New Dash Panels - Flounder Pounder vs. Tecnografic

[midexp]

So was am ready to replace my old nasty faded dash panels and was planning on buying them from FP, but was told about Tecnografics. Unlike FP, they don't have my patterns for the cut-outs. But visually the Tecnografics look nicer. Has anyone used Tecnografics and why not FP?

Thanks

 

[b_arrington]

I got new panels for a 98 270 DA from FP. They were good, but brittle. I had drill a hole in one and cracked it, cost another $90 to replace. They are VERY easy to crack when drilling.

My 270 AJ had panels by Tecnografics. They were thicker, had a beveled edge, cut easily, and felt like they were higher quality. I liked them better. But, there is something to be said for panels that are ready made with no templating especially with curves.

 

[AJSB]

I had contacted both when I redid my dash but chose Tecnographics for the reasons Brad mentioned (finished rounded edges, glossy finish, etc). The price wasn’t that much higher and they did have the template for the 290/340s at that time, including trim tabs, drive trims, spotlight. I did a custom upper but the size and shape was same as factory, just sent them the dimensions for the cutouts. I also had them add an extra switch cut out for a washdown and it wasn’t any problem modifying the template. I’d double check with them on the templates, perhaps send them a few pics as it may be same as a different model they have on hand.

 

[Tripsdad]

The panel on the left came from Technografics. My boat didn’t have a panel there when I bought it but I sent them the dimensions and told them which Garmin unit I was installing and they made the panel with the cutout so an easy upgrade. Very happy with the quality for the same reasons as stated above.

 

[b_arrington]

FYI here are pics of the FP panels I installed.

 

[Skybolt]

I got new panels for a 98 270 DA from FP. They were good, but brittle. I had drill a hole in one and cracked it, cost another $90 to replace. They are VERY easy to crack when drilling.

My 270 AJ had panels by Tecnografics. They were thicker, had a beveled edge, cut easily, and felt like they were higher quality. I liked them better. But, there is something to be said for panels that are ready made with no templating especially with curves.

To Brads point on being brittle, I had three smaller panels made up last year and in drilling two of them they cracked, the third also cracked after in was installed. Now I am going to replace it all again including my dash since I finally finished my upgrades. I have always used them, but ...

Not going to go with FP anymore, sorry Ken, and am going to go with Tecnografics. Can't be any worse then what I just experienced. I am going to order a smaller panel first and see how that comes out then the dash.

 

[DrPringle]

I used technograph
No complaints finished edges
Sent them cut out dimensions
Everything worked and looks great

 

[dtfeld]

I have both. The Technografic is nicer and you can customize it. They will layout the panel in CAD and allow you to make changes or approve it as is. I changed the order of some switches that made better sense to me, and they engraved new labels to match. The edges are rounded over and I think the whole thing is dip coated. The final touch is it will come with new back lighting. For your main panel it it the way to go.

 

[ocgrant]

Plus 1 on Technografics. Sam is my guy there always willing to help

 

[bfernald0]

I have both. The Technografic is nicer and you can customize it. They will layout the panel in CAD and allow you to make changes or approve it as is. I changed the order of some switches that made better sense to me, and they engraved new labels to match. The edges are rounded over and I think the whole thing is dip coated. The final touch is it will come with new back lighting. For your main panel it it the way to go.

I did the HD panels at FP. I customized it with different switches and a simrad display in the place of the tridata. They sent me a cad markup to approve. Installed perfectly. No cracking so far...

 

[midexp]

Thanks for all the helpful feedback. I have sent Tecongrafic pictures of my instrument panels and will see what they have to say. It appears the Tecnografics are a bit nicer? And it seems like the FP ones easily damage when trying to modify.

 

[midexp]

Question for the guys who replaced their dash panels. Did you have these thin strips with wires stuck to the back of you panels? I can only image they are to illuminate the lettering when you turn your running lights on? What did you do with them?
Thanks

 

[bfernald0]

I did and they are. I carefully removed the strips from the old panel, bought foil tape, and carefully reaffixed the strips to the new panel (in my case the fp HD panel). Worked perfectly.

 

[bobeast]

I went with a combo. For the gage, windlass, and switch panels, I went with FP. Then I bought a blank sheet from TG and cut out the port panel at home.

 

[unsalted]

For what it is worth, I’m in the middle of replacing my panels on my 310DA with Flounder Pounder panel kits. I went with Black Stardust for a change up and the Heavy Duty (HD) option, which is a thicker panel and rounded edges. I bought replacement backlight strips but I’ve still got a gremlin in my backlight wiring that existed before I began the replacement. FP will make custom cuts in your panels to accommodate your electronics for an additional $35 charge.

 

[Maybe A Dancer]

I'm getting ready to do the same.

Got all the new gauges sitting in a box

Thinking about going with NEW WIRE MARINE not just for the panels, but they can set up the rocker switches engraved with ANYTHING you want - PLUS.....

they are lit at night

NO MORE BACK LIGHTING THE TEXT ON THE PANELS !

The only drawback is I need to make templates for ALL the panels.

BEST !

TWS

 

[Blown284]

Technografic is great but be prepared to wait and wait a long time......

 

[unsalted]

The only drawback is I need to make templates for ALL the panels.

I like those switches. You could also consider FP panels with New Wire Marine switches. They are standard Carling switches and should install into the FP panels as they are setup for carling switches. I got my FP panels in a week, which was very nice. You can look for the switch kit on FP and it will give you all the carling part numbers for the various switches to help with your ordering if needed.

 

[GirlyGirl1999]

I'm getting ready to do the same.

Got all the new gauges sitting in a box

Thinking about going with NEW WIRE MARINE not just for the panels, but they can set up the rocker switches engraved with ANYTHING you want - PLUS.....

they are lit at night

NO MORE BACK LIGHTING THE TEXT ON THE PANELS !

The only drawback is I need to make templates for ALL the panels.

BEST !

TWS

I also went with New Wire when I went blue, switches are great!

 

[Skybolt]

Technografic is great but be prepared to wait and wait a long time......

Yep, sent Connor my dash template the first week in Feb and still haven't received the finished panel yet. Think I am still two weeks out.