Re: How do i build a steering console for my 16' johnboat?
Yes. Go and find the thread: "Can I put a console in my 16' Lowe....." and you will have numerous answers. I just left it so it shouldn't be far away. The process for you is identical and assuming his Lowe is a V hull, easier for you and your john.
And, in case it wasn't clear, the console ran from the gunnel to the center of the boat, putting the steering wheel right in front of you in normal fasion (not side mounted where the wheel was at 90 degrees to you while sitting in the seat. It doesn't have to be fancy; just strong; could be as simple as a pipe frame with a plate mounted to it for mounting the wheel. I think I would make a box frame for rigidity.
What I mean by that is that fore to aft, there would be some depth to it; say 10" which could be as simple as a couple of husky alum pipes (like a Schedule 40 plumbing pipe wall thickness) of 1" welded into a box (frame) with top and bottom (frames), attached to a similar "box frame" for a vertical support. The bottom rails would be spaced far enough below the top rails to allow height for insertion of your steering system. Then weld an alum plate between the top and bottom rails with a hole in it for the steering to mount. Course if you add a plate across the top of the box rails, you would have a place to mount your dept finder and compass.
Mark
