Questions for JasonJ

[i386]

Normally I wouldn't single out a user for questioning, but since it's about your boat, I decided it would be best to start a new thread rather than hijack someone elses.

I am considering converting my restore project into a center console. One of the challenges I've been thinking about is routing the controls from the console to the engine. I thought about using some PVC pipe under the sole. I couldn't quite picture how to do this until I saw your pictures. If you had it to do all over again would you do it the same way? Did water collect in there? Any other considerations?

I've never had this boat on the water. How can I tell if making casting decks will make it unstable?

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Questions for JasonJ

It is a pretty narrow boat for a center console conversion, you wouldn't have much room to walk around. It seems to me like a side console, bass layout might be best for that hull. Center console worked well on my hull because my hull is quite wide for the length. The console fit two adults comfortably side by side and I still had plenty of walk around room. Now that it is in its bass format, my casting deck is like the landing deck of an aircraft carrier.

To answer you question on the PVC tube for the controls, it worked very well and there was never any water in it. I still use it even though the boat is now a side console, I have a lot of the wiring and battery cables ran through it. I don't think your hull would be too unstable with casting decks, it is narrow but it is a trihull. I think it would do as well as a flatbottom jon of similar dimension. Good luck...

 

[i386]

Re: Questions for JasonJ

If I build my own center console 20" wide I have room on both sides to squeeze by. Still, you're probably right. By the time I put some rod holders on the side there will be little room at all.

I'm just too tall to use the original console layout.

You've definately given me something to think about. Thanks.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Questions for JasonJ

i used this one, and you can get rotary steering into it.

http://www.boatersworld.com/product/367980034.htm

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/tashasdaddy/stearn.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/tashasdaddy/MVC-845S-1.jpg

if you use 2" guages, there is plenty of room, steering mounted just left of center, to allow room, i've got fuel, speedo, compass, vhf, am/fm cassette,switch panel, cup holder, all in this little console. rack and pinion steering will not fit. you need to allow atleast 5 extra feet on the cables to route them thru the bilge area and up the console. it is easier to pre planand pre wire, what you are going to have, before the floor goes in. i mounted bow light on the front of the console when i added the trolling motor.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Questions for JasonJ

i386 close ups pics.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/tashasdaddy/MVC-850S-1.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/tashasdaddy/MVC-851S.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/tashasdaddy/MVC-852S.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/tashasdaddy/MVC-853S.jpg



should have built base and inch higher so trolling battery would go under, but works as a good foot rest. that's my wireless remote foot control.