Helm console rework

[Pro251WA]

Two pics so far, the first is the original console on a 2000 25/251. The electronics are mounted inside the electronics locker which makes them tough to see.

Also note the switchplate on the right. These control the windlass and spotlight. I'm moving those switches up to the console where they are more easily used.

The boat is at the shop now and I should have finished product pictures this week hopefully. I'll post those when I get them. Go to the bottom of the last picture and scroll to the right.

[jeffrey.bean]

I have an 03 23WA, and was thinking of doing the same thing. That slide up door is a pain, when standing, I have to squat down to see my electronics

[mkalink]

I have a 2003 250 Sport CC and I had the electronis box in the dash. I hated it always having to squat down to see the electronics. I removed mine and replaced it with 1/2" starboard and cut it to fit the hole and then flush mounted all my electronics. I will take some pics and post them next week.

[jeffrey.bean]

Thanks, I'd like to see that, I was planning on using starboard aswell.
 As for the electronics, how did you mount them to the starboard, is there a flush mount bracket that can be purchased?

Thanks...

[Pro251WA]

I have an 03 23WA, and was thinking of doing the same thing. That slide up door is a pain, when standing, I have to squat down to see my electronics

Exactly!

I don't know if there is a universal bracket, but Lowrance, for example, has flushmounting brackets.

I can only get to Naples about every 3-5 weeks so we're doing mine so that I can take the electronics with me. Simple velcro strips around the perimeter of the units will hold them in place while underway. At the end of the day, unplug and remove and I'll feel better about it.

[a7ewizard]

I have an 03 23WA, and was thinking of doing the same thing. That slide up door is a pain, when standing, I have to squat down to see my electronics

So, that clear door slides?!!!!!!

My 251 has a starboard door that removes, leaving the electronics box open while I am running the boat. The picture shown shows a box that seems bigger than mine.

I have all my electronics mounted in mine. I like the fact that I can replace the cover, lock it, and the displays are out-of-sight. Not to say that it is theft-proof.....but at least it is a deterrent. I have a Furuno GP7000f combo display, a Furuno 1621 radar display, and a Standard VHF all enclosed in that box. The box still can hold wallets, fishing odds and ends, camera, etc.

The displays are easy to see and use. Just another option.......

Warren

[Pro251WA]

Hey Warren!

Yeah that door slides, but not back far enough. There's a piece of starboard or something to keep it from sliding back "too far" I guess. Just removing that piece would make it better. I'm only 5'11" yet when I'm standing it's impossible to just glance and see the electronics without contortion. And sitting I still have to duck some to get a good view.

The brackets were mounted on the back wall of the box so the electronics are pretty far back, relatively. One solution would be to remount the brackets on the bottom of the box.

But... my electronics needed some upgrading. They're 10 years old. I'm replacing the X85 with an HDS 5, and keeping the old plotter. Gonna use the HDS as a sonar mostly but it will also be a backup plotter. And the price was right for having the console reworked so the same guy is doing that and the electronics installation.

Btw, I'm having a Raymarine S1000 autopilot installed too. So with the work going on with the console this is the time to do it.

[Pro251WA]

Okay here's the finished product. I think it turned out great! The plotter oin the left is my original Lowrance GlobalMap 1600. Antique now, but the king in its day. It still works great and allows for me to use the new Lowrance HDS 5 combo unit in the middle solely as a fish finder, with an excellent plotter backup. On the right is the remote for the Raymarine S1000 autopilot. In the words of the late great Jackie Gleason..."how sweet it is!"

I chose to have the electronics removable so none are mounted permanently and they leave the boat when I do.

[a7ewizard]

The helm looks great!

So, how did you cover the cut-out? It looks like you started with a clean panel (fresh from the factory) and cut out the mounting holes...........obviously, this isn't the case!!

[Pro251WA]

Thanks 'wizard!

The guy did a great job. And the color matching is perfect. He removed the door, ground out the edges, filled the hole with cousa board and glassed over it. I'm sure he made the cutouts before the finishing coat. The picture doesn't do justice to how perfect it is, although look at yours and know that it's just like that...no pits, shiny, smooth. The new glass is 3/8" thick.

Because I'm not mounting the electronics permanently, we left the hydraulic steering fill port in the same place. I really like the spotlight and windlass switches on the upper helm instead of below my knees.

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