Electronics Installation

[NCangler]

Excellent! I spoke to Chad and suggested that they add the console electronics insert kit to their shipstore. I think they are selling the two side panels with routed track and the blank insert for $125.00.

You can then use your electronics templates and a rotozip to cut out your electronics to mount as you desire. I was able to hook up and drop in my electronics in a matter of about 3 minutes and could close and lock the console lid if desired. And at the end of the day it was easy to disconnect the electronics and take them in the house for safe keeping.

Here is a picture of my original install that Chad did.



I later bought the new Furuno FCV 620 and moved the CD/Stereo to the back wall of the console for permanent mount and I cut out an access area (as seen below) to reach back to the stereo and to be able to store wallet, keys, etc. behind the electronics when underway. I was very pleased with the result.

[MolarBoater]

Man, that sure is one high tech file cabinet!

[OspreyVic]

Molar -- now that made me laugh and I needed that.

[NCangler]

Made me laugh too!

[Genelie]

definetly a SWEET set up, I see we have the same navnet system, I went with the 582 fish finder...all in all great systems. Did i meantion I really like your set up/// I am drulling here.

[fridaysoff]

Randy,
Would that fit the 195CC console? If not will Chad make one to fit? Thanks.
John D.

[NCangler]

I'm not sure if it would fit the 195 or not but I'm sure Chad can make a kit for other models. I'll forward this to him to respond.

[SubmersibleGeek]

I finally got around to finishing my electronics install with the kit I got from Merritt Marine. I think it turned out pretty well but I am biased. Couple things to note if your are going to go this route.

If you look at NCangler's electronics pic you will notice that his board is mounted vertically. When I got my kit from Merritt the side pieces were cut to mount the electronics board sloping back at about 20 degrees. I think this made for a better end result but it also made the install more difficult.

If you order a kit from Merritt I suggest specifying what angle you want the board mounted at. You can see from the other pics that I had to cut a hole in the back of the console to have space for the pigtails on the back of the VHF and radio. This was due to the slope of the board, not the size of the console or the electronics. The other thing about the slope is that I cannot remove the board without first removing all the electronics from it. So the install is semi-permanent (no high tech file cabinets for me). This is fine because it means its very difficult for anyone else to remove the electronics also.

The other thing, as you can see in the pics is the the bottom of the board is flush against the front of the electronics box. It doesn't leave any room for the cord of the VHF mic. I have to make sure I have the cord tucked in properly to prevent pinching it when I close the console cover.

I think the slope does make for a better viewing angle so if you can handle leaving your electronics installed I would go with the angle, just make some measurements first and specify what angle you want to Merritt or just cut it yourself.

[NCangler]

Nice work and thanks for sharing it! Actually my install was at a slight angle but I had to figure the height and depth of my electronics that determined where to put the insert tracks in order to still be able to close the console lid.

[Genelie]

Okay you guys definently are making me jealous....such nice work....if it were not for the fact that I do not have a electronics box slash storage box above...I would surley do this...it looks as if they came from the factory...well done.