Making a mold/frame out of paneling...

[i386]

This is just something I've been noodling around if my head for the past few days. I thought I'd throw it out there for some opinions.

Like I said eariler, I'd like to rebuild my boat as a stand up center console boat. The premade consoles are a little too wide (and pricey) for my needs. I was thinking about making a console out of paneling because it's light and cheap and then covering it with fiberglass. The strength would come from the fiberglass of course. The paneling is just a form to out it on. I figured I'd attach it all together by gluing some small wooden blocks in the corners on the inside.

Other than the question of viability of the aforementioned method I'm also wondering about steering controls....

I'm pretty sure I need to choose between rotary and rack and pinion steering systems. The rack takes up a good bit of space so the console might need to be of a minimum width to make that work. The rotary type seems like it would work in a tighter space. I don't know what other factors to consider when choosing one over the other.

As far as routing control cables and wiring I'm thinking about building a "conduit" under my floor in the void space down there before I fill it with foam. This might even be something I have to attach to the plywood before I glue it down. Another Idea would be just to cut a long rectangular section out and glass it all in. I can make that so I don't get water in my foam but it still might be a place for water to collect which is why I like the conduit idea better.

Your thoughts?

 

[Mark42]

Re: Making a mold/frame out of paneling...

If you build your console out of 1/4" or 3/8" plywood then put one layer fiberglass on the inside, and two on the outside, it will be light and strong. No need to make the console from fiberglass only.

In fact, it would be much easier to build from wood, especially if you want to cut out access and/or storage doors. The edges of the openings should be framed with 3/4" x 1 1/2" stripsto give some added strength as well as providing a lip for the doors/hatches to close against. Do all your fabrication, then glass it all up to make it waterproof and give additional strength.

Another option is to make a frame from 2x2 pressure treated lumber, then attach 1/4 or 3/8 plexyglass or polycarbonate (Lexan) panels in solid white. Look in the yellow pages for plastics suppliers to find solid colored plexy and polycarbonate sheets. This design could be cheaper and quicker to build than a plywood and fiberglass design. You will have to price it out to be sure.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Making a mold/frame out of paneling...

You could also make the console out of foam panels and then fiberglass them. If you use plain styrafoam, you will need to use epoxy resin, since Poly resin will disolve it. If you can get some urethane foam, it will stand up to poly resin. Use some glass mat in the corners to give it some strength and thickness, and to round out the sharp edges.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Making a mold/frame out of paneling...

i was in the market for a small center console, and used this one. Boaters World stock #367980034, made by Todd Marine, depth 11 1/2" width 16 3/4" height 32 3/4, the 32 3/4 was short for what i wanted so i put a storage box under it, just enough room for the cables to come thru and the trolling battery. it was a little tight getting the rotary steering in, but will fit. i don't beleive rack and pinion would fit. i use a removable pedistal seat as a leaning post, which pulls out and goes to the bow for fishing leaving the cockpit open to move about. interested email me, and will send pictures. you need 2" guages if you use them. tashasdaddy@comcast.net.

 

[i386]

Re: Making a mold/frame out of paneling...

i was in the market for a small center console, and used this one. Boaters World stock #367980034, made by Todd Marine, depth 11 1/2" width 16 3/4" height 32 3/4, the 32 3/4 was short for what i wanted so i put a storage box under it, just enough room for the cables to come thru and the trolling battery. it was a little tight getting the rotary steering in, but will fit. i don't beleive rack and pinion would fit. i use a removable pedistal seat as a leaning post, which pulls out and goes to the bow for fishing leaving the cockpit open to move about. interested email me, and will send pictures. you need 2" guages if you use them. tashasdaddy@comcast.net.

Thanks!

Knowing that the rotary steering controls fits that actually helps a lot.

I was looking at the same console in my Overtons catalog. That's about the skinniest one I've found too.

If I build one, I can get away with about 20" wide but no more.

Do you have a picture of yours?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Making a mold/frame out of paneling...

email me at 'tashasdaddy@comcast.net'. will send you pics. i still haven't figure out how to post them. i'm very please with the way it worked out.