Engine Panel Enclosure

[jarnold67]

This winters project is the replacement of the Westerbeke 10Two with a Beta14 diesel engine. As part of the replacement, I have a nice new shiny instrument panel, but the width is about 1/2" too wide for the existing plastic insert. I also want to move the fuel tank gage from the bottom (where it collects water) to a vertical so modifying this isn't what I am looking to do. Does anyone have any leads for who made this insert for Ericson? Or knows of a good replacement? I can make one out of starboard, but I like the idea of having the inset to keep the rain off the instruments (even though they are sealed).

Thanks, and happy holidays to all!
John

 

[toddster]

I don't know about the OEM, but Moyer Marine sells a couple of different sizes. Others have made their own, as described in other threads on this site.
I'm still going to make my own. It was supposed to be this winter's main boat project. But indecision, daily survival, dealing with snow, ice, and firewood has been taking all my time.

One thing I don't like about those cockpit panels is that the wiring just hangs out naked (usually) into a sail locker, where it is difficult to maintain and unprotected from random gear collisions and yanks. The back of the panel should be enclosed. I am about evenly divided between moving the control panel inside to the nav station and figuring out a better cockpit enclosure that doesn't interfere with the gearshift/throttle levers. I'm somewhat intrigued by the solution shown in photos of "Spetakkel," the E29 that crossed the Pacific. They replaced the lower hatch board with an instrument pod, solving several problems at once. I'm not yet sure that it's for me, though.

 

[jarnold67]

Building your own...

Yes, I did see that Moyer Marine did have panels, but unfortunately they are smaller than the existing opening. How do you intend to build your panel?

 

[Christian Williams]

Lucky Dog's solution:

http://www.ericsonyachts.org/infoexc...el-replacement

Walter Pearson takes it on:

http://www.ericsonyachts.org/infoexc...0-Engine-Panel

RGraham goes to work:

http://www.ericsonyachts.org/infoexc...ment-panel-box

Regarding the back of the thing: some models, like mine, have a simple fiberglass cover, open at the bottom, that screws on as a splash guard. It's under the lazarette lid, and its main success is to protect the connections from me as I squirm into that hole....

 

[jarnold67]

Thanks!

Christian,
Thanks for compiling the links. I saw all but RGraham's piece - I think that will be the way to go. And I do like the idea of a back guard to protect those connections when pulling stuff out of the lazarette.

All the best,
John

 

[Shelman]

I made a new one from fiberglass epoxy and boatbuilding foam after 30 years of uv had kilked mine, but it could be done with plywood and glass as well. It was an easy build but I know how those seemingly small projects can add up and suddenly you wish you had just purchased a ready made product.

Here is one sold at catalina direct. I dont know if the dimensions are close enough or not but maybe worth a look.

https://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm/product/1960/engine-panel-traybrfor-flat-surface.cfm

 

[907Juice]

Lucky Dog's solution:

http://www.ericsonyachts.org/infoexc...el-replacement

Walter Pearson takes it on:

http://www.ericsonyachts.org/infoexc...0-Engine-Panel

RGraham goes to work:

http://www.ericsonyachts.org/infoexc...ment-panel-box

Regarding the back of the thing: some models, like mine, have a simple fiberglass cover, open at the bottom, that screws on as a splash guard. It's under the lazarette lid, and its main success is to protect the connections from me as I squirm into that hole....

Man! You guys are like ninjas in finding things. Dr google is a good friend of mine but you have a special skill.