F-32 question

summer storm · Post by **summer storm** » Wed Dec 08, 2010 9:06 am

Over the lower helm there is what looks like a box that runs from port to starboard all the way forward on the overhead.. Just above the helm I have my pump, running lights, and other switches mounted to this box. On my boat, this "box" is covered with wood.

My question is- Does anyone know what is behind the wood? Is it a frame or is it molded fiberglass? Over the years my wood has faded and I would like to remove it and just leave the fiberglass, but this will not work if there are cut outs and holes here and there. It looks to me like the wood panels are glued on, but the trim parts are nailed?

g36 · Post by **g36** » Wed Dec 08, 2010 9:43 am

i have a 78 f32 and mine is just molded fiberglass. a pic of what you are talking about would be nice to see. but i wonder if a previous owner put this wood up there to cover some holes. i dont know if its from the factory like that sorry. on mine and probably yours right above the helm i have a large plastic plate that has many switches could you maybe take that out and shine a light with a mirror in hand and try to view some of the area you are wondering about from the back side? might work, i knows theres not much room. just a thought

wowzer52 · Post by **wowzer52** » Wed Dec 08, 2010 12:22 pm

My wood trim is screwed to the fiberglass along both sides and the rear. Like g36 said, pics would help.

summer storm · Post by **summer storm** » Wed Dec 08, 2010 2:19 pm

pics tonight when I get home

rossjo · Post by **rossjo** » Wed Dec 08, 2010 6:01 pm

On the bridge deck? The cover the steering chain?

DAVIDLOFLAND · Post by **DAVIDLOFLAND** » Wed Dec 08, 2010 7:58 pm

All fiberglass on my 77 F32, too. Do post pics.

summer storm · Post by **summer storm** » Wed Dec 08, 2010 10:33 pm

Here are a couple of pics. Mine is a 1977, I am starting to think that the PO installed this wood.

http://picasaweb.google.com/yachtMissyB/Pictures#

captainmaniac · Post by **captainmaniac** » Wed Dec 08, 2010 11:11 pm

The wood is either encapsulating, or replacing, the molded in bulkhead. On my '79, the switch panel you have in the pic is mounted directly to the fibreglass bulkhead. Behind it should be a big empty space. Its primary purpose is to serve as a wiring conduit and be a mounting surface with space cavity to accept instrumentation and electronics. It may also serve a bit of a structural purpose as well for all I know.

DAVIDLOFLAND · Post by **DAVIDLOFLAND** » Wed Dec 08, 2010 11:27 pm

I would bet the original fiberglass is still behind the wood. All of our ceilings, I believe, came from the same mold. I agree it was probably done by a PO. Not a bad effect, though. Looks kinda cool.

Stripermann2 · Post by **Stripermann2** » Thu Dec 09, 2010 8:32 am

I agree with David,

My brother's 32 is a 1977 as well and is all fiberglass, port to starboard.
There was perhaps at one time, some modifications by an owner and they use the facia wood you have now as a cover-up and enhancement feature...Or simply used it to enhance the overhead.

The wood is probably held in with structural adhesive while the trim is nailed to that.

summer storm · Post by **summer storm** » Thu Dec 09, 2010 2:58 pm

Thanks for the help guys. I'll be pulling it off this weekend. May replace the wood or leave the fiberglass. Now I hope the PO didn't put this wood up to hide some damage or old cutouts.