Our 2002 49 Eastbay did not have exhaust temperature alarms. So we removed an old style AIS box in the overhead and replaced it with this unit. I asked the tech to use clear plexi and triedd to talk me out of it. I like the look.
Can't say I like the look with all the wires showing, but yours is the only taste that matters. My question is how do you access that mute button (if it's behind the plexi. Can't tell in the pic)?
The tiny red button on the outside is the mute. We will neaten up the wires showing with wire ties of mixed colors. Now that is detail. Backlighting may be added later. I invited the neighbor skipper over to have a look and he looked at the tech like.. "is he serious".. funny
Couldn't tell if the mute was in front of or behind the plexi from the pic. So that's good. Well you got my opinion and that of the tech and your dock neighbor, but again only your opinion matters. And it's easy enough to change it if you change your mind.
Don't feel bad. I get the same thing from my wife. I've learned to leave the choice of colors and materials to her. Pick the person whose opinion means the most to you, tell them that changing it is a simple fix, and ask their opinion since from them you'll hear 'What were you thinking' for a long time.
My wife and I have a understanding. She manages the house asking my input only as a courtesy and I handle our boats the same way. Best example was in the early ‘80’s. Wifey comes home, looks out back and says what is that boat doing at our dock. I just bought us a gaff rigged schooner honey.
Since I made my money in the automotive machine control industry I can appreciate the look. But it must be extremely neat, the colored tyraps would be a nice touch. Add the neon look back lighting and it'll be perfect.
You bought a boat without consulting her? Tell me you didn't pay dearly for that. Does she go on the boat and take her friends aboard? If you're married since the 80's you know "the look", and that's the look you'll see every time you show this to friends in her presence unless she likes it. I had a client once with a 46 Bertram. Every winter he stripped out the interior and went fishing, but every spring she had the boat professionally cleaned, fumigated and furnished. That was a smart man.For a $5 piece of plexi I'd ask her opinion, especially since you don't seem to be getting many in agreement. In fact if she finds out you've asked the opinion of strangers and not hers.....married since the 80's. really? Did I tell you about the girl I knew who sewed up the holes in all her husband's boxers? Today she'd only need some crazy glue for all sorts of payback.
Yea that is not us. My wife (since 81) does not come to the boat to cook or clean she comes to relax and enjoy the cruise. She arrives and notices I had all the cushions recovered and says: “interesting choice...” End of conversation. Keep in mind when I arrive home and there are 3 trucks in the driveway I just smile and endorse her mods.