Cuttings Gauge Holes In Vinyl Wrapped Helm

[christophertew]

Hello Everybody. This is my first post on iBoats so please forgive me if i posted this in the wrong place.

I am in the middle of a pontoon boat restore with my brother in law and we are updating the helm since the original was all rotted in the bottom and looks horrible.

We bought a new helm similar to this http://www.basspro.com/Wise-Plastic-Frame-Deluxe-Pontoon-Furniture-Captains-Stand-Model-WD115/product/103818/ but its wrapped in Vinyl and I dont want to ruin it when cutting the holes for the new instruments and steering column.

Does anybody have any suggestions on the proper way to cut holes in the Vinyl and not mess it all up.

FYI: the helm is made of plastic (ABS).

Thanks in advance.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Cuttings Gauge Holes In Vinyl Wrapped Helm

Carefully cut a large hole thru the upholstery vinyl, then the console. Install your gauges & steering column in a panel that then attaches to the console & covers the cutout.

Like this:

Is ^^^ 1 way.

 

[alldodge]

Re: Cuttings Gauge Holes In Vinyl Wrapped Helm

Hello Everybody. This is my first post on iBoats so please forgive me if i posted this in the wrong place.

I am in the middle of a pontoon boat restore with my brother in law and we are updating the helm since the original was all rotted in the bottom and looks horrible.

We bought a new helm similar to this Wise Plastic Frame Deluxe Pontoon Furniture - Captain's Stand - Model WD115 | Bass Pro Shops but its wrapped in Vinyl and I dont want to ruin it when cutting the holes for the new instruments and steering column.

Does anybody have any suggestions on the proper way to cut holes in the Vinyl and not mess it all up.

FYI: the helm is made of plastic (ABS).

Thanks in advance.

:welcome: to iboats

If there is any padding behind the vinyl there will be real issues with gauges and very little area to hold the vinyl from slipping out over time. To go this direct I would suggest removing the vinyl from the panel, make all holes and reinstall the vinyl.

If you remove the panel and work from the backside with a hole saw would be best. Allow the drill bit to come through and very slowly cut a bit until the large hole can be removed before it cuts in the vinyl. You can then fold the vinyl through the hole and secure.

Another way would be to get a piece of aluminum plate, cut your holes, polish and or paint. Then cut one hole for the plate and screw down.

 

[wrench 3]

Re: Cuttings Gauge Holes In Vinyl Wrapped Helm

I haven't tried it with gauges, but for installing radios in padded vinyl panels I've cut an X in the vinyl a little bit smaller than the hole will be.(For a round hole you would probable need more cuts) Then cut the foam out to the size of the bezel on whatever your installing. Next stretch the vinyl back to allow you to cut the hole. Finally pull the strips of vinyl through the hole and staple them to the back of the panel. This will keep the tension on the vinyl and stop the edges from becoming exposed if the vinyl shrinks.

BTW welcome to Iboats. It's nice to see a new member.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Cuttings Gauge Holes In Vinyl Wrapped Helm

All the suggestions would work but IMHO, "Wrench3" has the proper solution. Measure the instruments for the appropriate hole diameters. Cut the vinyl in a octagon star pattern in that diameter and remove any padding. Drill the holes from the Back side if possible, if not fold the slits back and tape them off and carefully drill out the holes from the front. Now, Tuck the vinyl into the holes and glue or staple behind. Insert the instruments and install the bezels. Voila' Done!!!

 

[Fleetwin]

Re: Cuttings Gauge Holes In Vinyl Wrapped Helm

I haven't tried it with gauges, but for installing radios in padded vinyl panels I've cut an X in the vinyl a little bit smaller than the hole will be.(For a round hole you would probable need more cuts) Then cut the foam out to the size of the bezel on whatever your installing. Next stretch the vinyl back to allow you to cut the hole. Finally pull the strips of vinyl through the hole and staple them to the back of the panel. This will keep the tension on the vinyl and stop the edges from becoming exposed if the vinyl shrinks.

BTW welcome to Iboats. It's nice to see a new member.

That's the way I have done it. The "X" method. Cut the slits as small as possible to get your hole saw through. You can always make the cuts bigger but NOT smaller.:facepalm:

The amount of vinyl you actually will have to remove will depend on when and if you can get your guage through the hole with the vinyl around it. Go slow, remove very little at a time.

 

[christophertew]

Re: Cuttings Gauge Holes In Vinyl Wrapped Helm

Thanks everybody for the quick replies.

i think im going to try the "X" Method but i like the idea of using a panel. Any suggestions on where to get a panel material for cheap that will last?

thanks again

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Cuttings Gauge Holes In Vinyl Wrapped Helm

Aluminum plate from a local recycle place will probably be the cheapest. You can order cut-off's of Starboard online (search ebay) that usually aren't too expensive & is workable w/ wood cutting tools. You could also use a plywood panel sealed w/ epoxy & painted.