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I have a question for you guys about starboard. I want to replace the black gauge panel on my 19 mako. Was thinking of going with black 1/4" starboard. I am concerned with direct sunlight warping the starboard. It will be the stock size, 12"x8", will have 4 gauges and a blue seas 8 pole switch panel mounted to it. 1/4" ok, or should I go with 1/2", which mugh look a little "chunky". First choice is varnished teak, but I'm trying to stay away from maintenance. Thoughts?

Greg

Greg,

Starboard would be a bad choice. Too much expansion/contraction for that application. Best material would be high pressure Formica/Pionite style laminate epoxied to a core. Core material could be plywood, Coosa Board, PVC Foam Board, (AZEK), etc...

I have a plexi panel with rounded over edges on a Scarab Sport that look nice and is easy to make. You can use smoked plexi or paint the back of plexi for different effects.

I just registered to help you with this question and also because I love working on boat projects. I had to do the same job on my boat and what I used was a anodized piece of black aluminum from mc master carr, it will not corrode , it wont scratch and looks awesome. I backed the sheet with starboard as it is only .030 thick, use it you wont be dissapointed.

Alex,

A word of caution on black anodization... It fades relatively fast to a blotchy grey/black and will show underlying color.

I've seen black anodized outriggers fade in as little as 3 seasons, and my black security cameras went from black to gold in under a year...

I refinished my helm in 2006 , the aluminum anodization is as good today as the day I installed it, it is under the hardtop and not in direct sunlight

alex n wrote:I refinished my helm in 2006 , the aluminum anodization is as good today as the day I installed it, it is under the hardtop and not in direct sunlight

The significant part is "it is under the hardtop and not in direct sunlight"...

Yes, of course