A new faceplate accommodates new gadgets
Issue 82 : Jan/Feb 2012
After more than 25 years sailing, I decided it was time to get an autopilot for Unicorn, our Catalina 30. When it came to installing the control head, convenience suggested I use a binnacle-mounted instrument pod.
While shopping for a new pod, I chanced upon a used one on eBay. My winning bid was about 25 percent of the price for a new one . . . but I would have to fabricate a new faceplate to accommodate my instruments.
I bought a remnant of clear polycarbonate from a local supplier. Both sides of the material were protected with plastic, which I covered with address labels so I could trace onto them the shape of the old plate and the locations of the mounting screws. I used a saber saw and sandpaper to cut and shape the outside edge of the faceplate.
After marking the horizontal centerline for the instruments, I marked the centers and used the appropriate hole saws to cut the openings. To check my work, I dry-fitted the instruments in the faceplate.
Next, I peeled the protective plastic off the back (inside) of the faceplate and sprayed black paint on the back and outside edges.
Just before final assembly at the boat, I peeled the protective plastic off the front of the faceplate, mounted the instruments, and attached the faceplate to the pod.
The black-painted face is inside, immune to scratches, and the faceplate appears to be made of black plastic.
Joe Orinko has sailed the waters of Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie for more than 25 years, 20 of them in his O’Day 23, Unicorn, and for seven seasons on his second Unicorn, a Catalina 30. Because the love of his life, Sue, shares his passion for sailing, he says it’s easy to find time to sail.
Thank you to Sailrite Enterprises, Inc., for providing free access to back issues of Good Old Boat through intellectual property rights. Sailrite.com
