CONTINUOUSWAVE

[The author plans to make a major modification to the center console of a MONTAUK 17 in order to allow use of side-mounting remote engine shift and throttle mechanical cable controls to be mounted below the surface of the console in a newly created recess or pocket.]

I want to keep my existing side-mount [remote engine shift and throttle mechanical cable] control, but I will recess it into the console to get it out of the way. My plan is

• to cut a rectangular opening in the starboard side of the console,
• build an inset "shelf" or "pocket" out of plywood covered in fiberglass, and then
• mount the control inside that recess.

I think the [mechanical and electrical] cables are long enough to avoid having to modify or replace them.

[The author asks that anyone who has already made this modification to reply to this thread and:]

• post photographs of how you built the pocket;
• explain how you finished the edge (of the cutout for the recess]; and,
• post photographs of how the final recessed [side-mounted remote engine shift and throttle] looks.

BACKSTORY
I have a MONTAUK 17. I’m dealing with people brushing past the center console and bumping the side-mounted throttle control.

Q1: is the ignition key switch and the engine shut-off safety lanyard switch part of the side-mounted remote shift and throttle controls?

Do yourself a giant favor, go buy a binnacle control. This sounds like a ton of work to create a potentially dangerous and awkward setup.