converting to console?

[NYGiants]

Im looking at a 40hp outboard for my boat. I currently have a 25hp tiller johnson. It gets me about 20mph but im looking for a little more speed. I have the opportunity to buy a 40hp motor with controls. i would have no idea on where to begin, but i need to renovate it this winter anyway. could i have a 40hp tiller boat or would that be too much? (My bost is rated for 40 hp before all of you say im over powering it)

 

[smallboatlover]

Re: converting to console?

you can make some plans or look online. your better off drawing what you want and start building it. measure what space you have on the boat for a console and try to make one. it's better making it your self because you can make what you want a cup holder hear fish finder inlet here dc plug here. try making it your self. this boat looks like it would look good with a console.

 

[fisherguy123]

Re: converting to console?

Wow ...with 40 horses that should fly. This is mine using a tiller with a 30 Suzuki and I have no problems it`s a 20'' shaft and transom . Is yours long or short.... reason I ask is that with no persons forward mine does sit a bit low in the rear and it`s heavy fiberglass and 14'. You can put Jerrycans of water up forward to counteract the rear weight; {they become neutral bouancy if you should swamp; sand bags would sink you} and moving out she`ll plane like a breeze at the right tilt. I too thought about steering but the cost of teleflex steering and controls is not cheap as well as modifying the boat. Also without power tilt and electric start it can be a torment getting back and forth.Best thing is to try her out with the tiller and a buddy up front. But be sure to hang on to your hat because mine does almost 30 mph with 2 aboard...you should do well over 35 in that !!!!!!

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: converting to console?

I really like that rig, and I can understand why you'd like a helm with a 40hp...I think that a mini center console would be sweet.

Put it just forward of the middle seat base and keep the footprint small, about as narrow as the wheel itself, so you can still get around it.

Or you could fabricate a side console like one of these.

 

[NYGiants]

Re: converting to console?

i would actually love a console like this. looks pretty simple to make, but i dont know the dimensions.

 

[veritas honus]

Re: converting to console?

i would actually love a console like this. looks pretty simple to make, but i dont know the dimensions.

You probably don't know the dimensions of the boat it's on either... Does it matter? You like the console; so fabricate one. Fabricate the console proportionately with your boat. Whatever dimensions you want it to be, that's what it needs to be. Think about what SBL said, regarding accessories, like DC outlet... Maybe a guage cluster. You've got a nice boat; and it seems you have plans to make it nicer. Best of luck. Keep us posted; and please don't forget the pictures.

 

[5150abf]

Re: converting to console?

AS with any project like this draw it out first, if you can't get it on paper you probably can't built it either, ypou also need to think about cable routing, you will haver a steering cable and 2 shift throttle cables.

ALways best to work out as much as you can before you get started and then figure out it isn't going to work.

What do you have for material for the con and what are your fabricating abilities?

What ever you come up with will have to be pretty stout as you will cetainly stand and drive using the con to hold yourself up.

It is certainly doable, you have a nice blank canvas to work with, I am just saying think the entire project through before you start, paper is cheap.

This add a bit of work but maybe make a mock up out of thin plywood then you will have a template to work off of when you make the real part, they do that all the time back in R&D at work.

Keep posting pics.

 

[NYGiants]

Re: converting to console?

You probably don't know the dimensions of the boat it's on either... Does it matter? You like the console; so fabricate one. Fabricate the console proportionately with your boat. Whatever dimensions you want it to be, that's what it needs to be. Think about what SBL said, regarding accessories, like DC outlet... Maybe a guage cluster. You've got a nice boat; and it seems you have plans to make it nicer. Best of luck. Keep us posted; and please don't forget the pictures.

its from someone elses completed lund restoration. 14' boat

 

[kmarine]

Re: converting to console?

The answer to your question is yes, However you could probably find a newer boat complete with the engine and console for less money than modifying yours. I recomend considering an upgrade. The engine could cost the same as as a complete boat, then you can sell your old one.

 

[NYGiants]

Re: converting to console?

the motor will only cost me roughly $1000 and im not ready to upgrade just yet

 

[smallboatlover]

Re: converting to console?

Like i sayed draw it out till you get a drawing that you like then build it the way you want it. you don't want some ones else's idea. you better off make something like that and putting it the way you want it. And just saying for $1000 you can get a bigger boat. I got my boat for 700. it came with a trailer 50hp motor fish finder. i got a really good deal. what i do if i'm going to do something like the floor on mine i draw a plan up on graph paper then re do it to i get it the way it's the best lay out for me. try doing it that way just some advise

 

[1fishbone]

Re: converting to console?

Sounds like a good idea, for me, I can't control a 40hp tiller, but that's up to you to decide.

Adding the console can re-distribute the weigh better.
I would mount it closer to the center, bow/stern, port/starboard, easier to make it plane than have it bow heavy. All on one side and the boat will lean.

What I would do, is make one out of cardboard, or cheap paneling (I keep used pieces around just for this purpose) until I found what looked the best.
You might even find a used steering set up some where.

That 'mini-console is really nice!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: converting to console?

That boat will be fine with a 40 HP motor. You need to know however, that many tiller boats are rated about 5 - 10 HP less than their console counterparts (based on the same hull). That is primarily because of the twitchiness of the tiller vs a console steered boat. As for consoles, check the various marine supply stores including right here on iBoats. Pre-fabricated, "generic" consoles are available that will fit most boats like yours with little or no modification. You can then add whatever instruments and switches you desire. These consoles are generally open in front from about half way down to the floor. The outboard side attaches to the side rail of the boat and the inboard end attaches to the floor. You would need to make a bracket from sheet aluminim on which the motor control box gets mounted.

 

[steelespike]

Re: converting to console?

A console is nice and looks cool;but to me they take up room, add unecessary weight.
They create more complication and maintenance.The tiller saves a bunch of space and only requires a key switch you could add a tach in a small panel.
You could also try a stick steer with a small panel for a tach and key.you still have the complication issue but takes up much less space.
I have run 50hp tiller motors on my 77 18' Crestliner Voyager utility.This 375 pound boat runs about 40 with just me aboard.Handles fine.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: converting to console?

Im with steelespike...

On a fishing boat..no console..tach optional..fishing is an open boat.

Use the tiller and sit in your fishing spot. all that room your console will take up could be used for something else .

YD.

 

[arks]

Re: converting to console?

Gotta agree- consoles in small boats do add weight and use up space BUT are useful and can change the personality of a boat if done right.

 

[pootnic]

Re: converting to console?

Just a personal preference but I like a tiller.
Takes up alot less space,that being a big deal on a smaller boat.
You should be fine handling a 40hp tiller and aftermarket tachs are out there if you want to mount one later.

If consoles are your thing....go for it.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: converting to console?

a small side console doesn't add any significant weight nor does it take up much space, but it makes the boat easier and safer to operate, especially with a larger motor. but yours is a generic boat with flare sides, so (a) the console will take up more room and (b) it would be cheaper and easier to replace the hull--unless your free time has no value.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: converting to console?

Stick steering!

 

[NYGiants]

Re: converting to console?

i have a lead on a used console from a 14' grumman boat. apparentley with adjustable height. he only wants $50 it needs a new steering cable but has a wheel and everything else.