Cockpit panel replacement

Keith in Corpus · Post by **Keith in Corpus** » Wed May 03, 2017 6:25 am

I have taken out the 3 lower cover panels in the back of the cockpit. New blower motor for the generator and rebuild new tackle storage compartments etc. But my question is about the panel material that was used for the covers. The doors are attached to the panel and over the years the panels have cracked at the top of the opening for the doors. What is that board called and is that same material available and if not what are you replacing it with? White board is too flimsy at that thickness and using a thicker board changes the clearances on the mounting and spacing for the doors. Thanks for any info .

IRGuy · Post by **IRGuy** » Fri May 05, 2017 7:23 am

Keith... The original panels on the inside of the transom on my FBC (not sure if the SFs are the same), looked to be a Formica type material. When I had the cockpit torn apart a couple of years ago I replaced them with 3/8" PVC (Azek type material) I buy from a local building supply place (Lansing Building Supply). It is pretty much indestructible. It is flexible enough to bend to the required curve, holds screws well, can be glued with epoxy, is impervious to water, doesn't rot, but does need to be painted if used outdoors since it gets slightly yellowish over time in sunlight. I use it a lot for non structural things. I first heard about this material when Captain Patrick of the B31 site mentioned it as a good substitute for plywood in non structural applications. Good luck.

Rick · Post by **Rick** » Tue May 09, 2017 5:19 am

They are called Phenolic Core laminates made by Wilson Art. Just about all of us have had to replace ours like you and Frank. Frank's will last forever but there's another panel that some guys have been using that looks great and doesn't have to be painted, hopefully one of them will chime in soon. I think Doug L is one of them. http://www.wilsonart.com/what-are-wilso ... ore-panels Rick Ticket 85 SF Merc 454 MPI's Falmouth, MA

Keith in Corpus · Post by **Keith in Corpus** » Thu May 11, 2017 6:55 am

Thank you both for your input I am in the process of discovery and contemplation as I work on a rum and coke listening to the gulls and Jimmy Buffett! Praise be to the designers and builders of my S/F!

Rick · Post by **Rick** » Fri May 12, 2017 11:52 am

Perfect solution ! Rick Ticket 85 SF Merc 454 MPI's Falmouth, MA

bosdockpilot · Post by **bosdockpilot** » Sun Jun 04, 2017 4:00 am

Hey Rick, I assume you made it safe to Falmouth! I still have a few photos I took when you cruised pass my condo. I will get them to you soon. After reading this thread having just cleaned my panels yesterday I realized that replacing mine is in my near future. Do you have the style/color and sizes available from your upgrade? It is quite a web site they have so I thought I would pick your brain. All the best! Steve

Rick · Post by **Rick** » Sun Jun 04, 2017 5:40 am

Hey Steve ! I replaced mine years ago with the same phenolic core panels. The gray color was no longer available so I went with some light blue ones. Now it's been so long since I did that, that they need to be replaced again and I will probably do just that this coming winter. I haven't done a lot of research as our big move is right around the corner, but I surprised myself and actually saved the bookmark for the company the other guys have been using. It's: http://www.arborite.com From the pic's I've seen, they're good looking glossy panels. I looked up under "solids" and would love to use the "Snow White", but they discontinued that color. There's other colors that would work, guess I just need to pick one. I sent them an email and asked where they're sold around here, will let you when I hear back. Ride to Falmouth was one of the best yet. Had a slight NW while going through Cape Cod Bay, then it turned SE for my ride though Buzzard's Bay. Can describe in one word: flat ! Our Patriots Tournament is next weekend......I haven't fished yet ! Rick Ticket 85 SF Merc 454 MPI's Falmouth, MA