Like most MKI owners, I had a shelf above the nav station which ended up being a repository for odds and ends. The PO installed a radio, and the VHF there because it was easier than flush-mounting them in the bulkhead next to the circuit breaker panel, and I always thought it looked a bit cluttered. After having the boat for a few years now, I have worked through all the big priority items on the to do list, and am finally getting to the cosmetics.
I got rid of the shelf in favor of a new bulkhead panel. The VHF and radio are flush-mounted, and the best part is, no more visible wires! It is hinged for ease of access to the back of the components, and I guess I could still put stuff back there if I wanted, but at least it is all out of sight. The positioning of the radios is a bit funky, but I can get over that.
I think the wood finish worked out pretty well too. It is a cherry stain on teak with a matte polyurethane varnish. I am actually having them refinish the inteior of the rest of the boat in the coming months the same way.
Unfortunately, I paid to have it built and installed so I can't do an article or anything, but I thought I would post a couple pictures.
Tobaygo
1987 Catalina 36 MKI
#660
Tampa Bay, FL
Looks great....another project for me to add to the never ending to-do list. Thanks for sharing!
Jack Bahen
Kinera - 1985 C36 Mk I Tall Rig
Hull # 422
Annapolis, MD
That looks real nice! I've been trying to conjure up a nav station re-do and I'll add this idea to my list. Curious - Did you install the new power panel or was that the PO? Looks good.
Mike
Deja Vu
1991 MK I # 1106
Marina del Rey, CA
Thanks for the comments guys.
The electrical panel was one of the things the PO did right. It' a BlueSea Systems panel, and after pricing them out for my last boat, I can tell you they aren't the cheapest thing going. I want to have someone clean up and bundle some of the wires behind it, but that's down a few items on the list.
Tobaygo
1987 Catalina 36 MKI
#660
Tampa Bay, FL