How to Make Custom Acrylic Dash Panel for Boats - DIY
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- Опубліковано 18 вер 2023
- Hello, it's been a while! Before we dive into today's video, I want to emphasize that I'm a total beginner when it comes to custom boat dash panels. In fact, this project marks my very first attempt at replacing an entire dashboard with an acrylic sheet.
I've had my fair share of boat projects, but this one was a real first for me - crafting a custom acrylic dashboard for a boat. The vessel in question? A Japanese import, the Nissan PS-730 stern drive. Originally powered by a Volvo Penta inboard engine, it underwent a transom makeover to accommodate an outboard engine. As part of this transformation, I handled all the technical aspects, including electrical rewiring and the installation of various electronic accessories.
This endeavour necessitated reviving and enhancing the aging dashboard to accommodate the new gauges and electronics. To achieve this in the most cost-effective and time-efficient way, I decided to cover the dashboard area with a 6mm black acrylic sheet. To get started, I crafted a template from thick paper, which I later translated into Lightburn, my preferred laser cutting software. For the laser cutting itself, I enlisted the expertise of a professional.
Once the cut acrylic sheet arrives, it's all systems go with a flurry of drilling and hole-cutting activities. Without wasting any time, we swiftly move on to the final step: securing the new dash panel in place using sleek, black 304 stainless steel bolts, each measuring 4mm in diameter.
PROJECT CHAPTERS:
00:10 - THE NISSAN PS-730 FISHING BOAT
00:30 - TRACING OLD DASHBOARD PATTERN
00:45 - DRAW PATTERN TO LASER CUTTING SOFTWARE
00:55 - LASER CUT ACRYLIC DASH PANEL
01:05 - BUNCH OF CUSTOM WORKS START HERE
01:45 - SCRAP ACRYLIC FOR SWITCH PANEL
02:45 - MOUNTING ACRYLIC PANEL INTO DASH
03:30 - DRILLING & CUTTING FIBER DASH FOR ACCESSORIES
04:00 - MOUNTING ELECTRONICS INTO FIBER DASH
04:45 - MOUNTING GAUGES INTO ACRYLIC PANEL
05:00 - APPLY WEATHER SEAL STRIP
05:20 - BOLT DOWN THE ACRYLIC DASH PANEL
06:05 - DONE!
The entire process of working on the dashboard panel consumed approximately two weeks of dedicated effort. To be completely honest, it was a physically demanding and tedious task, often feeling like it took a toll on my back. However, the ultimate outcome was undeniably gratifying and deeply rewarding! I couldn't be happier with how it turned out, and I'm genuinely excited to see the customer's reaction to their boat's brand-new dash panel.
Stay subscribed to my channel for the other boat technical works:
- Custom fuse, relay and switch panel
- Freshwater system
- Boat electrical rewiring
- Boat plumbing
- Marine audio setup - This is for all my old channel subscribers, I hope this will interests you in some way.
Thank you all for the undying support all through the years! I'll see you all in the next video... - Навчання та стиль
This is clearly your first time.... super impressed. Thanks for sharing!
Very nice bruh 👌
Looks dope. Wanna do an acrylic dash remodel for mine too!
Hello a great video perfect job 👍👍👍greetings from Germany 🇩🇪 👋👋👋 Kai
Many thanks for the undying support, brother. 😍😎
I ❤ to your work
do you use a roundover bit or sand the edges that will be exposed when you cut out the panels? I am trying to decide if I should use a router and round over the edges or just sand the edges after I cut out the custom dash for my boat. I used to buy all my dashes from a guy but he passed away so now I am making one for my personal boat. I am not talking about the cutouts for the gauges, vhf, fishfinder, etc, I am talking about the edges of the panel themselves. how do you finish these off? Also, what kind of drill bit and countersink bits are you using to drill out the mounting holes? will just normal bits and countersink bit work? thanks
First I was planning to round the edges using router but the 4 blade 6mm 1/4mm shank roundover bit was cancelled and didn't delivered. Then this project was rushed by the owner so you can see the acrylic edges was never rounded.
I didn't countersunk the bolt holes, just ordinary 4mm drill bit used. They were bolted by 4mm black button head allen stainless steel bolts.
what company did the custom acrylic?
Hello, i did the design and laser layout on a computer. I had let someone with a laser cutting machine do the cutting.
Got it, I didn't know if you uploaded the CAD to a particular company
Promo sm 😎
😎🥳👍
Ayaw Hilabti ang nka dala tigaw Ike
Haha. Ako ge suwatan kay ge bilin na nako didto basin himoon ug cutting board na yawa na hahahaha