“Dash” cover for overhead galley area?

[Chumpy36]

I need to enlarge the hole there in order to make my deck repair so I’ll need some sort of cover that extends over to the right. I’ve seen plenty of pictures of these, but are most people making their own? Or are their retail options?

[NiceAft]

That looks like a simple piece of grey plexiglass. Is there a custom plastics shop, or a sign shop nearby that can cut you a piece to fit your needs.

[Chumpy36]

Hmmm, good idea. I could cut my own but I imagine it would look like crap.

Anyone else care to share what they did?

Thanks all!

[Stickinthemud57]

I added an access door under the V-berth so that area could be accessed more easily. I think that is similar to what you appear to be planning above the galley. https://macgregorsailors.com/mods/index ... em&id=2151

It was pretty easy. I determined the size I need and asked a local plastic supply company (sellers of plexiglass, lexan, and the like) to cut the piece from opaque black plexiglass, round the corners, and ease the edges in a demi-bullnose, like on the below-galley hatch. I drilled my own holes for the hardware. If you do this, be sure to use a drill bit designed for plastic, which should be available from your plastic supplier. Otherwise, they should be able to drill and countersink those holes for you.

I think I paid something like $40 for my 12x13" piece. Definitely worth it. Cutting plex properly requires the right equipment and some know-how.

Also, when you start drilling holes for the screws, select your drill bit size carefully. Too small a hole and the fiberglass liner will crack. Too large and the screw will strip out.

[Chumpy36]

I called a couple places and they didn’t want to deal with a small order so I picked up a couple thin pieces of oak that I might laminate together or use just one in the hopes I could work it with the tools I have here.

I did get the space cut out tho. Will follow up on other thread.