Inboard console holddowns / attachment?

[deepsushi]

Question for the inboard owners -- how is your console attached?

My console has hinges on the forward edge of the console so it can tilt forward. There are no rear or side attachments and the console is held down by the weight of the console and t-top only. When I am running the console has some movement back and forth and I am worried that it is a safety issue. When I re-cored the center hatch there was also some damage to the fiberglass skin on the deck as a result of the console movement.

I want to secure it and I purchased some T-latches made of rubber / stainless similar to the style found on the hoods of Jeeps. I am not sure if these are going to provide enough lateral stability to keep the console in place when I am running.

[BigLew]

With regard to the deck chaffing, you might want to look into some flexible edge molding that will not marr the surface of the deck. As for anchoring down the console take a look at these.

http://www.google.com/search?q=White...9eab5fb0f14aaf

Good luck!

[geesea]

My console is hinged forward as well as having sliding bolts on the rear corners. If you pm me I can take a few photos. I have trouble posting photos on this site.

[amcd]

I am an outboard man, what can I say!

[aldo]

I have a 1976 inboard and am using the pins that "Big Lew" is suggesting. You might try them at the rear of the console and keep the hinges at the front. Also re-enforcing the inside of the console wherever the T-Top connects to it will do wonders as far as vibration goes. I added a few pieces of 1/4" versatex (any plastic or plywood will do) at the attachment points and noticed a big difference.

[SBD]

Trim Lok is great for putting a finished edge on glass. I buy it by the foot from r and p carriages on ebay.

Southco vulcanized rubber latches make great hold downs.


latches

[BigLew]

I have a 1976 inboard and am using the pins that "Big Lew" is suggesting. You might try them at the rear of the console and keep the hinges at the front. Also re-enforcing the inside of the console wherever the T-Top connects to it will do wonders as far as vibration goes. I added a few pieces of 1/4" versatex (any plastic or plywood will do) at the attachment points and noticed a big difference.

Not only at the rear of the console but also inside where bare feet will not accidently catch them.

I second the advice for intalling some re-inforcement wood "cleats" to dampen the vibration, Be sure to stategically place them.

Good luck!

[deepsushi]

Thanks for the ideas guys -- the latches I purchased are similar to the Southco ones.

I think the pin style hold down might help to secure the console better as the console moves slightly to port / starboard as well as up / down when running.

Fred, how are yours attached to the deck? Are they through bolted or just screwed in?

A few years ago one of my buddies was on a charter down in Mexico and the console of the boat he was on lifted up and smashed down and broke his big toe. It was very gnarly looking injury (black / blue and every other color) which he said hurt like $^^%%#@# hell. I certainly do not want to go through a similar experience.

[aldo]

Mine are through bolted with a piece of 3/4 mahogony backing on the console.