Source for Nav station panel

[prroots]

We are replacing both VHF radio and chartplotter on our new-to-us 2001 Beneteau 411. We wonder if anyone has found an alternate source for the nav station panel in lieu of ordering one from Beneteau with long lead time and high cost? It's basically plywood with a veneer on one side. Thanks
Pete

 

[prroots]

We came up with an interim solution that looks nice. We replaced the original VHF radio with a Standard Horizon gx2150 (w/AIS). That was easy since the new radio required a larger hole. The next step was to replace the original Raymarine chartplotter with a much smaller Garmin 441s. We took a piece of black Starboard and made a panel that covered the hole using the same mounting screws used by the old chartplotter. We then cut a hole in the Starboard to mount the new gps. It actually looks nice and does not standout at all. For those not familiar, Starboard is as easy as wood to work and comes in various thicknesses and colors. Our 8.5 X 12.5 inch piece cut to size cost $7.50 at the local plastic shop. We're now thinking that if in the future we need to make more extensive modifications to the nav panel we may just replace the whole thing with a piece of black starboard. It would actually match the black DC panel and (we think) not look out of place.
Pete

 

[Vegas]

Teak panel works

I took an old Loran C off my nav panel, and wanted to mount a new battery charger remote control panel in it's place. The new panel was smaller. A friend cut a nice piece of teak....not sure how thick it was....probably 3/8 inch thick. It was cut big enough to cover the old hole, as well as the screw holes left when it was removed. I was able to match the color pretty darn close, staining it with MinWax. I am very happy with the result. Attached are before & after pictures.