MACO Center console boat w/hardtop upgrade

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Billylll

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I have a 21-22 MAKO Center console boat it has a faded red cloth top and an Aluminum frame already. Since I am going some serious upgrades I am wondering if I can use a large piece of white Starboard and the bolt it to the frame?
This would give me a place for a 50 to 70 watt solar panels, new LED anchor light, VHF main antenna, WiFi antenna, AIS transponder antenna, position sensor and the GPS antenna and still have room to add a small 18" Radar dome. Has anyone ever done this what are the pro's or con's of doing this? I am upgrading the electronics to a Garmin 740s, NMEA2000 system to accommodate the antennas and solar panel or panels for the electronic upgrade, the frame also has an electronics box and the battery system has already been moved to under the center console and has 2 battery banks of (3) 31 series AGM batteries and a 1, 2 & All battery switch with an ACR to charge the house bank by the solar array and the outboard motors small alternator, suggestions?
Bill
 
Starboard might be too heavy. There are thinner fiberglass sheets that workreally well for this and they are alot lighter and cheaper.
 
Well I had a change in plans the fiberglass top goes on it this weekend. I am installing (2) 55 watt solar panels, a MorningStar controller, (3) 31 series AGMs under the console, a 60 amp BlueSea ACR, NMEA2000 network with a Garmin 740s, a Class B AIS and the Wave EC WiFi unit. I figured I need a test boat for when I install Marina based WiFi systems and a (sales platform). So I just bought a trailer for the boat so I can tow it to show customers the difference between a bare bones laptop and a full blown EC unit. You can still install the best Hotspot but without the boat being properly equipped your range will still be limited. My Son will use it for fishing with his friends, my Wife and I can use it in the back Bay for fun 95% of the time. My Son likes the name Half Wireless. Most of the stuff I already have from leftovers when I built Wireless One. The WiFi will be used by my Son as well as his buddies that all carry iPOod's, iPhones and probably iPads. It's really not costing me much money to do this so I figured what the hey!
Bill
 
The AIS is so Mama Bear know's where her Cub's are!
Bill
 
I gotta see pictures when this is done, sounds like a great, fun. project.
 
I'll post some before and after pictures soon. I expect this to be done by next weekend.
Bill
 
Bill....your 'electronics' energy is nothing short of amazing....can't wait to see the pics.
 
I can't find his post, but I believe that Pascal replaced his canvas flybridge bimini top with starboard. I recall he had detailed instructions on how to curve it to match the frame. PM him.
 
Updated, the fiberglass hardtop was formed and made last Friday. I'm glad I went with the glass because it is lighter and will be easier to keep clean. It really looks much better than the old canvas laced top on the existing frame. Since the boat already had an Electronics box I went over antenna and lighting arangments yesterday with the guy installing the hardware. I will be wiring the boat. I decided to remove the cover on the old electronics overhead box and install 1/2" Starboard where the Garmin 740s, Garmin VHF200, new FM/CD/iPOD radio system, Solar controller display and a 6 circuit and 2 DC outlet panel will be flush mounted. There is no reason for the old hinged cover because the top provides protection, all the devices have covers and the devices are all NEMA rated for marine outdoor use. The Wave EC/AP/ER will be mounted on the side of the overhead box. I am creating a NMEA2000 network which will allow me to add sensors as needed. I ordered the wrong transducer for the 740s so I have to contact Les today. I made the mistake by ordering a shoot thru the hull 1kw unit when I wanted a Brass through hull unit, just a minor setback. I expect to have the boat back in the water by next weekend and completed. The (3) 31 series AGM's are due in today. I have also added a small 60amp BlueSea ACR to seperate the house loads from the starting battery. Since the boat already had it's battery swith and batteries installed under the center console this should be an easy upgrade. I ended up with 2 55 watt solar panels for charging when the sun is out or the outboard isn't running. I still have a large selection of LED fixtures from when I did W1 so I don't need to purchase them just install them. That's the update for now.
Bill
 
If the weather clears I will be able to finish the wiring today. The new top looks great, the overhead panel looks excellent and the solar panels are in place.
The thru hull was installed and I added a Garmin fuel flow sensor and tank level monitor to the NMEA2000 network.
I have to change out the bow fixture to LED and I am replacing the stern light/poles base and pole/fixture with a new LED unit. There is about 4 to 6 hours of work left before the boat will be completed. I have "before" pictures.
To be honest the boat has a completely different modern look to it.
Bill
 
I finally finished today with the exception of a custom Starboard platform between the drivers bench seat and the center console and installing 2 throughhull Oceans Blue lights. I will take pictures this weekend and post them. It has turned into a really sweet ride.
Bill
 
DSCF0696.jpg


The boat before I started working on it
 
DSCF0692.jpg

Here is another picture before any modifications were done
Bill
 
New hardtop, electronics box, Maretron heading sensor (NMEA2000), solar panels, new VHF antenna, GOS NMEA2000 antenna and WiFi antenna
DSCF0770.jpg
 
Another shoot with new canvas and Eisenglass and seat covers
DSCF0769.jpg
 
With new electronics Garmin 740s, NMEA2000 GPS, Solar controller, Garmin VHF200 radio, Wave EC-ER WiFi, new face on the electronics box.
DSCF0765.jpg
 
The bottom was cleaned, painted and the sides waxed. The teak work was all refinished. The original top and Eisenglass canvas was faded red. The top was replaced with a white fiberglass hardtop, the red canvas and seat covers were replaced with Green canvas and new Eisenglass. The rear battery switch and batteries were replaced with center console mounted 31 series AGM Lifeline batteries and the switch moved forward. All lighting was replaced with 2NM LED navigation lightings. I still have to install the AIS Class B transponder, through hull blue LED lighting and all the courtesy lighting gets fresh LED lighting. I also replaced the rear Halogen flood light with a Lumans high intensity LED fixed spotlight. There isn't much more to do. It's a nice dry ride much nicer than the Monteray. This baby really gets up and goes much quicker than the old IO and 4.3L on the Monteray this boat replaced.
My son's really love the boat (so do my Wife & I). I will take some pictures of the battery system and ACR wiring and post them once I replace the courtesy lighting with LEDs hopefully this weekend.
Bill
 
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