I’ve made a few dozen for all my PA’s over the years & for a few buddies.
I have played around with a few different designs, had them flush mounted & capped. I personally prefer it capped for several reasons for my layout & dispatching..

Use stainless hardware of course & if you are using Hobies lowrance cable grommets, you can also use those pad eyes ect to hold the ducer' cable in place underneath the boards for a cleaner layout.
The only thing I haven’t done yet that I'd like to is maybe an abalone inlay..
This is some top grade selects.. Extra knotty, exotic Douglas Fir that was harvested in a remote region of Home Depot for $2.53.

PA 12

PA 14 / Bench

PA 12 / Vantage
3-4 finish coats of something like this will do the trick. brush or rattle can application..
Brush / Quart:
http://www.homedepot.com/s/Minwax%25...rethane?NCNI-5
Rattle Can:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Minwax-11...3255/100376144
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