Front Panel Fix

[Baja 252]

I don't have Facebook, but my wife does. Last night she showed me this Bennington she saw in a post on the LOTO Facebook page.
The owner had some front end panel damage and made these 1/8th inch stainless panels, painted them black and screwed then to the front of his boat. He said he is going to add the logo to the door in the future. I thought it was an interesting idea, I look forward to see if the paint stays on and if they hold up.

 

[Jack M]

I would have to pass . That's why I have insurance.

 

[SEMPERFI8387]

If I’d have done something like that I would have used clear Lexan. Still a little bit redneck, but at least you’d see the rails.
This makes me think of fixing something with duct tape.

 

[BigKahuna]

I would have to agree with Jack! If there was serious damage to the front panels from a wave etc. I would go the insurance route. BUT....I've got to give the guy credit for doing some serious "McGuyvering". He did a wonderful neat job to hide the damage! Install some graphics, pinstriping, lettering etc. etc. and you wouldn't notice the panels! I would have to say.....Nice job!!!

 

[Magician]

Saw one locally that did the same with black abs or similar plastic.

 

[Unishot]

I saw a used Bennington for sale on BoatTrader about a week ago that had aluminum diamond tread plate installed in the same locations. Whatever floats your boat, I guess.

 

[Magician]

I replaced my strbd front and side panel last summer, not easy job but definitely doable. Bennington paid for the parts and let me do the work.

 

[Bill N]

Agree with the posts against it. At selling/trading time you will be deducted the cost to replace rails which will be higher then than it is now. For that reason, I would bite the bullet now.
But if you are intent on sticking with this, please take the time to paint the fasteners to match so they don't stick out so bad.

 

[lakeliving]

If mine get blown out I think I’m just going to replace with carbon fiber. Shouldn’t be hard and I think it would look awesome. I’d do the whole thing though.

 

[Wish2fish]

I replaced my strbd front and side panel last summer, not easy job but definitely doable. Bennington paid for the parts and let me do the work.

you have any pictures or details of you you did the panel itself? Looks like you have to bend the lip holding it in. I only see 1 picture of the damaged panel and several of the seat area.