Installing Gauges on a Bayliner Capri

The 1985 Bayliner Capri Cuddy that I bought a while ago did not have the original instrument panel and gauges. After trying to install some other later year Bayliner instrument panels, I finally just had to fabricate an aluminum panel for this boat. What's gonna be the easiest way to machine the aluminum panel for the
replacement gauges? What about just using a good quality jigsaw and metal cutting jigsaw blades?

What about the finish of the panel....keep it in polished aluminum or go to gloss black?

hole saws come to mind...a set of punches if you have access to a shop....

for finishes, I'd prefer a hardcoat....powder coat would be the next choice and painting would be the last choice...for me anyhow...

Yeah...I guess that's more like the original instrument panel. Thanks.

looks like you are rolling now....

Got the really important ones done...Tachometer, Speedometer, Volts, and Fuel. Still needs a coat or two of black epoxy paint...and the switches.

looks like you are well on your way...good luck with the balance!!

Well, that's what I got done so far with respect to instument panel and controls. The motor is an electric shift 50 h.p. Evinrude and I was able to find a "Selectric" control unit for it. The lower panel is just mild steel sheet metal with a few toggle switches... that's gonna control the choke circuits, the starter, the ignition circuit and the shut off for the magneto. Pretty basic setup. The dash panel is 1/8' aluminum sheet metal with fuel, voltmeter, tach, and speedometer already installed. Still gotta hook up the T-188 helm and splashwell anchor for the '72 50 h.p. Evinrude.