Freedom 40 Center Cockpit Console

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bad
Posts: 184
Joined: Sat Jul 09, 2011 11:14 am

Freedom 40 Center Cockpit Console

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We are in the process of refitting our boat - one project is the teak inlaid top of the center console that was showing its 30+ years of age. Ours is and american built hull with the console top being a single piece that is hinged aft, at the wheel. in Europe the style of the top is different - in part because it seems to hinge in the middle. Rather than duplicating the teak pattern, we decided to create a more traditional look and teak plank the entire top. Similar to some other projects, we got to create a lot of fiberglass dust. Still not done, but getting close - here a some photos of our progress...

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We want a single surface to lay down the teak planks - seemed easier to chip out the glass ribs and old teak, then sand it smooth. Def. took some work with an old chisel, grinder, and sander.

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We backfilled with epoxy bog, then a layer of roving. Hardest part was routering the edge along the perimeter straight and smooth.

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Dry run on laying out the teak planking. We were able to find some used wood on CL, probably less than $2 a board foot. Did have to resaw it, which is something I had never done.

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Helping the epoxy kick off in the cold, cold California winters (it was 64F...)

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Routering the hole and relief for the compass.

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My plan is to use a 5" deck fitting and mount the compass on top - thus having it removable. This way we can use the console top as a work surface if necessary. Once all the teak is laid down, it has to be caulked, then the entire top sanded.

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