Sourcing a fibreglass pod for external mounting chartplotter etc

Modulation

Modulation

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As the instrumentation on my boat has gradually expanded I'm keen to move everything to some kind of over-hatch arrangement with all of it grouped together. It should also be more visible (always an advantage when going over iffy sandbanks at low water). Trouble is my boat was designed in days when such layouts were not common so I am going to need something new to accommodate them.
I've done some searches on where I could buy something but all have come up with major glass fibre moulders who produce large components in bulk. Any ideas where I could look?
Thanks
 
There was a PBO article about a year ago on making a DIY instrument console. I followed the principles to build my own engine instrument bulkhead console - an over-hatch pod wouldn't be any different to do. If you don't think you could DIY then I suggest contacting a local boat repair guy (there are a couple of ads in the PBO Classifieds for example)

I'm dead chuffed with mine /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

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Does it have to be grp? I need to move my echo sounder and log display to over the companionway but intend to do it in teak, much easier, so far as I am concerned, and will fit in better with my boat. The chart plotter (Raymarine plotter/radar) I have mounted in a grp purpose built pod (known, I think, as a radar/chart plotter display unit) on the port side of the companionway beneath the spray hood
 
Make one yourself its a good winter project. In true Blue peter fashion 'here's the one I made earlier'
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My pod houses a Raymarine e-80, Raymarine 6001 autopilot head, Engine idiot lights and starter switch, Graphic engine instrumentation, FLS control head, remote mic for the vhf and wireless remote for the autopilot (not in photos), switches for AIS tx enable, deck flood, cockpit and table lighting and a multiway selector for nav, steaming and anchor lights. If there's any power left on the boat there's also an auxiliary 12 power socket on the back of the unit /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif


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The easiest way is to build a marine ply plug and then overcoat it with glass and cover this inside with at least one layer of glass. Perhaps slightly better is to use urethane foam for the plug. If you are really good you can strip out all or some of the urethane foam once the outside is done.
 
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