Nosey, a Parker 325-26, has the engine controls - stop handle, ignition key, and start button - all set in a recess just off the cockpit sole and with a perspex cover attached with self-tapping screws to cover the the top half. I take it off to clean it and then put it back. I have no engine instruments, only a couple of lights. I suspect the perspex is to keep spray off and boots away.
I have learned to live with it, and do it all by touch - especially inserting the ignition key ... Luckily the keel controls are at the binnacle.