Furuno GP/RD Retrofit Cover Up Bezel Review

Let’s Talk About Furuno GP/RD Retrofit Cover Up Bezel

The Furuno GP/RD Retrofit Cover Up Bezel is a simple, yet crucial, accessory for boat owners upgrading their navigation systems. Furuno, a leader in marine electronics, offers this bezel to seamlessly integrate their newer GP33 and RD33 display units into existing setups.

My journey to the Furuno GP/RD Retrofit Cover Up Bezel began when I decided to upgrade my older GP30 GPS unit. The new GP33 offered significantly improved functionality, but the size difference left an unsightly gap in my console. I needed a solution that looked professional and didn’t involve major modifications to my boat’s dashboard.

Upon unboxing the bezel, I was immediately impressed by the clean, white finish and sturdy construction. The Furuno GP/RD Retrofit Cover Up Bezel felt like a purpose-built part, not a cheap afterthought. The smooth surface and precise edges indicated quality manufacturing and a commitment to aesthetics.

I considered a few other options, including fabricating my own cover plate or filling the gap with fiberglass. But neither option offered the clean, factory-finished look I desired. The Furuno bezel promised a simple, elegant solution that would preserve the integrity of my boat’s console.

My first impression was one of relief and excitement. The Furuno GP/RD Retrofit Cover Up Bezel seemed to be exactly what I needed to complete my navigation upgrade and maintain a professional-looking helm. I couldn’t wait to install it and see the finished result.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Furuno GP/RD Retrofit Cover Up Bezel to the Test

First Use Experience

I installed the Furuno GP/RD Retrofit Cover Up Bezel during a routine maintenance day at the marina. The installation process was straightforward, taking only a few minutes with basic hand tools. The bezel fit snugly and securely around the GP33 display, completely concealing the previous cutout.

The boat spent the following week on a fishing trip off the coast of Southern California. The marine environment tested the bezel’s resistance to saltwater spray and direct sunlight. The Furuno GP/RD Retrofit Cover Up Bezel performed admirably, showing no signs of discoloration or degradation after prolonged exposure to the elements.

Using the GP33 with the bezel felt natural and intuitive. The bezel didn’t obstruct the display in any way, providing a clean and unobstructed view of the navigation data. No additional time was needed to get used to the change, due to the seamless integration.

The only surprise was how much cleaner and more professional the console looked with the Furuno GP/RD Retrofit Cover Up Bezel installed. The visual upgrade was more significant than I had anticipated. It eliminated the previous cluttered appearance and provided a fresh, modern feel.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Furuno GP/RD Retrofit Cover Up Bezel has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of cracking, fading, or warping despite constant exposure to sun, saltwater, and the general wear and tear of marine use. The material appears to be highly durable and resistant to the harsh marine environment.

The bezel remains securely mounted and shows no signs of loosening or shifting. The white finish is still vibrant and easy to clean with a simple wipe-down. The smooth surface prevents the buildup of dirt and grime, maintaining a clean and professional appearance.

Maintenance has been minimal. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to keep the Furuno GP/RD Retrofit Cover Up Bezel looking like new. The bezel doesn’t require any special cleaners or treatments, simplifying the upkeep process.

Compared to my previous experiences with makeshift solutions for mounting marine electronics, the Furuno GP/RD Retrofit Cover Up Bezel is a clear winner. It’s a purpose-built solution that offers superior aesthetics, durability, and ease of installation. It significantly outperforms any attempt I could have made to fabricate my own solution.

Breaking Down the Features of Furuno GP/RD Retrofit Cover Up Bezel

Specifications

• The Furuno GP/RD Retrofit Cover Up Bezel is designed specifically as a flush mount bezel. This feature ensures a smooth, integrated look on your boat’s console.
• It’s manufactured by Furuno, a trusted name in marine electronics. Furuno’s reputation for quality and reliability ensures that this bezel is built to last.
• The Furuno GP/RD Retrofit Cover Up Bezel is compatible with the Furuno GP33 and RD33 display units. This guarantees a perfect fit and seamless integration with these specific models.
• It is designed for use when replacing older GP30/RD30 style displays. This addresses a common problem faced by boat owners upgrading their navigation equipment.
• The bezel comes in a clean, white color. This complements most boat interiors and provides a professional, finished look.

These specifications are important because they ensure compatibility, durability, and a professional aesthetic. The correct fit avoids gaps or instability, while the durable materials resist degradation from the marine environment. The focus on aesthetics ensures that the upgrade looks intentional and integrated.

Performance & Functionality

The Furuno GP/RD Retrofit Cover Up Bezel performs its job perfectly by providing a clean and secure mounting solution for the GP33 and RD33 displays. It effectively covers the larger cutout left by older GP30/RD30 units.

Its strength lies in its simplicity and precise fit. The bezel does exactly what it’s designed to do, without any unnecessary complexity or potential points of failure. A weakness could be seen in its single-minded purpose, as it has one intended use.

The Furuno GP/RD Retrofit Cover Up Bezel exceeds expectations by not only filling the gap but also enhancing the overall look of the console. It creates a more modern and professional appearance.

Design & Ergonomics

The Furuno GP/RD Retrofit Cover Up Bezel boasts excellent build quality, using durable materials that feel substantial and well-made. The weight is appropriate, not too heavy to cause stress on the mounting surface, but not too light as to feel cheap.

The ergonomic design ensures that the bezel doesn’t interfere with the operation of the display unit. It provides a clean, unobstructed view of the screen and allows easy access to the display’s controls. There is essentially no learning curve, as the installation is straightforward and intuitive.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Furuno GP/RD Retrofit Cover Up Bezel should last for many years. The durable materials and simple design minimize the risk of failure.

Maintenance is incredibly easy, requiring only a quick wipe with a damp cloth to remove dirt and grime. No special tools or cleaners are needed, which simplifies long-term ownership.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Furuno GP/RD Retrofit Cover Up Bezel comes with the bezel itself and basic documentation. It is primarily designed as a functional adapter rather than a platform for extensive customization.

While there are no direct customization options for the bezel itself, it seamlessly integrates with any accessories compatible with the GP33 and RD33 displays. These include external GPS antennas, transducers, and network cables.

Pros and Cons of Furuno GP/RD Retrofit Cover Up Bezel