Center console reconfiguration

[jukes23]

the center console on my boat (in my opinion) is oddly designed and I actually lose useful space because of this. for example, the steering wheel is located to the left of the console. That is ok, however, the right side of the console (at the bottom) has a notch cut into the side of it to form a small shelf or something. I just hate the layout so I am planning on re-doing it. the overall console (seat and built in livewell) is ok, so I dont want to replace the whole console, just the top. So I have been contemplating two options

1. cut the top of the console, run braces from side to side for support and cut a new top, all one level, along with an electronics box (where you put the radios and gps) of of marine ply and glass the whole thing over.

2. using the existing console, lay a piece of ply across the top to level it and build the electronics box onto it as well.

Option one seems like the an easier option as it creates a level platoform to start off with. However, I am not sure what cutting off the top of the console does to the rigidity. I assume that after installing the top back on it and glassing it, that this would be resolved.
The biggest problem with option 2 is that it creates another layer of thickness for gauges and the steering column to have to go through and I would probably have to do reconfigure the steering to get it to fix.

Any thoughts? I am sure I am not the only one that has done something like this. I apologize if this idea is clear as mud. I will take some photos tomorrow for clarification.

 

[i386]

Re: Center console reconfiguration

Welcome to the forums.

Yup, photos would help a lot.

 

[oops!]

Re: Center console reconfiguration

it is your baot and you can do anything you want to it.....heck...make it a cuddy !......im serious.......

anything can be done to a fiberglass boat...

what i suggest.....is take a case of your faveroute beverages....go sit in your boat and partake of the bevies......play boat...!...yup, complete with motor sounds

dont think of HOW to make it the way you want....think of HOW you want it.
forget the detailes......if you want this thing in that spot....that gauge here...a rod holder there !....then make it that way.

as you work on the boat....solutions will become obvious.....

you design it....we can help you biuld it !

cheers
oops

 

[jonesg]

Re: Center console reconfiguration

2. using the existing console, lay a piece of ply across the top to level it and build the electronics box onto it as well.

.

I did similar, my box is too tall and I'll redo it for next yr, I installed a popup door on it.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Center console reconfiguration

 

[jonesg]

Re: Center console reconfiguration

The neat thing with that design is the foot is tucked in,
mine flares out at the bottom.

 

[phwrd]

Re: Center console reconfiguration

I agree with opps, Sit on your boat and think about how it would best work for you. What are your options given your limitations ? What are you going to use the boat for ?

I bought a boat with a plywood/gelcoat center console. It already had a large hole in the left front for the steering.

I bought black plexy, new gauges and added digital fuel & depth gauges in the same space where 4 gauges used to be and used the big hole for the steering. Those cables are a low towlence length so don't move it too far.

I moved the critical gauges to the right as the wheel is on the left. And you are going to keep looking right toward the center of the boat to steer straight.

but you can do as much or as little as you want. It is your boat to do with what right for you.

Good Luck !