
The proposed instrument panel layout.
People get onboard the SEA WEASEL and they look at all the dials on the forward bulkhead, go below and see the Chart-plotter, handheld GPS, VHF radios and the other electronics and think that the boat is well equipped. Rightly so if any of it worked or did more than ‘sort-of” work.
The plan was to in 2012 replace/upgrade most of the instruments on the vessel. Frankly only our Icom VHF was the only thing worth keeping. We started out late in 2011 with the installation of Fusion Marine Stereo system. In 2012 we are planning to add the following equipment: Raymarine ST40 Wind System, ST40 Bidata System (Depth, Knotmeter and Water Temp.), ST1000-PLUS Tillerpilot and a Garmin 421S Chart Plotter.
The first step in this project was to remove the old instrumentation and cover up the holes on the cockpit’s forward portside bulkhead. This was done by removing the securing brackets on the back of the old signet displays and pushing them out. Curtis then cleaned up the area removing all of the old sealant.

Old instruments removed and ready to mount the panel.
As the old instruments required bigger holes than the new ones we had to cover up the openings. We could attempt to glass over it nicely (yeah right), use wood or us a resin polymer sheet. We opted for the plastic as it was low maintenance and durable. The product is called STARBOARD made by Taco. A 12″x12″ sheet covered the holes so we dry fit it, counter sinking the screws then removed it to add 3M 5200 Fast Cure Adhesive/Sealant where appropriate.

Panel about to be mounted.
With the new panel covered in 5200 we carefully placed it and attached it with the stainless steel hardware. We used 10 screws since the bulkhead was slightly curved making the panel follow the shape.

The view from inside the instrument box.

The panel with it's protective coating mounted awaiting new instruments.
At this stage with the panel mounted we stopped to let the 5200 to cure. We will cut off the excessive 5200 and round of the edge of the panel with a dremel tool. With the panel completed we will move on to Part Two of the new instrument project; mounting the displays and wiring. Part Three will focus on mounting the transducers and the sea trials.