Unfortunately, the Product Design Tool is limited to large screen applications like desktop & laptop computers. Some tablets will allow for normal operation & appearance, but we highly recommend you design your custom product on a desktop or laptop computer for full functionality.

If your specific GPS, chartplotter, stereo, or gauge model isn't listed in the drop-down menus, simply select any standard cutout from the menu as a placeholder on your canvas.

• Use a Placeholder: Drag any similar-sized cutout onto your panel to set the general placement and spacing.
• Add Details in Comments: Near the bottom of Page/Step 3 in the Design Tool, type your exact component make and model into the 'Comments for American Offshore' box (e.g., "Instead of a Raymarine Axiom Pro 16 cutout, please make it a Raymarine Axiom Pro 12 cutout").
• We Reference Manufacturer Specs: Our design team will reference the manufacturer's exact dimensional spec sheet and update your digital proof with precise cutout dimensions before sending it to you for sign-off!

This side of the project will require you to complete your own homework on your boat/vehicle. It's important to understand that each individual switch is unique when it comes to the function of the switch and how much amperage will be passing through the switch body. You wouldn't want to install an ON-OFF switch for your horn, unless you're really wanting to piss someone off - haha!

When providing switch specs on Page/Step 3 in the 'Comments for American Offshore' box, answer these three core questions:

1. What is each individual switch controlling?
   The answer should be something like: Nav/Anc, Lights, Bilge, Livewell, Acc 1, Horn, etc.
2. What is the function of each individual switch?
   Quick note: (ON) indicates a momentary function where the switch body springs back to OFF when you physically remove your finger from pressing the switch. An example is a Horn switch—you press to (ON) for the horn to "beeeeeeeeeep", then it turns off when you remove your finger.
   
   Common switch functions include:
   • ON-OFF
   • (ON)-OFF (similar to a Horn switch function)
   • ON-OFF-ON (similar to a Nav/Anc switch function)
   • (ON)-OFF-(ON) (similar to a Trim Tabs or Windlass switch function)
3. What is the amperage passing through each individual switch?
   This is probably the most delicate part of the homework. Refer to your component's specific manual or spec sheet, but general rules of thumb are:
   • Lights: 5A–10A
   • Pumps: 10A–20A
   • Accessories: 10A–20A
   • 12V Socket Plugs: 15A

   The amperage passing through the switch body is dictated by the component (pump, light, etc.) at the end of the circuit. Check your device's manual, online specs, or the printed label on the back of the component body.

The Online Product Design Tool is currently limited to rectangular canvas shapes. If your custom product has curves, rounded bezels, or an odd outline (2D flat panels only), follow these simple steps:

1. Measure Maximum Dimensions: Measure the widest point (width) and tallest point (height) of your original panel.
2. Build Your Layout: Input those maximum dimensions as a rectangle in the tool and arrange your switches, cutouts, or etching inside that boundary.
3. Submit Your Design: Submit your layout in Step 4.
4. Shape Verification: Once submitted, contact our design team. If we already have your hull/console shape on file, you're all set! If not, we’ll ask you to mail us a physical template, cardboard trace, or your original part so we can scan the perimeter down to the exact millimeter.

To save your progress, navigate all the way to Step 4 (Final Step) in the Design Tool and click the blue SUBMIT button in the bottom right corner (see sample below).

• No Payment Required: Clicking SUBMIT sends a copy of your design layout to your email (and to AO) without requiring any upfront payment.
• Tool Reset Behavior: After clicking submit, the software automatically resets back to Step 1 for the next user. Your submitted layout is safely saved in our system!
• Need to Resume? If you want to make adjustments to a submitted design, simply reach out to our team—there's no need to spend time re-creating an identical layout from scratch.

Don't sweat it if you can't get every switch, gauge, or cutout aligned perfectly down to the millimeter in the online canvas!

