console location and weight distribution

[stinkbait85]

Ok I'm currently in the middle on convertin a 1988 fisher sv 16 gt bass boat into a center console catfishing monster. I have completely gutted the hull to start from scratch. I am having a machine shop custom build me an aluminum console, 40 gal insulated aluminum bait tank, 20 gal aluminum fuel tank, and 20 custom rod holders. My problem is where to put everything. Cosole towards front of center line with fuel tank in front and bait tank in rear. Or console rearward of centerline with bait tank in front and fuel in rear. Should more weight be on the nose or the rear of the boat? If I could put it all in the middle I would but I don't have room for all that. I'm looking at it from a performance standpoint. I would think a little more weight in rear would make it handle better. But. I'm no expert. That's why I need help

 

[HopeSheFloats]

Re: console location and weight distribution

I can't help in the over-all weight distribution, but I would say to try and keep the livewell as far back as possible...up front, they tend to splash around more imo...not so good for the tasty morsels...be sure to post up some photos, definitely interested in seeing the alum console!

 

[ajgraz]

Re: console location and weight distribution

I'm thinking you'll have to work out a way to do temporary test installs of the console (or put it on some sort of sliding tracks, or what have you) so that you can do some on-the-water tests in different configurations until you get it just the way you want it before bolting it down.

Bear in mind it's more likely to be the placement of your weight than the weight of the console that's an issue.

IMO, you're going to be best off starting out with operator weight centered just about over the center of gravity of the boat, and batteries, fuel tank, and baitwell all toward the rear.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: console location and weight distribution

Where everything gets placed depends on your priorities.

I fish a great deal, but not for catfish and my opinion is small CC's are terrible for just about any type of fishing except for repeated casting in warm weather. I have two CC's, so I do have experience in them.


You need to decide whether you want the boat well balanced for good handling and a great view, or if you want it functional while you're anchored up and fishing. To me the actual fishing part is much more important, that's why I'm there and will typically spend much more time fishing than running.

When anchored or trolling small CC's have limited room, the console always seems to get in the way, there's very little seating and with tackle boxes, coolers and such, not much deck space either.

For fishing the best layout would be like one of TD's (he may read this and post a pic) designs, it's about the only way a small CC works well for still fishing or trolling.

With the CC well forward there is plenty of room to move around and get to the rods.

Get a couple of the buddies you fish with to come over for a couple of hours, set the boat up with the rods in the holders, all the coolers, tackle boxes and everything else you take with you. Get every body seated and then holler fish on, see how easily every one can get into action. Also see where everyone can sit, typically the console divides the boat with very little good seating. Keep moving stuff around until it fishes well, then worry about getting it to handle decently.

 

[stinkbait85]

Re: console location and weight distribution

Well I had thought about mounting the console at the front of the boat up against the casting deck (which is just long enough to throw a net and hold a hatch for storage). But on the days when I'm in the lake versus the river and a breeze is blowin, I'm going to get the crap beat out of me. However. Like you said it would benefit me to do it that way for seating and practical purposes not to mention ease of movement. I would have excellent visibility at night but what if I hit an underwater obstruction? Not much boat left to catch me,lol. There are so many different ways to lay it out but drawing it up on paper and actually seeing it are 2 different things. Someone please post some pics.

 

[Jet Wrench]

Re: console location and weight distribution

Set it up like a Boston Whaler, they were the first company to introduce the center console. Mount your batteries port and starboard side on the floor inside the front of the console. Mount your fuel cell under your seat. This set up makes for excellent weight distribution. As for your live wells, you could make a seat just forward of your center console and have the well(s) underneath. I would try and keep your weigh forward midship for weight and balance purposes. This set up keeps the aft clean and unobstructed when fishing.