3D Printing for Boat Parts

My buddy just got his 4th 3D printer that can do almost 16"x16". He sells stupid tchotchkes on Etsy that funds all of them. I put in a GPSMAP 8610 a year ago and there are still some mounting holes from the previous setup that I was eventually going to put Starboard over. Now we are working on printing a faceplate to go between the mfd plus my newly installed VHF (not shown) and the console. He is going to integrate a Phone mount we can feed a phone charging dongle to it as well as updated hanger bracket for VHF headset. Using UV resistant filament. Project will cost a few bucks

 

I’ve been entertaining making a custom console for my next MFD since there’s no place it’ll fit in the dash. I’d like to gel coat over it to match so it looks like a planned addition. I’m wondering if there are examples of these out there that I can use for inspiration as I design this thing. I might even design them for other folks if I get a workflow down.

 

What about jumping into one of these?

 

Here it is completed.

 

I would go for a ride.

 

This is just a thought. But I would consider printing a structure that you want and then layering it with a sheet or two of fiberglass covered with gelcoat. I don’t know what getting the fiberglass to stick to the plastic would entail though.

 

This goes to the left of the helm where the radar was on a 1997 400DA. The original is mounted straight up and down. This angles the unit up toward the user. I can’t find a picture of it installed. Maybe this will help give you an idea for your project.