I copied the original arrangement - changing everything a a little bit. After a decade and a half of use, you know what to tweak on your own boat.

First: The old one was beyond repair. Built of mahogany and varnished, it was split and worn from toes going in and out of the companionway. Slots in the track to drain and allow junk to fall out. A slightly different slide that keeps the lexan cover off the painted plywood (how do you like the Pearl Gray?) and a frame all around that nearly makes it water tight. Most any severe rain or spray won't get through.

Instead of mahogany and varnish (I'm running out of time,...), I used raw Ipe scraps. I figured it's much harder and stronger and I'll just leave it raw. And I think it looks right. Enlarged it a bit, increased the angle for easier viewing, made it more watertight and now it is no maintenance.

No toe catcher handle - just a Forstner bit finger recess.

I'm going to sand and paint the back of the actual panel. Anybody ever done that? I read very fine paper. I may use a grey or flat black, or maybe a color (any ideas?), not sure yet.

Now as well as the binnacle, I have to disconnect the wiring terminals to the old panel, and bring it to the shop, get out hole saws and drills,... Endless details. But they are much easier to tend to now before the cockpit goes in the boat.