Stratos gauge cover plate problem

[jmy]

Well this weekend while fishing I hit some very rough water and it knocked my cover plate that holds all of my gauges loose. I took the cover plate off today to try to fix it and found that the screws that hold the plate had pulled the plastic clips loose from the console. I got some new clips but they will not stay in place either. Stratos puts the clips in the vinyl wrap that covers the top of the console and then wraps under it forming a pocket for the cover. Well this crap is so soft once the clips pulled out it stretched and will not hold the new or old clips anymore. Everything else on the boat is sturdy so why in the hell would they attach the gauge console like this. I tried to glue the clips in but this does not work. Does anyone have any ideas on a fix?

[Javelin389]

Is it possible to get access behind it and use screws/lock-nuts? I had a similar problem with my Javelin windshield. I was able to drill the holes out and replace the wood screws with some stainless steel screws and lock-nuts.

[jmy]

Not unless I cut a hole underneath the console to get your hand in. You would not see the hole but I really do not like the thought of cutting into the fiberglass. I thought about trying to find some stainless toggle bolts and see if they would work.

[Javelin389]

Yeah, I probably wouldn't cut thru the fiberglass either. You may try your dealer and see if they have encountered this problem before.

[tx_basser]

This is one of my biggest complaints on my 04 285, is the cheap way the dash face panel is attached. The plastic inserts on mine started falling out also. I wrapped duct tape around them and was able to keep them somewhat in place, except I have one that is so wallered out it won't stay in.

[jmy]

I may have to try the duck tape , never thought of that. It will be better than the panel flopping around like it is now and will probably hold better than the way it comes from the factory.