Overhead Electronic Box Question

[ndb8fxe]

I have an newly purchased boat with a t-top. My electronics will consist of an already purchased Garmin 178C(taken from my old boat), and future purchase of a marine vhf, and a stereo of some sort.



I think I will mount the GPS/Sounder on the console, but thinking of getting an box for the remainder.

Is it worth it to install the overhead box just for the two items(vhf+radio)?

Also if I do the box, should I put a bus bar up there to make the connections?

What brand/type of boxes do you all recommend?

Thanks in advance.

Chris L.

[swamppro]

The boxes are nic for a catch all. I know everyone will chime on this and say how well there neck feels after all day on the water looking up at electronics in the box. I would put a buss bar in there for t-top lights and spotlight if applicable. Definitely put the gps on the dash. SSI makes a nice box that I have installed before and it is stout.

[Tightline Rod's]

Yes it is you will find your self storing items up there ... run a heavy gage wire up there for your buss bars
I would add both Positive and Negative ones....

here is a picture of my stereo & VHF install I have since added a XM unit .......


I thin k you can still buy Box's from Birdsall ...

How come it did not come factory installed?..

John

[warthog5]

VHF & AM/FM radio in the E-Box overhead. GPS & FF on or flush mounted in console.
Dawson Boat's has some nice box's they make.
http://www.rlsebring.com/fiberglass%20parts.htm

[Tightline Rod's]

Just an update ...If you can find a Box that has a panel that is removable from the front it makes installing items a lot easier!!!!

Mine does and I love it


John

[cgrand]

how do these boxes generally attach to the t-top?
what gauge wire is generally recommended for the run from under the console?
i assume that these things are waterproof, at least from the back & sides?
what about flush mounting speakers on the front or sides for tunes...would that mess with the vhf?

i'm thinking of moving my vhf and using the rest of the box as a glove compartment

[swamppro]

Each t-top allows these boxes to be mounted differently. Some can be bolted directly to the t-top supports and some I have taken aluminum flat bar and made mounts for them. These things take a pounding so put bar on the inside and good washers. I have installed many speakers on the underside of the boxes with no problems at all.They are waterproof all around if mounted and sealed correctly.

[cgrand]

thanks barrett

do you know of a fabricator close by that could make me one out of aluminum?
i used to have a guy in BR who did that kind of stuff, but unfortunately he passed away this spring

[swamppro]

Cgrand, Sorry to hear about that. I might know someone, let me check on it for you.

[SWFLNavigation]

I had our in house installer make a flush panel that would only take up half of my E-box so the rest would be useable.

[kingair]

Here, you can make your won E-Box using Davinicil foam (sp).


http://www.diynet.com/diy/bo_enhance...277712,00.html

[ndb8fxe]

Thanks for the suggestions. I like the ones pictured and will most likely do something like that.

Thanks again,

Chris L.

[ndb8fxe]

How much should I expect to spend on a box? Kingair, I read the DIY articlle and think I could do it, but finding free time is the problem. Do you fly a King Air?

Chris L.

[Tightline Rod's]

well they very greatly in price and size plus I would hav a installer add brackets to your existing top for chaseways. but here are a sample price listing from Birdsall marine
http://www.birdsallmarine.com/page19.html

25100 28 x 8" White $478.00
25102 28 x 10" White $489.00
25200 30 x 8" White $478.00
25202 30 x 10" White $489.00
25300 32 x 8" White $478.00
25302 32 x 10" White $489.00
25400 34 x 8" White $489.00
25402 34 x 10" White $500.00
25500 36 x 8" White $499.00
25502 36 x 10" White $514.00
25600 38 x8" White $500.00
25503 Rolled Front 36" x 10" White $675.00
25900 Flush Mount Panel $91.00
25901 Fwd. Access Panel $69.00
25902 Custom Color $52.00
25903 Replacement Lock $13.50
25904 Replacement Spring $13.50
25905 Replacement Hinge $16.50


John

[cgrand]

yeah...those boxes from birdsall look nice, AND they are powdercoated aluminum, which is exactly what i want, but dang, $500 is alot of gas money

[Tightline Rod's]

I saw a couple nice ones on Ebay for half ...

John

[cgrand]

how bout a link?

[HOTSPOT]

Take a look at these Chris.

ELECTRONICS-FIBERGLASS-BOX-FOR-BOAT-T-TOPS-MARINE

CE-SMITH-FIBERGLASS-LOCKING-ELECTRONICS-BOX-NEW

[Tightline Rod's]

Just for you Chris

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CE-SM...spagenameZWDVW


and

http://search.ebay.com/electronics-b...Z1QQsacatZ6000


John

[ndb8fxe]

Thanks, I appreciate it.

Chris L.