GW 265 Express new electronics

[ChiTownTommy]

Hi All. I bought a 2005 in superb condition. One owner, fresh water only. I an excited to get her out on Lake Michigan for some salmon next year. As mentioned, the boat is in top class shape but almost no electronics. I am going to dump what is there and start fresh. I am thinking a Furuno setup. I woukd like to ask, has anyone fit TZT3 12 inch mfds on a 265? Will two fit? I am talking on helm and not above. I am open to any other ideas and suggestions. Thanks you in advance.

 

[drbatts]

In the early 2000's when the boat was made most electronic manufacturers did not offer larger screen models that you see today. As a result the electronic box on the 265 is quite small. To accommodate the larger 12" screen you will probably have to cover the opening of the electronic box and flush mount the new electronics. This can be done the expensive way by reglassing it, or the less expensive way using starboard. By doing this you will the loose the added storage space in the electronic box.

 

[SeaVee]

Here’s two 10 inch Garmin’s side by side, not sure if you can go bigger:

 

[SkunkBoat]

Welcome to the BEST Grady model ever built...

to get 12" screens you would have to cut fiberglass to widen the opening, then cover with Starboard or ABS sheet
It can be done but there is no going back....

 

[ChiTownTommy]

Thanks very much to all. Shenis a beauty. I cannot wait to have her up and running. Does anyone have a picture of a job done where the fiberglass was cut to facilitate larger screens?

Thanks again

 

[max366]

Here's a picture of 12" Raymarine Axiom units installed over the electronics box on color matching Starboard. They've been flawless over the past 3 years. The dsm is located in the box.

 

[Sibs]

My 2001 I installed lowrance ad simrad 12” into kingstarboard. No cutting of glass required, measurements must be precise if you don’t want to cut fiberglas, looks factory to me

 

[Fowl Hooked]

Before and after. Extra fiberglass cut out and the threaded inserts for the starboard panel installed. Panel with an AxiomPro 12 and an Axiom 12. Very happy with it but if I was doing it again I’d go with black starboard. Hadn’t planned on the carbon fiber sheet initially so I went with the sea foam starboard color but it works.

 

[ChiTownTommy]

Thank you so much. That is a really nice job. I cannot wait to get going on my boat and cannot wait to post the results (if I don't mess it up!)