Center console layout
 

One of my big projects this winter in getting the boat ready for the spring will be a heavy redo of the center console. I'm looking to do a simple (relatively cheap)yet kick ass console. I have new guages & gear to go into this job and I need to do some patching and likely re-gelcoat.

What I'm looking for is what are your likes and dislikes about the center console layout.

Here is my before pic and a mildly hacked composite of the layout I'm thinking...

http://www.theboatzone.com/albums/7923/helm3_s.jpg

http://www.theboatzone.com/albums/7923/res10484.jpg

[ November 10, 2003, 03:29 PM: Message edited by: John R ]

Re: Center console layout
 

Hey John

You know what they say about opinions and how everyone has one [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]
I have/had the same console and have changed and refigured it several times over the years as new electronics come on the market or you see someone else's idea that makes you want to change yours. I think that because of rough days bouncing around and trying to tweak Chart & Depth Sounder's knobs and buttons and getting a good view because of glare or other outside elements you need to put the gauges on the left and your electronics on the right so your looking directly at them. This move also might cause some interference to the accuracy of your compass at it sits:confused: so it too might have to find a new location as well.
Just some thoughts and good luck [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Re: Center console layout
 

Hey John,
I notice your mockup shows twin throttles and 2 sets of gauges. Sticking with the twins after all?

I like the way you have the CC set up.

Re: Center console layout
 

Scott - nah, a single. The guage layout is big Tach & Speed (useless but...) Volt/Temp/Trim/Fuel/Hour and I just think that particulat mores set is sweet but out of budget. Would be nice but....

Chuck - When I'm behind the wheel I'll be checking the guages & compass and I'll probably move the radio in favor of a chartplotter there but depth/fish/radar would be off to side. I figure I can overlay radar onto chart (depending on plotter)...

Re: Center console layout
 

Hey John, I dont know if you remembered mine when I redid it last spring but I can give a couple of suggestions if you want them. The blue seas switches work great, I love them. My seperate blue seas fuse holders for my electronics suck, dont use them,you cant get the cap off and end up destroying the holder. (I have destoyed several) I am replacing them with the standard type fuse holders.If you use starboard make sure it is at least 3/8" thick I think I got 3/16 and it is a little flimsey. anyways I know you didnt ask about all that but here is one of those pix of my redone console.(Need some electronic upgrades too.)

http://images.snapfish.com/338%3B737...89866282ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/338%3B737...86627%3Bot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/338%3B737...89866283ot1lsi
craig

[ November 10, 2003, 06:30 PM: Message edited by: Miles Offshore ]

Re: Center console layout
 

Hey craig

Console looks good but what is that yellow stuff you have been drinking above the switches [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Re: Center console layout
 

Thanx- that would be a bottle of Josh's special brew, works well on tail of a buck following a big MOJO!!!

Re: Center console layout
 

John...As Capt Chuck states Opinions my vary ....

I personally would put the compass on top of the console .... and for me the radio up in the box ....I think you have a radio box on that top ?? Plotter and FF in the dash

Here’s a "clean canvas" for you to create on.... Have fun !!

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...5/fa96fdee.jpg

Craig ... I love the classic Morse throttle

Re: Center console layout
 

John ...a better one in your email

Re: Center console layout
 

Needs to be some cup holders on these consels.. drives me nuts not having a place to put my coffee as I'm crusing out in the morning. Later in the afternoon the cup holder works great as a beer holder. Maybe put the compass top center on the consel and put a couple of those flush mount cup holders were the compass was.

Strick

Re: Center console layout
 

some suggestions: Use Black Starboard for upper section of console, remove guages from in front of wheel to the section below the stering wheel so when you look through the wheel you will see them. chart plotter/sounder in front of wheel so you can see / adjust . compass up top so you can take a bearing on other boats when they leave for the other "location". radio and Cell phone mounted to the left side recessed into the dash so clear cover can keep out the weather when necessary. other radio, and smaller gps/sounder up top in electronics box.

Re: Center console layout
 

I have since added a 4 cup teak holder on the left hand side under the radio.(nothing beats 7-11 french roast on the run out) Be honest with you fellows, I use that radio box for nothing but storage now, it hurts my old tail looking up there and when I spring for a new t-top in the future, there wont be a radio box on my list.JMO-.

Re: Center console layout
 

Scott - stole your console. LD - stole some of your ideas... Just mentally figuring this stuff out - not exactly scaled right either...

http://www.theboatzone.com/albums/79...ew_3.sized.gif

Re: Center console layout
 

http://www.theboatzone.com/gallery/fs01/fs23_5

FellowShip [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Re: Center console layout
 

John, are you left handed?

As a rightie, I would take the opportunity to move the binnacle to the right and the steering to the centerline.

Re: Center console layout
 

John,
Do you mean shipped with everything to the right? I've often wondered why most boats in general have the steering on the right.

Re: Center console layout
 

Hidden Electronics

http://www.theboatzone.com/gallery/CSteele/res8250

Re: Center console layout
 

Capt. Chuck,

How much DID that cost?

Re: Center console layout
 

Otto

Go back to "theboatzone" album and look at the other console pics. No cost, just some teak wood work & paint. The console is factory. I removed the windshield and built the teak box with sides to match. There is some new PVC type material I used vs starboard for the gauges & back board which can be cut, sanded, shaped, painted, sealed and it's waterproof and stiff. It is a grey color in it's raw state and is available in different thickness. I don't remember the name of it but I got it at a sign manufac shop.

Re: Center console layout
 

Hey Capt Chuck,
I looked though all your picture and was wondering how often you have to knock people off the big wood cutting board in front of the engine? LOL

I have guys get on my boat that would hesitate to use all that wood for a cutting board.

Your rig is almost to pretty to put in the water.

Re: Center console layout
 

Capt Charles

The finish on that rocket launcher is real hardy. I walk on it [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img] women lay on it [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] and it takes a beating but no cutting [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img]
I use a bait rigging tray by Birdsall.

http://www.birdsallmarine.com/page30.html

Re: Center console layout
 

Hey John

I think you'll be real happy with that new layout [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] GOOD JOB!

Re: Center console layout
 

GF - nope - I'm a righty but I would need to move the wheel to either side as I will have my son right next to me as he gets older. I'm very concerned with being to one side and having him right next to me. To move all the controls and storage and flip them to the other side of the console does not seem to be worth the effort. I can see years down the road when he is bigger to be able to reshuffle the deck and have the steering centered...

Anyone know why these puppies shipped with everything to the %^$^$$ - I mean right (thanks Scott)? Plane style instead of car style?

[ November 17, 2003, 02:41 PM: Message edited by: John R ]