Ideas for a console

[MaritimeMatt]

I have a 83 MirrorCraft 16' Northport Troller with a 25hp Johnson tiller, Flat wood floor, single small pedestal seat mounted around mid ship. I have most everything I need to convert to remote steering and controls except a console. Besides fishing, I would use this boat alternately to run back and forth to work at my shop about 20 minutes away, mostly protected waterways except where the river meets the bay for a very short distance which at times can get a bit snotty.
I like the idea of a good sturdy console and wheel I can hold on to instead of workin a tiller. I'm thinking mounting should be forward of this pedestal seat to add some weight to the light forward half of the boat. Ability to stand when needed in a short chop is much considered. I'm thinkin it would be drier from spray as well, although I'd feel the chop more.
Anyone deal with this company?
www.akmccallumco.com/check-out-our-accessories--steering-consoles-storage
Not sure of there stock and availibility yet but looks like a good option. Other ideas, build your own? Side or Center console?
Looking for fastest way to get it done. Not worried too much on price.
Thanks

 

[UP BOATER]

Some nice options on that link.

 

[Shaugh]

This is an interesting idea... planning to make my own at some point...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9BSoWQKzrM

 

[MaritimeMatt]

Well after a phone call to AJ McCallum, it looks like there is no stock available at this time. So i found a console made by Todd , #95-3005, polyetheline, not bad but a bit pricey around $400
Also found one by T-H marine, #SCM-2-DP, side unit made of tin and rather inexpensive at around $200 or build one out of ext. plywood, or bother my friend who is a welder/fabricator to build me one. Buying a pre-made is quickest and i really think a center over a side would be better; storage under, possibly windscreen or small dodger in front, ???

 

[MaritimeMatt]

This is an interesting idea... planning to make my own at some point...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9BSoWQKzrM

That is pretty sharp. I wonder if I can challenge my friend to build something similar? basically a pipe slid into a pipe, braces, a box to mount to, etc. It would take him some time as it would have to be a perfect build.

 

[JL8Jeff]

Have you searched Ebay to see if there is anything in your area? Also check with your local dealer to see if they have anything in stock or if they have some old boats sitting around they might be able to steal one from.

 

[Shaugh]

I'm still working my plan out.. but here's some ideas:

make it from 1 7/8" conduit and paint the tubes and fittings to match the boat. Change out the thumb screws for small screws:

footing and box mount... stabilizer mount if needed :
https://www.ysbw.com/Canopy-Fitting-1-7-8-Foot-Pad-p/2855.htm

elbows:
https://www.ysbw.com/Canopy-Fitting-1-7-8-Elbow-p/2820.htm

https://www.ysbw.com/Canopy-Fitting-1-7-8-Sliding-Elbow-p/2835.htm

console box with plenty of room to hide wiring and steering... storage:

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/buyers-products-14-in-x-12-in-x-18-in-black-steel-underbody-truck-box-1282377?cm_mmc=feed-_-GoogleShopping-_-Product-_-1282377&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpN75iZ7F6AIVAm6GCh3JtA5FEAQYBiABEgKVWfD_BwE



https://www.ebay.com/itm/24-Heavy-Duty-Aluminum-Tool-Box-Truck-Pick-Up-Underbody-Truck-Trailer-Storage-H/273902197129?

 

[DaleH]

FWIW here's some DIY 'how to' info with pictures, to make a console from one bought cheap on eBay: https://forum.tinboats.net/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=36465

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

I have seen someone somewhere made a console out of an aluminum truck box that goes in the bed of a pick up.

 

[DaleH]

I have seen someone somewhere made a console out of an aluminum truck box that goes in the bed of a pick up.

Youse asks ... youse gets ...

See: https://tinboats.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=16347

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

I have seen someone somewhere made a console out of an aluminum truck box that goes in the bed of a pick up.

Youse asks ... youse gets ...

See: https://tinboats.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=16347

A million dollars please.

 

[maintenanceguy]

I've always thought these were pretty interesting: https://www.boatstogo.com/central-console-inflatable-boat.asp

They're made for inflatable dingys but something could be made for any jon boat. A Harbor Freight hydraulic tube bender and a couple of lengths of aluminum tubing and you'd have something in a few hours. Just keep in mind that dies for bending tube are different dimensions from dies for bending pipe. Either will work, you just need to know whether to buy aluminum pipe or aluminum tube.

If you bent the curve at the top of the console toward you to make a grab bar over the steering wheel, it would give you something sturdy to hold on to.

 

[MaritimeMatt]

Some great idea's from everyone. Much appreciated.
While cleaning up behind my shop, I found a piece of side console with part of the gunnel that I cut off of a old Manatee bow rider. After some initial trimming ,I think its going to work just fine. May have to move the pedestal seat around, and I don't think I'll be able to stand while running but hey, it's free. It's rough with multiple holes from old gauges, switches and brackets along with spider cracks in the gel, but that happens to be my specialty, working in auto body shops from the mid-70's to mid 80's. Would love to post before and after pics. What is the easiest way to post pics on here?

 

[JL8Jeff]

When you click on "Post Reply" if you look down below, you will see 2 tabs "Options" and "Attachments". Click on "Attachments" and then click the "Add files" button to upload a picture. My console had an Evinrude prop outboard with that gauge in the console that was part of the wiring harness so I had the hole when I sold that motor. I had an ammeter sitting around from a previous project and it was the same size so I wired it up and now I can check the charging while I'm running and no holes in the console.

 

[MaritimeMatt]

 

[MaritimeMatt]

When you click on "Post Reply" if you look down below, you will see 2 tabs "Options" and "Attachments". Click on "Attachments" and then click the "Add files" button to upload a picture. My console had an Evinrude prop outboard with that gauge in the console that was part of the wiring harness so I had the hole when I sold that motor. I had an ammeter sitting around from a previous project and it was the same size so I wired it up and now I can check the charging while I'm running and no holes in the console.

Thanks Jeff for the pic instructions. I got it on here, sideways but here, from my phone. I'm no computer head by any means.

 

[JL8Jeff]

Thanks Jeff for the pic instructions. I got it on here, sideways but here, from my phone. I'm no computer head by any means.

I can't help you with the sideways or upside down picture issue, I don't have a cell phone. I see this happen to people on quite a few message boards. I think it has something to do with the setting the picture was taken, landscape or portrait or if you were standing on your head. :wink:

 

[Shaugh]

I've had plenty of time to tinker during the pandemic. I tried several ideas for a swing away console.... But unfortunately none of them were good enough.... The final result just didn't feel as solid as I'd want. I ended up making the parts I used into a fixed console on my 16' starcraft....The good news is that boat is wide enough for dancing so "swing away" was of marginal value. Can't wait for a decent weekend to try it out..

 

[Jim]

That console is legit! Nice work man. :beer:

 

[MrGiggles]

I've had plenty of time to tinker during the pandemic. I tried several ideas for a swing away console.... But unfortunately none of them were good enough.... The final result just didn't feel as solid as I'd want. I ended up making the parts I used into a fixed console on my 16' starcraft....The good news is that boat is wide enough for dancing so "swing away" was of marginal value. Can't wait for a decent weekend to try it out..

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That console is a work of art. Awesome job.

Call me a skeptic but I think the helm chair is gonna be a nuisance. I think it'll be trying to roll away while you're running.