• Your Vision Comes First: The Online Design Tool is built for you to quickly lay out your general ideas and get instant ballpark pricing.
• We Do the Heavy Lifting: Once submitted, our design team reviews your canvas layout, cleans up spacing, aligns all cutouts to exact factory tolerances, and sends you an official digital proof for final approval before anything is cut.
• Double-Check Everything: Review your official proof carefully when it arrives—that's why we send it! (Pssst! Can you spot the small alignment error our design team made in the sample image below? That's exactly why we ask for your final sign-off!)

This can sort of be a 'tricky' question but don't overthink it! Reach out to us and let us help you figure out the correct thickness that your product needs to be.

Here are some basic questions to ask yourself when choosing the correct product thickness:

1. What is the thickness of my old/current product?
2. Will my product be supporting components that might be a little heavy?
3. Do I want chamfered edges? (If so you'll need at least 3/8" thick material)
4. Is there a weather seal/gasket that I need to consider?
5. Will there be 'fragile' areas/spots in my product when holes are cutout in some areas?

The Online Product Design Tool is optimized for flat 2D custom panels (switch panels, dash panels, livewell lids, etc.). If your project involves 3D assemblies, glove boxes, acrylic doors, or multi-piece helm enclosures, please submit our Quote Request Form so our design team can assist you directly.

Adding custom logos and backlighting inside the Design Tool follows a simple 2-step process:

• Custom Logos (Step 3): Click the 'Custom Logo' button during Step 3 to upload your boat's logo or custom graphic file directly onto your design canvas.
• Backlighting (Step 4): Backlighting options become available in Step 4, but only if you have added at least one component with backlighting capability (such as backlit switches or a backlit translucent graphic) on Step 3.

The Design Tool calculates an exact product subtotal on Step/Page 4 as you toggle hardware, options, and upgrade selections. Please note that applicable taxes and shipping are not calculated by the automated software; these are calculated individually by a real team member during your official design review.

Ensure you are using a modern browser (Google Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge, or Firefox) on a desktop or laptop computer. If the canvas fails to load, try disabling strict ad-blocker extensions for aodesigntool.com or clear your browser cache.

Pricing is very project-specific and depends primarily on components, hole cutouts, hardware, etc. rather than base panel dimensions. Spend ~5–10 minutes filling out our interactive quote form to receive an exact itemized quote.

As a baseline rule of thumb, our switch panel projects ballpark at:

• Toggle Panels: ~$60 per switch position
• Rocker Panels: ~$85 per switch position
• Pushbutton Panels: ~$110 per switch position

Quotes are flexible and never locked in! If a layout exceeds your budget, let us know. We can adjust hardware options (like changing pushbuttons to rockers), remove optional accents, or whatever else you need to match your budget.

We also offer interest-free financing, 10% active military/first responder discounts, and a 5% Price-BEAT Guarantee against competitors. Just ask us how...

More than likely, YES! We offer laser-etched text labels and backlit translucent graphics for daytime contrast and night illumination.

To ensure a flawless fit, every panel is computer drafted by hand. The $10 design deposit shows commitment and allows our design team to immediately allocate dedicated design hours to your project.

1. An order reference number is generated (e.g., AO-2026).
2. Your life-like design proof will be emailed to you within 2 business days.
3. Review the design carefully. Submit revisions or execute the digital approval form.
4. Pay the remaining project balance to send your project to manufacturing.

Our team will make every attempt to ensure your product is precise down to the millimeter. We do recommend you review your design with a 'fine toothed comb' so you can verify all aspects of your custom product design. As the old saying goes, "Measure twice, cut once!" Well we recommend, "Measure three times - just because!"

Ehhhhhhhhh, no. All custom products are manufactured IAW the FINAL APPROVED DESIGN. Verify every aspect of the emailed design when you receive it. If your design needs changes please notify us ASAP before you complete your final payment & approve the design.

Yes! We highly recommend it. When your proof is emailed, print it to 100% scale on paper, cut it out, and physically overlay it onto your boat to verify the design before signing the AO design approval form. You can print your design to scale on a home printer or visit an office supply store (FedEx Kinkos, UPS Store, Staples, etc.) so they can assist.

If manufacturing of your product has already begun, YES. We make every attempt to emphasize that you need to verify the design before giving us FINAL DESIGN APPROVAL.

