[JaydubyaZ210]

1996 Z210 Shabah

Bought this boat as a project. Exterior has been wet sanded, compounded and polished out very nicely. Motor and outdrive are ok now. Still trouble shooting minor electrical issues like lights, switches, etc. Interior will be huge task over the winter which brings me to my request.
I've considered replacing some of the original padded vinyl on the sides with stained and varnished panels. Was going to veneer the instrument panel to match. Anyone ever done anything like this? Anyone changed up the interior so there not so much vinyl to care for?

[Motoxxx43]

Sounds like a fun project! As for the vinyl I dont really have any pointers. Im in the process of getting some new vinyl work done to mine. I cant say Ive seen anyone do wood panel stuff in a later model boat. If one was to do wood I imagine they would use teak. I have been working on restoring an older cabin cruiser for my brother and the teak on that boat looked brand new once it was sanded and oiled. It is also one of the most expensive woods to purchase.
In regards to the veneer on the instrument panel there is a write up on here by Shabah280Z (if I recall correctly) on having his panel Hydro dipped. Seems easier than veneering and a lot less maintenance.

[Motoxxx43]

Found the write up... HERE

[ShabahZ280]

Nope. Most of us keep our boats in their original configuration, because they were awesome to begin with. There are a few exceptions of people that have customized theirs, but 99.8% of the people here would never consider changing their boats, as they were beautifully built from the get-go.

Just out of curiosity...how is replacing the original vinyl panels by custom cutting new teak ones, staining and varnishing the panels (and subsequently revarnishing every year), in addition to changing the veneer on the instrument panel to match easier than just wiping down the OEM vinyl panels with a magic eraser and some protectant once in a while to keep them clean?

Not to say that it wouldn't be an interesting project, it just seems like a lot of work. As motoxxx43 pointed out, not too many late model boats that use wood on the interiors, especially a bowrider. Sometimes drastically changing the configurations can have a horrible outcome on a resale price later down the line, as not everyone will want those customized options. I'd just urge you to think about doing something like this before jumping into it. If you're going to keep the boat forever and make it "yours", then go for it! But if you're going to look to sell it anytime within the next 5-15 years, it may be a lot easier and more sensible to just keep the vinyl panels that were there, and just clean it up. Just some food for thought.