Console installation - rotocast

[Chaparralbob]

I just purchased a B & M console as part of a pontoon boat restoration project. The console is a roto-cast frame. I am hoping for some information on this material.

How thick and durable is this material? Can I mount the remote control and steering directly to this console, or does it need some kind of re-enforcement?

What kind of screws should I use? Is it durable enough to use standard stainless sheet-metal type screws, or should I use a nut and screw through clearance sized holes?

The instructions that came with the console just say to seek the help of a professional. I haven't found anything about this on the web.

Thanks for any help with this!

 

[VaGent]

Re: Console installation - rotocast

The rotocast is supposed to be the same material as the newer non-wooden furniture is made of & should last many years. I've heard some of the steering helms need to have wood added in order to mount the steering control but I have no direct knowledge of that being true.

I'm building my own console using a product called AZEK which is 3/4" thick PVC sheet that works just like plywood but is totally weather resistent & can be painted of upholstered or left in its natural finish which is WHITE. Add the AZEK glue & some pocket screws & its all done. Not much difference in AZEK & 3/4" marine plywood in relationship to weight but the AZEK will far outlast the plywood over time.

 

[lmuss53]

Re: Console installation - rotocast

My rotocast furniture is screwed to the deck with stainless screws. My wooden console is through bolted with 10-32 stainless bolts with a big flat washer and ny-lock nuts with a flat washer through the deck. They bolted the console down with the same hardware they bolted the rails with.

My controller is mounted to the rail but I would not hesitate to mount one to the side of a rotocast console.

 

[VaGent]

Re: Console installation - rotocast

As for the type of screws to use I personally prefer all stainless steel. Other then the self drilling deck screws I used to install the new plywood deck, everything else I used is all stainless steel with nylon insert locking nuts. I also used "never seize" on every one of them just in case I need to take them apart in the future.

 

[skip4926]

Re: Console installation - rotocast

There are parts of the console that have reinforced backing. outside of that, its pretty thin.

 

[Chaparralbob]

Re: Console installation - rotocast

Thanks for the comments!

I will use stainless hardware for sure.

Kind of sounds like the steering gear and remote control might need some beefing up. I have some scrap 1/4 plexiglass left over from the instrument panel I made - seems like that would help a bit. In addition to the regular mounting screws, I guess I could put some additional screws on the corners of the plate I'll make. That ought to do it. I'd rather make it too strong than not strong enough.

I'll be mounting everything this weekend - I'll post on how it works out.

I have never been unhappy with the responses to my questions on this forum. Thanks so much for taking the time to help with your answers!

 

[Chaparralbob]

Re: Console installation - rotocast

I finally got to mounting the gauges, etc. in the console. It turns out that the B & M console I purchased already had some 3/16" plastic sheet attached to the back of the console. This was placed behind the center of the face and on the right hand side, so they had already provided the bracing for the steering and remote control.

The plastic that this particular console frame is made of seems fairly strong, but not very rigid. Although it would probably stand up to the steering and throttle, I think that some flex would be noticeable. I'm glad they already added some material to beef it up.

For the price, the B & M product seems pretty good. The only complaint is that I could find no info from the manufacturer about installation. Since I had the old console, I just matched what was done for the original installation.