Empty space above 342 mid-berth

StodgeStodge Member Posts: 2,738 ✭✭✭✭
in Rinker Express Cruisers Forum
I have been eyeing the big open spot above the mid-berth of our 342 as a location for a flat screen TV.  The problem is that I can't access the back of that spot from the helm as it's pretty closed up.  Has anybody tried to mount something there?  I'd like to hope there is some nice thick marine plywood behind the vinyl.  

2002 FV 342 on Lake St. Clair - Past Commodore SHC - Vessel Examiner USCGAUX

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  • StodgeStodge Member Posts: 2,738 ✭✭✭✭
    I was about to ask this again because I didn't recall the answer.  

    So, does any know what's there?

    2002 FV 342 on Lake St. Clair - Past Commodore SHC - Vessel Examiner USCGAUX

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  • Dream_InnDream_Inn Member, Moderator Posts: 7,919 mod
    I've been in a lot of 342s, and have never seen anything mounted in that area.  Definitely a good spot, but I see most people just change it around where they were mounted by the V-berth area.  Probably because they didn't know what was in that spot you mentioned.  If I'm thinking right, the cabin door would slide into that area, between it and the helm?  Oh, wait a min, the door slides the other way, so I guess just the helm?

    Dream 'Inn III -- 2008 400 Express

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  • StodgeStodge Member Posts: 2,738 ✭✭✭✭
    Correct the helm is there, but there is no access from the helm side.  Unless you include reaching down through the cup holder hole.

    2002 FV 342 on Lake St. Clair - Past Commodore SHC - Vessel Examiner USCGAUX

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  • Handymans342Handymans342 Member Posts: 10,375 ✭✭✭✭✭
    We could install and access port hole
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  • Handymans342Handymans342 Member Posts: 10,375 ✭✭✭✭✭
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  • Handymans342Handymans342 Member Posts: 10,375 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Was going to hang my sign on that spot
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  • StodgeStodge Member Posts: 2,738 ✭✭✭✭
    Maybe I can use my gopro-on-a-stick and a flashlight to see what's in the space below the steering wheel.

    2002 FV 342 on Lake St. Clair - Past Commodore SHC - Vessel Examiner USCGAUX

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  • My_Dinghys_DinghyMy_Dinghys_Dinghy Member Posts: 107 ✭✭
    Oh to have those problems... Maybe someday...
    Doing a 25 year old Project Boat after a 35 year hiatus from boat ownership.
    Catch us on Kelley's Island at the Seaway or Portside Marina or Middle Bass at the State Park Marina MOST SUNDAYS and weekends in July! Call My Dinghy on Channel 16.
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  • StodgeStodge Member Posts: 2,738 ✭✭✭✭
    The 13 inch TV with built-in VCR went to the dump pretty quick after we took possession of this boat.  The chubby it was in became the bar.  (Had some help making a Lazy Susan Liquor cabinet.)  We went all season without a TV, which is actually not too hard.  It gets used at the marina the most.  Otherwise we usually only use it if the weather is bad or we're anchored for the night by ourselves.  

    Our 280 didn't have an arch so I made a home-brew (some people said red neck) TV antenna out of copper tubing and PVC that I hung on the VHF antenna like a hat.  It worked pretty good with the local digital TV stations.  Even got some "distant" stations on clear nights.  

    We'll see if the TV makes it aboard this season.

    2002 FV 342 on Lake St. Clair - Past Commodore SHC - Vessel Examiner USCGAUX

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  • craigswardmtbcraigswardmtb Member Posts: 1,015 ✭✭✭
    On my 360 it's just blocking that holds up the vinyl panels in this area.
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  • StodgeStodge Member Posts: 2,738 ✭✭✭✭
    Blocking?

    2002 FV 342 on Lake St. Clair - Past Commodore SHC - Vessel Examiner USCGAUX

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  • craigswardmtbcraigswardmtb Member Posts: 1,015 ✭✭✭
    Small wood pieces screwed to fiberglass. Then the thin vinyl panels are screwed to the blocks.
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  • StodgeStodge Member Posts: 2,738 ✭✭✭✭
    Ah ok.  Sorta like studs.  

    2002 FV 342 on Lake St. Clair - Past Commodore SHC - Vessel Examiner USCGAUX

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  • WildboatingWildboating Member Posts: 957 ✭✭✭
    Stodge,  Did you ever come up with a way to access this panel for wiring?
    2003 Rinker 342 Fiesta Vee, 350 Mag MPI, Bravo 3 2.20:1 w/ 22p 4 x4 props

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  • StodgeStodge Member Posts: 2,738 ✭✭✭✭
    I did not find the original wires.  I routed the wires from the BluRay player along the highest shelf that runs along the starboard side.  The wires from the TV go up and behind the panel on the ceiling.  Just tucked them up and in.  There is an opening you can see and pass wires through from the cabin to the cockpit (near the sub woofer) behind the hanging closet.  Used a fish tape to help get the wires where I needed them.

    2002 FV 342 on Lake St. Clair - Past Commodore SHC - Vessel Examiner USCGAUX

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