Solid waterproof box for Bowthruster Control Panel

[Richard10002]

About 15 months ago, I bought a new bowthruster control panel and asked for help sourcing a waterproof box to fit it in and attach to the pedestal arch.

Someone kindly suggested the following boxes from Maplin

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=25154

so I bought one.

Having got around to putting it all together today, it works a treat! However, I have 2 bolts through the arch then through the box and, despite reinforcing the inside of the box with 3 strips of a plastic ruler /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif , it's a bit flimsy, and I'm sure it could break off if grabbed in heavy weather.

I'll stick with it for now, but I guess I'll have to buy one of those expensive Navpod things - unless anyone has any alternative ideas?

Any suggestions welcomed

Richard

 

[Anonymous]

How about glassing it over?

 

[Richard10002]

[ QUOTE ]
How about glassing it over?

[/ QUOTE ]

Good idea for those with the ability but, if I did it it would look a real mess, and if I paid someone, I may as well buy a Navpod.

 

[Marmalade]

Richard - our bowthruster has a fixed control next to the engine controls under the perspex cover on the side coaming. In use - I use the vectus remote control keyfob - by far the best solution I've found as I can stand anywhere and blip the thruster

 

[Richard10002]

Hi Simon,

I've got the panel next to the engine controls, but it leaves me unsighted and somewhat disoriented to use it. I had a lever fitted on the pedestal, but we kept pulling it off - although when it worked it was excellent, so that is what I am trying to repeat with a panel the same as the existing.

How do you link the remote to the bowthruster? I guess it comes with instructions and stuff.

 

[cliff]

I don't know how what your mounting arrangements are like but perhaps something along the following lines might provide a more secure mounting.

Sketch only shows one mounting bracket but you would need two fixed to the back of the box.

Artificial Intelligence is no match for Natural Stupidity.

 

[Richard10002]

Cliff,

That looks like it would do the trick, and wouldnt be too difficult with the right gear. Thanks!!

 

[cliff]

Just a rough sketch but I think you get the idea or at least it may give you some other ideas...

Artificial Intelligence is no match for Natural Stupidity.

 

[nigelhudson]

As it will not be visible you could substitute plywood for the inner pad if it would be easier than the plastic to obtain or work.