Replacing laminated cover under steering wheel

[Chessiegrady]

I recently bought a 1998 Grady White 228. I noticed some wood rot and broken laminate on the bottom of the cover that encloses the steering and throttle cables underneath the steering wheel. Looks like Grady used MDF which I thought wasn't made for the outdoor elements. Wondering if anyone has had to replace their cover and if so, where they found the laminate? I was going to build a new plywood cover and glue the same color laminate over the wood but cannot find such laminate. Picture of cover attached. Thanks.

 

[leeccoll]

I used the old bulkhead as a template to fabricate a new one using 3/4" marine grade plywood, and sealed the edges and lower portion where water might come in to play 100% with 2 part epoxy and a paint roller.
As far as the laminate, I just used enamel based paint, but I would think there are some laminate alternatives you can chase down. At least with the paint, using your old bulkhead, you can get a paint store to match the color for you.

Good luck,

Lee

PS-Have you tried to call Grady White customer relations to see if they can tell you where they sourced the laminate?
Worth a shot...

 

[Parthery]

I made one out of 3/4” Starboard in the off white color. Works perfectly.

 

[Chessiegrady]

I used the old bulkhead as a template to fabricate a new one using 3/4" marine grade plywood, and sealed the edges and lower portion where water might come in to play 100% with 2 part epoxy and a paint roller.
As far as the laminate, I just used enamel based paint, but I would think there are some laminate alternatives you can chase down. At least with the paint, using your old bulkhead, you can get a paint store to match the color for you.

Good luck,

Lee

PS-Have you tried to call Grady White customer relations to see if they can tell you where they sourced the laminate?
Worth a shot...

Thanks. I figured I would end up going that path. I sent pictures to the local Grady White dealer and their parts department contacted Grady who said they didn't have any information. Maybe it is worth calling them myself to see what they say. Thanks again.

 

[wrxhoon]

It should be plywood with some laminate. In my old boat the bottom 1/2" of the laminate was damaged. I touched up with some paint.
You should be able to source the material somewhere I would think, if not you can use marine ply and glue some laminex on to it.

 

[Chessiegrady]

I made one out of 3/4” Starboard in the off white color. Works perfectly.

Thanks for the information. I will look into this product.

 

[Chessiegrady]

It should be plywood with some laminate. In my old boat the bottom 1/2" of the laminate was damaged. I touched up with some paint.
You should be able to source the material somewhere I would think, if not you can use marine ply and glue some laminex on to it.

Thanks for the feedback. I started researching the idea of using laminex over the wood instead of painting it.

 

[seasick]

If you use plywood, use regular exterior grade or marine but not pressure treated. If all the problems are on the bottom edges, I would look at cutting off any rotten material, sealing the exposed edges with epoxy and adding a pvc or Starboard 'toe kick'. That can be just plain flat, 1/4 inch material or thicker with perhaps a routed top edge to shed water.

 

[Chessiegrady]

If you use plywood, use regular exterior grade or marine but not pressure treated. If all the problems are on the bottom edges, I would look at cutting off any rotten material, sealing the exposed edges with epoxy and adding a pvc or Starboard 'toe kick'. That can be just plain flat, 1/4 inch material or thicker with perhaps a routed top edge to shed water.

Thanks for this idea.

 

[SouthFork]

I redid mine with Starboard. 2x4 sheet at Home Depot is $54 for 1/2”

 

[seasick]

I redid mine with Starboard. 2x4 sheet at Home Depot is $54 for 1/2”

I used to see 1/2 starboard at Home Depot but not in several years. When and where did you find it?

 

[SouthFork]

I live in Stuart Fl and was at HD yesterday and they had plenty

 

[seasick]

Hmmmmm. Probably more marine demand in that area as opposed to NYC

 

[Parthery]

It's readily available on Amazon.