The Center Console Boat Project #6 DIY Fiberglass Console#1 Couyon Version

DIY build of a simple fiberglass center console using a female mold and parts of the original cuddy cabin.

[@dustywitherwax2682]

What could possibly go wrong here. That had me in tears. Thanks for the videos. They are really going to help me with my boat.

[@barrylukebuilds7894]

Dusty Glad you are enjoying them! Good luck on your project and thank you. Barry

[@bennettoharriott]

Thank you for sharing. I can't do any of this stuff I'm disabled but I love fab work. Please keep safe while working

[@barrylukebuilds7894]

Ben Thank you for watching! Barry

[@Crewsy]

Looking great Barry. Keep safe with all these nasty storms blowing through.

[@barrylukebuilds7894]

Thanks Wayne! We caught a break on both those storms. Nothing but a little rain. Others didn't fair so well.

[@medicmcauley6729]

That looks awesome, you're building a great boat.

[@barrylukebuilds7894]

Thanks ! My goal is to build a good boat, time will tell....

[@wardhively9594]

I am thinking about building one out of 1/4” PVC sheets and glassing over it. I like the malleability and weld ability of PVC with a heat gun and cement and the structural mechanics of the fiberglass. I think the PVC could remain in place after construction. Would this work as well as I am hoping?

[@barrylukebuilds7894]

Well Ward I don't have any experience with PVC board but it sounds like a plan to me. Go for it!

[@LadyDewBuild]

I am so nervous of doing any fiberglass on my boat I'm avoiding it like the plague...Covid? LOL Thanks for sharing!

[@barrylukebuilds7894]

Donnie I one respect it is no different from metal working or wood working. The more time you spend messing with it the more efficient, less wasteful, quicker, and easier it becomes. My marginal skill levels have come a long way in just three or four weeks. Thanks for watching! Barry

[@daverage4811]

Find something small to make or repair and you’ll get comfortable with it and quickly learn the pitfalls or your limitations. I built fiberglass speaker panels for car audio in a previous life and making things out of fiberglass is pretty fun! Go for it!

[@vettepicking]

You can take your foam scrapes and glue together to make up a larger board. The seams do not affect strength because the mat is where the foam gets its structure

[@barrylukebuilds7894]

I agree! Trust me, at $180 a sheet the only thing I am throwing away is the dust from the saw. And even some of that ends up in my thickener mix.

[@edstimator1]

Definitely going to build one just like it. Curious as to why you always turned the gel coat side into the laminated side? I would have thought the opposite. Not a criticism as obviously it worked and you had a reason but I'm just curious. Also, wondering why you didn't gel coat the part? I think that may be because of the difficulty factor and if so, I totally get that. Really good video/job. I like what you said about not being a perfectionist. That is me all the way.

[@barrylukebuilds7894]

Ed I honestly don't remember having a plan on which way I turned the stiffeners. But being encapsulated with glass on both sides it probably didn't make much of a difference. I skipped the gelcoat knowing my molds were not gelcoat quality. No point on putting on a finish just to sand it mostly off and cover it up with body filler. Thanks for watching and thanks for commenting and good luck on your video! Barry

[@edstimator1]

@@barrylukebuilds7894 Thanks for the information. I want to repeat again how much respect I have for your willingness to take on a project of this size and your ability to bring it to completion. I would love to make a video but probably lack the wherewithal to pull it off. You did a great job on yours. Not a lot of fluff and quite honest in your successes and also in your challenges. It's been quite entertaining and informative. A tip of the hat from one old guy to another.

[@matthewhorne9002]

What were the dimensions of this an what was the angle of the part the steering wheel mounts

[@barrylukebuilds7894]

I will try to get some measurements for you tomorrow.

[@eftalzakirzeren7469]

can you please advise what type of aluminum you have used for the T-Top ( 6001 ? ) and how you have painted it ? As far as I watch you did not use any self-edging paint or primer ..

[@barrylukebuilds7894]

The aluminum pipe I used was ridged aluminum conduit. I don't know the spec on the aluminum but it is very soft, easy to weld and is used a lot in sewer plants (harsh environment). I primed with an epoxy primer rated for aluminum, don' remember the brand. Thanks Barry

[@nikmirando1794]

Came out great! Looking to begin a console build similar to this. What were the dimensions of the console? And how much resin/glass did you end up using in total? New to fiberglass work, was debating framing out the console with 2x4s and using plywood for the faces, then glassing. Leaning mold after watching your vids

[@barrylukebuilds7894]

Thank you Nik! Console size should be determined by tour boat. I used 10 5gal buckets. so I could have saved a little money if I would have purchased a complete drum but I am not set up to handle drums at home so no regrets. If you make the console out of glass covered ply I would forgo the 2xs. Consoles get very small on the interiors and the 2xs should not be needed. I I were to do it all over again I would do the same but instead of adding glass panels as extra stiffeners I would use good ply for ease of cutting and better screw holding. Good luck on your project! Barry

[@nikmirando1794]

@@barrylukebuilds7894 that much resin just for the console? Or for the entire boat build?

[@barrylukebuilds7894]

@@nikmirando1794 Sorry Nik, that was for the entire boat. Not sure what the console used. Barry

[@nikmirando1794]

@@barrylukebuilds7894 no worries, thanks Barry!