Helm - 2012

The helm is tha area from which you steer the boat. So I guess I need to build one. The front section where the ships wheel is located was already done with part of the DC electrical system in behind.
So here's how I started out with just the fuel tank, on April 30th. My brother Ron installed a substantial bracing to hold the tank in place in any storm. I am going to use the cross brace you see here to support the floor. Here is the floor roughed in place. Then I stood in the area to see how much I needed of my big feet. Turned out I needed about 2 feet back from the ships wheel to make it all come together. But first I need to finish up installing the ship's wheel.
   
Before I can go any further I need to finish up around the steering pump. Here it is all done and in place. The cover behind the wheel can be removed to service the hydraulic steering pump.
   
Then I took a stool to see how high the seat should be in order to sit down to steer and look out and around.
Turned out to be 28" before adding a cushion. So here is the start of the frame work. The wax paper is used to stop the glue from gluing the whole shebang to the floor and side. This has to be able to be removed if I need to service anything underneath. 		After I got as far as the last picture, I decided to install sliding doors. I tried to buy the tracks but shipping was so expensive it didn't pay, so I built the tracks myself as you can see here.
   
So here it is all painted. Front view.
   
Removable front cover in place, with the seat top which has storage beneath. Front and side covers in place.
   
Cabinet with shelving done! Gnettie's cook books found a home. May as well start loading it up and getting some boxes off the floor.
   

Here is the first fit for the doors. These will cover up the DC electrical system and the shower plumbing.
The switch panel for all the DC stuff will be on the left hand side, plumbing on the right, Hydraulics for the steering in the center.

Here it is all done except for handles and catches. Finally done on May 21st, 2012, after 3 weeks of work. Each door has Formica on all sides. What a pretty sight.
   
 
Both deck plates in place. The large one is for the fuel tank inspection hole, the other for access to the fuel level sensor.