Building my own center console

Basketcase · #1 09-01-2012, 04:55 PM

Using the method I've seen Strick use, I'm going to build my own console for my 20' since the boat did not come with one when I bought it.

What do I need to take into consideration when building this? I may one day decide to add a T top so I imagine I need to think about width. I have a grasp on the design I want as far as electronics, storage, etc. Just wondering about technical considerations such as how wide should the platform be that the helm will attach to?

Thanks guys. Even though my boat has no floor or transom, I'm going to make it a nice piece of furniture

strick · #2 09-01-2012, 05:24 PM

Sometimes it's a good idea to buy everything you are considering putting on the cc such as helm, controls, rod holders electronics etc... and build around these. Marine connection in Florida has some nice cc's and you may want to price them out before you dive into one. Just saying..

strick

buzzcutt · #3 09-01-2012, 06:11 PM

Basketcase,

I spend a lot of my time on various vessels, from center consoles to yacht. One common problem I find with all the consoles is the placement of the wheel and controls.

At 6' 1", I prefer the wheel at a height I don't have to bend down or hunch over to reach. Most center consoles have the wheel mounted too low for my comfort.

I would try to measure what height you want the wheel while running the boat. Take into consideration the equipment you will be putting in the dash, location of gauges for viewing while running and the location and size of the compass.

As far as width, try to leave enough room around the console to function comfortably without jamming toes or hitting knees.

For the T-Top, I absolutely love the design where the top mounts on a shelf on the side of the console. It eliminates another set of holes to seal in the deck, makes the running of cables and wires much easier and shortens the leg length.

If you are designing from scratch, measure it out and figure what works bet for you. It's you boat and you should make it the way you like it.

Just my .02,

buzzcutt

Blue197320 · #4 09-01-2012, 06:44 PM

if i were to build a console for my 20 it would have a toe kick around it and be able to mount the t top on it instead of on the floor like contenders do. i have a 23 contender with a toe kick and its great. the top on mine mounts to the floor but its not the end of the world.

gofastsandman · #5 09-01-2012, 07:14 PM

Imagineer is the best flavor of ice cream. Everyone is an individual and I believe you build to suit your taste.

Waffle cone? No? Sugar cone? OK.

Basketcase · #6 09-01-2012, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue197320

if i were to build a console for my 20 it would have a toe kick around it and be able to mount the t top on it instead of on the floor like contenders do. i have a 23 contender with a toe kick and its great. the top on mine mounts to the floor but its not the end of the world.

Do you have some pictures of what your talking about? I like the idea of the top mounting to the console.

And the reason I want to make my own is because I have the time and materials to do so. I have about 4 gallons of polyester I need to use before it goes bad. Bought it this spring to finish up my bass boat, now that is done and I dont want to waste this resin. I also have a few yards of 1708, crap loads of csm, and a huge roll of woven roving. What I dont have is tons of money. Plus itd be cool to make my own.

My main question is regarding future T top. I would like to be able to buy an off the shelf or used T top because I'm making an assumption that it would be cheaper than a custom made one to fit my console. I dont want to make it too wide, long, etc and have to go to a custom top if I dont have to. Is there a certain size I should stay within? It seems like a lot of the tops I see fit so well around the console that they were made together. Sometimes I wonder if I shouldnt just buy a top and build my console to suit.

Blue197320 · #7 09-02-2012, 08:20 AM

i found a picture of one on google. here is the link. with this set up it makes it very easy to walk around it. with limited space on a 20 i think it will help alot. on my 20 i took the standard console and cut 8" out and glassed it back together. i like it but i sort of regret it because i had to mount my electronics up in the t top box.

http://tsfyachts.com/2006_contender_..._console_3.jpg

Basketcase · #8 09-04-2012, 06:50 PM

I like that. Thanks for the pic. Looks easy enough to incorporate into the design. Looks like I'd have to make the glass a bit thicker or even core it in that area to make it support a top. No big deal. Thanks for the input everyone.

red20 · #9 09-09-2012, 06:17 PM

Contender got it right on the CC. Keep your top mounting off of the floor. One of my older 20's had a t-top that mounted to the console and it worked out great with the limited space available. Just make sure you have a SOLID CC to floor bond/ mount. I had to beef up mine with aluminum L between the console and floor.

BigLew · #10 09-09-2012, 10:07 PM

Hey Basketcase,
To quote you, "At 6' 1", I prefer the wheel at a height I don't have to bend down or hunch over to reach. Most center consoles have the wheel mounted too low for my comfort.", keep in mind the standard height of a kitchen counter is 34". Add 12 -16" rise for electronics and your at 4'+, that's below shoulder height.. Run your future T-Top legs in through or outside the console and I think you have a start. Put some shelves in it and an electrical panel mounting area and you're good to go. Keep the compass as far away as possible or go with a fluxgate setup.

Good luck!