1542 War Eagle Console Addition

[JappyFish]

So I've be entertaining the idea of buying a new center console boat (I already own a 1542 War Eagle), but then I thought it may be better to just overhaul my war eagle.

Currently it has the necessary wiring for a trolling motor and nav lights. It also has an old 25 Nissan Tiller Motor that has been in my family for as long as I can remember.

I am wanting to add a new motor 25-30hp as well as a side or center console with power trim and tilt. I've seen a few consoles that have livewells on the front, but I would more or less use that as a cooler as I don't think I need a livewell.

Can someone help guide me with this process or let me know your opinion on the overhaul? I move every 8-10 months so having two boats is not ideal.

-JappyFish

 

[typed by ben]

sounds like youll be making a nice runabout!

the first part is going to be finding a console that you like. if youve scouted them youve already done half the work, but it sounds like you are hung on on finding the perfect one for you. you could also design and build one yourself (or hire someone at a metal shop to do it) if you have some ideas in mind that you just arent finding in the marketplace.

some things to think about:

are you going to simply rework your nissan as a remote? it might be tough to find the parts to retrofit it if the motor has been around a while, as you said.

you'll have to have a battery- since you have nav lights and a trolling motor i assume you already have a provision, but if you go to power t&t youre locked into a good battery near the back of your boat.

 

[Lowe 2070 CC]

even a narrow console can eat up floor space quickly with a 42" bottom. Make sure you have enough room to maneuver around whatever console you decide on. On a boat that narrow a side console makes better use of the available space and can be had with a cooler/livewell attached.

 

[rscottp]

I am in the process of converting my Lund to a CC. My floor is 44" and CC is 18"w, there is enough space to move around. I built mine from plywood but there is a site that has a nice selection of aluminum consoles, McCallum something or other. Use the search on here and you will find it.

 

[Ranchero50]

Here's a couple pics of mine. Honestly, having a grab rail in the middle of the hull negates any arguments about the consoles width taking up too much room. This is a 48" bottom with a @ 20" console setup mounted to the back of the middle bench. That bench has a OEM live well that is used for dry storage.

 

[JappyFish]

Yea I checked around a few places for consoles and what not. Dura Craft makes a center console that may fit. I may just go with a side console though because my boat is pretty small.

I checked on the motor situation and because it is an older model tiller, I probably can't convert it. It sounds like I'll have to pick up a new motor.

Any views on the Evinrude E-Tec motors?

I am also thinking about adding a storage box on the other side and just buying that straight from a War Eagle dealer. Does anyone know how to mount one? It didn't look like it was welded when I saw it.

 

[typed by ben]

JappyFish » Today, 09:10[/url]"]

I am also thinking about adding a storage box on the other side and just buying that straight from a War Eagle dealer. Does anyone know how to mount one? It didn't look like it was welded when I saw it.

the box itself may be welded together but you will probably rivet or bolt it into the boat.