Your thoughts on switch panel cover/enclosure?

[HomePort]

On my 420 Sedan Bridge, the upper station switch panel on the starboard side of the bridge is exposed. Passengers, when leaning on the bridge to brace themselves, can accidentally lean on the switches. My 8 year-old son accidentally turned off the starboard engine while we were underway this past summer. (I've enclosed a picture below so you can see what I mean. It's not my actual boat but displays the switch panel well.)

I'm surprised that they're so exposed and I would love to have some sort of clear enclosure, maybe plexiglass, that lifts and lowers on hinges.

Has anyone ever seen something like this on one of the sedan bridge boats? I imagine it's unlikely but maybe someone has had the same idea and fabricated something of this nature.

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

- Port

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[Gofirstclass]

I don't think making a cover for that would be a hard job. Somewhere around you there must be a plastic fabrication shop that could whip it up in short order.

If I were building one I'd hinge it at the top with a stainless steel piano hinge, have it tall enough to cover all the switches, and have it bend down to rest against the helm below the panel. I don't think it's important to have sides on it because it's already exposed to the weather. Obviously it doesn't need any additional weatherproofing.

I'd probably do it in 1/4" clear lexan so it wouldn't be likely to crack if someone did sit on it or put their feet up on it.

How about posting some pics of it when you get finished with the project?

GFC

 

[HomePort]

Thanks for the input GFC. Much appreciated. I think I am going to do ahead this this project. However, in order to do so, I have to figure out how to do in a way that still gives me full access to the horn without having to lift up the cover.

- Port