Console modification.

Rich · #1 10-31-2003, 02:37 PM

For some reason the center console on my boat was different from what everyone else has. It wasn't the "big" console or the "small" console; it was kinda like the "middle" (funny looking cousin that no one wanted to talk about) type of console.

I thought it wasn't original; however after years of extensive internet searching for the word "SeaCraft" I have seen two other's just like it. Apparently on 1972 23'CC this was the console used.

Well I have changed the console more to my liking as you can see below. The question is; should I flush mount all of the electronics on the existing face, or should I create some sort of recessed box that has sliding glass or something of that nature?

I don't have any electronics yet, and obviously what ever I end up with will determine the exact layout. I'll end up with all the typical gear, FF, GPS, VHF, etc...

Any suggestions?

Trayder · #2 10-31-2003, 03:35 PM

Hello Rich-

That is the same console I had on my 20. My only suggestion is to lop off the front seat. My reasoning is to keep the inside of your console watertight and add some deck space. Use a removable cooler in the front of the console instead.

Just an idea

FELLOW-SHIP · #3 10-31-2003, 05:15 PM

I redid my large console on my 23 by cutting off the seat in the front door and closing off the back making a built in tackle box and a door that holds my fresh water hose. I must say that console you have there is ugly and needs major surgery which you have already begun. I agree with Trayder I would cut off the front seat and then cut off the front section of that front seat section and re attach it to the new front of the consol. That way you will have the 90 degree lip to use to screw into the deck. Then I would fill in that hole half way up the front of the console that serves no purpose that would also allow spray to come into the console and mess up your wiring. Then I would also fill in the back of the console and make either a built in tackle box or a hatch door to keep stuff from coming into the back. I would form a 4” bottom lip with a 90 degree angle to it to keep the general design going through out the hole consol. On my consol I spent tons of time re doing mine filling in lots of holes fixing and cutting now it’s just the way I like it. I went with a electrical box and a sliding door for my electronics. I leave the radio’s in but take the GPS and Fish finder out and the end of my trips.
Good luck.
FellowShip [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

Rich · #4 10-31-2003, 05:36 PM

FELLOWSHIP,

Where did you find the electronics box?

Mark · #5 10-31-2003, 10:00 PM

When redoing a 23' there are far more options for decent consoles than when redoing a 20'. If you have the time, I would suggest looking around for a console that is already built and meets your needs. I too had that console in the photos on my 1971 20'CC.....it's somewhere in a NC landfill now [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

strick · #6 11-01-2003, 06:56 AM

Rich,

I like what you are trying to do with the consel... it is looking much better then the original...however make sure that you think it out real well. If you plan on flush mounting your electronics make sure you leave enough room to get to the back for your wiring. That said it may be better to just look for a used larger consel that you can toy with. If you have a 23 then there is pleanty of space to accomadate a larger consel and I think you would be much happier in the end.

Strick

Mark · #7 11-01-2003, 07:58 AM

If you really want to go the cut-n-paste route, I would suggest not being hampered by the original design. If you get some 1/2" FoamCore and some Epoxy, you can make a new console form in about 20 minutes to see if the shape and dimensions would work for you. I did this one in less time than that and then had a more refined mold made of the same measurements for the final fiberglass version:

http://www.momentoffame.com/snapshot.html?id=57324

ScottM · #8 11-01-2003, 09:40 AM

Mark,
I hope Fido didn't "christen" that console. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

FELLOW-SHIP · #9 11-04-2003, 09:47 AM

Ha Rich
The Electrical box was in the console when I bought the boat. It was made of aluminum I filled all the old holes using epoxy and glass and filler, then I cut out new locations for new electronics, then I painted it with Sterling 2 part paint and cut out new sliding doors and used a track for the doors to slide on.
FellowShip [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]