I need to fit a chart plotter combo into a nice gloss white dash panel where a previous combo was fitted.
The big challange is the existing hole is bigger in depth than the new combo.
Any suggestions how I can do the installation so it looks the part and professional
Hi Warwicki
If you wanted to do it the proper way you would have to fibreglass up the hole to the correct size
But if you wanted to do it the easy way you could get a piece of gloss white perspex to match you gloss white fibreglass or a different colour to match your plotter that would cover the large hole and cut a hole in it to suit the new plotter
Regards Don
The other thing to check is if the manufacturer of your new plotter does a surround for it to go into a larger existing hole
GME do this for their VHF radios if you are replacing a early large radio with a new smaller model
Regards Don
Select to expand quoteDonk107 said..
The other thing to check is if the manufacturer of your new plotter does a surround for it to go into a larger existing hole
GME do this for their VHF radios if you are replacing a early large radio with a new smaller model
Regards Don
Raymarine do also for some of their chartplotters
Thanks for the suggestions.
I contacted Garmin who do not have infill panels - damm. I thought this was odd as I am sure I am not the only boater with this requirement.
While doing the potentially 'proper method' the chance of getting a long lasting successful colour match is risky.
So I am now thinking of visiting a plastic product business and seeing what they can do
I've got the same problem Warwicki, was fitting a new digital ammeter/voltmeter to the instrument panel - did a perfect cutout with a Dremel router. Only thing - I made the hole too large by 5mm all round 
regards,
allan
If you are going to go the plastic route i would measure the size you need and unless you want to cut it out yourself this company near you should be able to cut it to size www.specialisedwholesale.com.au/manufacturing
Regards Don
Good idea thought this would be an option.
Just trying to get comfortable that the finished job will look professional.
Another option is to sell my combo unit and buy a physically larger combo.
Make a panel that covers the entire area where your previous instrument was, put a decorative or contrasting finish on the panel to make it look like it belongs there, rather than an after thought. Then mount your new instrument in the new panel in the location where the hole is behind it.
