Engine cover panel replacement - wood or metal? where to source?

[james2]

I'm in need a new engine cover board. Replacing due to current wood one started getting water ingress and completely deteriorated.

 

Looking for suggestions / opinions on whether to get a metal one or another wood one, and where to source.

 

Cheers!

[George and Dragon]

Best option is phenolic ply. A joiner will make one to measure. 

Where are you? We got ours from phil@straightandnarrowboats.co.uk

[Tracy D'arth]

Buffalo board with the edges epoxy sealed.

[BEngo]

If you get a steel one if is likely to be heavier than a phenolic ply one and, at some inconvenient engine speed,  will rattle unless you put rubber on the mounting frame.

 

Aluminium cheque plate is available , but is very expensive and will also rattle at some speed.

 

 

 So,  go with the buffalo.

 

N

[Flyboy]

I'd go for Hexagrip board as 1st choice and Buffalo board as 2nd choice.  Hexagrip is better quality imo.

[MrsM]

We used hexaboard and sealed the edges with several layers of black exterior paint. We also bonded rubber sheeting to the underneath. This has made a big difference in cutting down noise and vibration from the engine hole. We've noticed a slight increase in engine heat as we've made the hole a bit less leaky, but still well within tolerance.