This side of the project will require you to complete your own homework on your boat/vehicle. It's important to understand that each individual switch is unique when it comes to the function of the switch and how much amperage will be passing through the switch body. You wouldn't want to install an ON-OFF switch for your horn, unless you're really wanting to piss someone off - haha!

When providing technical switch specs, answer these three basic questions:

1. What is each individual switch controlling?
   The answer should be something like: Nav/Anc, Lights, Bilge, Livewell, Acc 1, Horn, etc.
2. What is the function of each individual switch?
   Quick note: (ON) indicates a momentary function where the switch body springs back to OFF when you physically remove your finger from pressing the switch. An example is a Horn switch—you press to (ON) for the horn to "beeeeeeeeeep", then it turns off when you remove your finger.
   
   Common switch functions include:
   • ON-OFF
   • (ON)-OFF (similar to a Horn switch function)
   • ON-OFF-ON (similar to a Nav/Anc switch function)
   • (ON)-OFF-(ON) (similar to a Trim Tabs or Windlass switch function)
3. What is the amperage passing through each individual switch?
   This is probably the most delicate part of the homework. Refer to your component's specific manual or spec sheet, but general rules of thumb are:
   • Lights: 5A–10A
   • Pumps: 10A–20A
   • Accessories: 10A–20A
   • 12V Socket Plugs: 15A

   The amperage passing through the switch body is dictated by the component (pump, light, etc.) at the end of the circuit. If you don't have physical paperwork, check online for specs or look for printed labels on the back of the component body.

Resettable pushbutton switches feature built-in, onboard circuit protection (breakers). These do NOT need external circuit protection.
Non-resettable pushbutton switches do not contain built-in circuit protection. These require an external circuit breaker or fuse.

Chamfered edges (some people call this beveled) feature a smooth, angled 45-degree cut milled along the perimeter of the panel. This gives your custom product a high-end, finished factory appearance.

• Thickness Requirement: Chamfering requires at least 3/8" or 1/2" thick acrylic/Starboard. 1/4" material cannot be chamfered.

This can sort of be a 'tricky' question but don't overthink it! Reach out to us and let us help you figure out the correct thickness that your product needs to be.

Here are some basic questions to ask yourself when choosing the correct product thickness:

1. What is the thickness of my old/current product?
2. Will my product be supporting components that might be a little heavy?
3. Do I want chamfered edges? (If so you'll need at least 3/8" thick material)
4. Is there a weather seal/gasket that I need to consider?
5. Will there be 'fragile' areas/spots in my product when holes are cutout in some areas?

If we don't have your hull/console shape on file, we will ask you to mail us your original panel or a rigid template (cardboard, thick paper, plywood, etc. all work well) so we can scan it down to the millimeter.

We honestly work at your speed, within reason, but budget a week or so for quoting, design and payment. Then budget the business days (noted on your design) for your product to be manufactured. Then budget shipping days. We're boaters too, so we understand you want your product "yesterday" and we will make every attempt to ensure you receive your custom product ASAP, without sacrificing safety or quality.

Orders are produced on a strict first-come, first-served basis. You can review current shop queue statuses anytime on our live status page.

If you pay for expedited manufacturing, YES. We treat every single customer as if their custom product is the most important, regardless of project complexity. Fairness for all of our customers is important to us so products are manufactured by the date they enter manufacturing. After all, would you want someone cutting you in line?

Yes! We offer rush manufacturing queue upgrades and expedited shipping for tight schedules. Ensure these are noted on your quote and, when you finalize it, your design.

NO. Please notify an AO associate if your shipping needs to be expedited. Manufacturing and shipping information will be reflected on your quote & design, respectively.

UPS Ground is our standard domestic shipping method, but we will ship via your preferred carrier. Please notify an AO associate if you prefer an alternative shipping carrier.

Yes! We ship custom marine products to boat owners worldwide via the best shipping method for that specific address & speed of shipping.

Of course! Scroll all around our website to see all of the latest and greatest that we have available for your boat upgrade!