
C
caguy
T
Tim R.
J
johnrock
Box plus
A few years ago we had the same situation...the backs of our sailing instruments were exposed and ugly. So we made a box out of 1/2" teak covered plywood. However, we made it just a little deeper and larger. Now we have a spot for keys (on hooks), sunglasses, wallets etc. The front is hinged at the bottom to give easy access. The edged were painted black to cover the exposed plywood. Then we bundled and wrapped the exposed wires. And best of all it looks like a factory job not a do it your self project.
A few years ago we had the same situation...the backs of our sailing instruments were exposed and ugly. So we made a box out of 1/2" teak covered plywood. However, we made it just a little deeper and larger. Now we have a spot for keys (on hooks), sunglasses, wallets etc. The front is hinged at the bottom to give easy access. The edged were painted black to cover the exposed plywood. Then we bundled and wrapped the exposed wires. And best of all it looks like a factory job not a do it your self project.
R
Ross
Depending upon your wood working skills
and available tools it is not a complex project. I believe that the methods posted so far are covering the scope of ways to do this. If you choose to make it a dual purpose enclosure be sure that the loose items you store can't short out the wiring. I made such a box with cedar sides and a mahogany face and fastened it with bronze screws. It is secured to the bulkhead with screws into blocks glued to the bulkhead.
and available tools it is not a complex project. I believe that the methods posted so far are covering the scope of ways to do this. If you choose to make it a dual purpose enclosure be sure that the loose items you store can't short out the wiring. I made such a box with cedar sides and a mahogany face and fastened it with bronze screws. It is secured to the bulkhead with screws into blocks glued to the bulkhead.
R
RAD
Here's a picture
With some leftover teak fron projects I made a cover for the wiring and back of a instrument and it grew into a place to install the stereo remote and vhf remote.
West marine has a section of teak lumber that I'm sure you could duplcate a simular cover
With some leftover teak fron projects I made a cover for the wiring and back of a instrument and it grew into a place to install the stereo remote and vhf remote.
West marine has a section of teak lumber that I'm sure you could duplcate a simular cover
W
Warren Milberg
When I had a 24 footer,
the backs of my depth sounder and knotmeter were sort of "in your face" when in the cabin. I hunted around the various "Marts" for Tupperware or similar food containers that would fit over them. Painted them white and rubber cemented them over the backs of the instruments. Worked nicely and only cost a few bucks.
the backs of my depth sounder and knotmeter were sort of "in your face" when in the cabin. I hunted around the various "Marts" for Tupperware or similar food containers that would fit over them. Painted them white and rubber cemented them over the backs of the instruments. Worked nicely and only cost a few bucks.
Box is the best solution that I have seen.
These wooden boxes are the best solution that I have seen.
If you don't think you are up to the task, then you can contact a company like H & L Marine. They can supply wood, just a door or make the entire unit for you.
H L Marine Woodwork
2965 Harcourt
Dominguez, CA 90810
(323) 636-1718
These wooden boxes are the best solution that I have seen.
If you don't think you are up to the task, then you can contact a company like H & L Marine. They can supply wood, just a door or make the entire unit for you.
H L Marine Woodwork
2965 Harcourt
Dominguez, CA 90810
(323) 636-1718
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NCNoviceCouple
Thanks!
Thanks for the suggestions. I'm going to build a cabinet on one side of the companionway to deal with the problem and incorporate the VHF and CD player, and use the "tupperware" idea to cover the compass on the other side. The pictures you sent were a big help.
Thanks for the suggestions. I'm going to build a cabinet on one side of the companionway to deal with the problem and incorporate the VHF and CD player, and use the "tupperware" idea to cover the compass on the other side. The pictures you sent were a big help.
J
jviss
Alternative
My boat came with white plastic covers that look like they are vacuum formed, or made with a similar process. The have a texture molded into them. The also have a molded-in tunnel in the flange for the wires to come out on the surface. They are secured with three stainless sheet metal screws through the flange.
I think they are pretty good. A wooden cabinet big enough to cover the gauges could be quite big, and take away a lot of "roominess."
I don't know where one would get these.
My boat came with white plastic covers that look like they are vacuum formed, or made with a similar process. The have a texture molded into them. The also have a molded-in tunnel in the flange for the wires to come out on the surface. They are secured with three stainless sheet metal screws through the flange.
I think they are pretty good. A wooden cabinet big enough to cover the gauges could be quite big, and take away a lot of "roominess."
I don't know where one would get these.
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