"Box" to mount switches, gauges in

[jmunson2]

Namaste!

I am redoing our cockpit panel which currently contains some nasty switches for various lights/functions & our engine ignition switch setup + tach.

I'm installing the BlueSea Systems Weatherdeck series, I believe the part is 4316, to replace the switches, and am currently researching tach/switch stuff (see other thread).

I need a shallow box, about 8.5" tall x 11" wide to house it all.

Anyone have a source for white plexi/acrylic/glass boxes with a mounting lip? I'm not sure where to start looking for that sort of thing.

This is going in the cockpit area so I have to be able to seal it from the front to avoid anyone unnecessary leakage (should that happen).

We're in Herrington Harbour, Deale, Maryland.

Thanks in advance!

Peace, Love, and Light,

/s/ Jon C. Munson II

[sailingdog]

How deep a box do you need... fabricating one from plexiglass isn't all that difficult. Also, what do you mean by mounting lip?? Photos of where you want to mount the box would be helpful.

[jmunson2]

I tried to attach a photo, but the upload thing failed. Old Panel - this should work better. It doesn't show the mounting location. The mounting location is in the side of the cockpit well, starboard side, just in front of the ship's wheel. Not the most ideal location, but that's where it currently is. I'll be expanding the current hole to allow for the larger panel setup.

The new panel is going to be a bit bigger to allow for the better switches.

By mounting lip I mean a "coping" (like a normal kitchen sink) under which I can apply sealant. I intend to bolt the box to the walls of the cockpit as well.

This box is going to be "inset" into the cockpit wall to keep from banging various body parts on the switches. I would say not much more than a couple of inches deep - depends upon the "height" of the switches.

I'd like to avoid fabricating one for the sake of time (I'm a little limited in that respect).

Thanks!

Peace, Love, and Light,

/s/ Jon C. Munson II

[sailingdog]

Fabricating one wouldn't take very long, if you have a sheet of plexiglass and can cut out the pieces you need, and can use the solvent-based cement to assemble the pieces. Given a half sheet of 1/4" white plexiglass, it would probably take two hours to cut the pieces and cement them together.

[Freesail99]

Looks like your old box frame was teak. I made one myself out of teak which I got from a flooring store. The teak was tongue and groove boards and I cut off the tongue to make it flush. I used cheap mahogany plywood for the face to mount everything to. I also varnished it, because I like the look of varnish. I think the entire box cost me $25.00.

[jmunson2]

If I can't locate a suitable box, I'll have to fab it myself. I know there are lots of these things around, just not sure where to look.

[jmunson2]

The old box wasn't teak - 'twas a "homebuilt" plexiglass thingy. The molding is teak though - that was simply glued over the edge. I'm not overly fond of maintaining wood, especially since this area may be a rather wet one - but I do appreciate the tip on that build.

[Freesail99]

The old box wasn't teak - 'twas a "homebuilt" plexiglass thingy.

The picture you posted with the rusting gauge and switches, the frame is made of wood, the face plate may be plastic, hard to tell from the picture.

[jmunson2]

Yes, it is a little hard to tell. No worries! Only the moulding was teak and I was able to peel that off with no effort (guess that was just about to go too).

[Freesail99]

Here is a link to a site that sells plastic "boxes". This may fit into what you need.

4" thru 15" wide display cases