Dash and interior upgrade ideas?

[L0rdShenn]

Trying to rebuild my dash, which originally just had as basic as the steering wheel, nav light and a cup holder. Now im adding a tach for the outboard, switch panel with a voltmeter, 12V accessory plug, some USB ports and a horn button, and it's already feeling too crowded. I still need to fit two bulky auto bilge switches. Has anyone mounted switches on the side board or modified the side panels for extra space?

 

[Mitchtherevelator]

No reason why you wouldn't be able to, but keep in mind you'll need to do some custom fabrication to make it look good. Also, make sure you verify the wirind and everything else so that you don't yank out something you shouldn't

 

[Clieon]

Which layout are you leaning toward, keeping everything up front for visibility or spreading components to the side panels for easier access and less clutter?

 

[L0rdShenn]

No reason why you wouldn't be able to, but keep in mind you'll need to do some custom fabrication to make it look good. Also, make sure you verify the wirind and everything else so that you don't yank out something you shouldn't

I thought so, thanks!

 

[StarWader]

Trying to rebuild my dash, which originally just had as basic as the steering wheel, nav light and a cup holder. Now im adding a tach for the outboard, switch panel with a voltmeter, 12V accessory plug, some USB ports and a horn button, and it's already feeling too crowded. I still need to fit two bulky auto bilge switches. Has anyone mounted switches on the side board or modified the side panels for extra space?

Not sure if you're still looking for ideas but for the bilge switches, I've seen a couple of guys cut a hole in the side of the console itself and mount them there.
It keeps them out of the way but still easy to reach.
You can also use a smaller, dedicated switch panel for just the bilge pumps and mount that under the dash lip, or on the side panel near your knee.
It's a bit of a tight squeeze but totally doable if you plan it out, and it makes them a little less visible but frees up the main dash for your more frequently used stuff.

 

[L0rdShenn]

Not sure if you're still looking for ideas but for the bilge switches, I've seen a couple of guys cut a hole in the side of the console itself and mount them there.
It keeps them out of the way but still easy to reach.
You can also use a smaller, dedicated switch panel for just the bilge pumps and mount that under the dash lip, or on the side panel near your knee.
It's a bit of a tight squeeze but totally doable if you plan it out, and it makes them a little less visible but frees up the main dash for your more frequently used stuff.

Thanks, thats a really helpful perspective! Mounting a dedicated bilge switch panel under the dash lip or on the side panel sounds like a smart way to keep things tidy. Do you know if there are any specific panels or brands that fit well in those tight spots, or did people usually just fabricate something custom??