Ok Brainstrust, I am seeking a neat and affordable alternative to the $600+ market value of a helm pod for 3 x standard instruments. Can anyone help with ideas on how I might source a reasonably priced alternative to the configuration as per photo below.
So far, I've worked out 3 options: build out of timber (=time and maintenance); get a market helmpod (=super expensive); or 3: source a cheaper effective solution I.e a waterproof box plastic or aluminum 45cm x 18cm x say 10cm (any ideas here as this appears a custom size).
Attached are pics of current instrument pod and market alternative.
Help??

Find a big ass Electrical junction box that fits what you want. Or multiple little ones fixed to some nylon board.
Not as pretty and not as UV stable as the $600 one.

Hi Concepcion,

Where in SA are you? If you can supply me with a quasi-engineering drawing or if your happy with the dimensions given i could knock something up for you if need out of comercial 5005 it would need a prime and top coat before taking out to sea.

Thanks c_unit and valo.
Have considered both of those options, but as pointed out they require a bit of manufacturing & possible ongoing maintenance. Further, the front will need to be detachable and waterproof.
I actually like the appearance of my current setup - looks like a c section extrusion (aluminium - powdercoated?) with a slot for a plastic plate & a couple of end pieces. Unfortunately it is too narrow to fit new instruments & I can't find anything on-line.
PS - I'm in Port Adelaide

You could have an aluminium c section folded up and use 10 or 12mm black acrylic to make a front panel and sides. Small countersunk bolts tapped into the edge of the acrylic to hold it together.

You could have an aluminium c section folded up and use 10 or 12mm black acrylic to make a front panel and sides. Small countersunk bolts tapped into the edge of the acrylic to hold it together.

You could try aluminium supplies & see if you can get a bigger extrusion there might be the next size up that is perfect .
Just buy as much as you need get them to cut to length .If they have something they can sort out fascia & end caps out