Dash panel for boat

[DickB]

This is actually my first project and the impetus for getting the machine.

I’m working on a wood dash for my boat. Many performance boaters like anodized or powder-coated aluminum dashes, but I like wood. The dash sits in the center of the boat and as such the far gauges can be hard to read. Angled metal bezels are available, but I had the idea to incorporate the angle into the wood dash itself. I came up with the idea about a year ago, but could not come up with a good way to fabricate this using conventional tools. I came across the CarveWright and decided to go for it.

Attached are some pictures of the original dash plus my work in progress. I started with a pine draft version, using two pieces of ¾” material glued together. The final is being cut from 1-1/2” mahogany stock. I’m using a fixture on all four sides of the material to keep the stock under the rollers at all times. The holes for the switches are cut to the max 1” depth with the cutting bit. The back is routed about ½” to complete the hole. The holes for the gauges are cut at the proper angle with hole saws.

[fwharris]

DickB,

For your first project I would say it is a keeper! Should make the other boat owners envious for sure.

[PCW]

That is a big improvement from the original. Good Job

[liquidguitars]

I like the dash nice job!



LG

[Old Salt]

Great Job !
Good to see you make a one of a kind dash I'm sure you can show it with the pride knowing it is somthing you have the talent to build.

[want2b]

You've added another dimension with adding the depth to the panel with to the angles. Totally awesome, can't wait to see what you come up with next.
Rick H

[SteveEJ]

DickB,
Very Nice! I remember the Donzi deep Vees from way back. They were always a classy and powerful ride! The wood dash you have designed, along with a few other wood accents will dress her up nicely!

Great Job. Be sure to post a picture of the finished product AND the boat!

Steve

[pine acres woodshop]

That's awesome. Good job.

[geekviking]

I have a '67 Performer that's a one-off, and I love the idea of replacing the dash... (Never even thoght of it ) Gonna have a productive summer, I think

[earlyrider]

My 1914 Overland didn't come with a dash. I'd like to make a removable one to mount a CD player so it can play Laurel and Hardy type music on the tours.
The speedo mounted to the floor, at passenger's left foot (right hand drive) and the ignition and light switch were on the (wood) firewall. I love old cars...and the things my CW can do.
Ron