New Console!

[Fayetteguy]

So i finally bought my new center console and i was wondering what size scews you guys have used to put these things down. I saw some stainless screws that i think were 1 1/2 is this too long? too short? or just right? Also do i need to hit the foam stringers or is the deck thick enough to support it wherever i screw it down?

-matt

[Willie]

Hey guy, never had to put one in, but I am sure one of the other guys will jump in soon and give you some direction....just remember to use lots of the 5200 sealant to keep things dry on the inside........*thumbsup*

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

You can screw it direct on the floor, but make sure you put quite a bit amount of 5200 on the bottom sole of the console and in the screw holes.When finish installation, go around in and out of the console with 5200.Believe it or not, 5200 will hold it in place and dry for many many years to come.

[Fayetteguy]

so kind of caulk the seam after its screwed in? sounds good to me, you think 1 1/1 inch screws are plenty?

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

Well, yes, should be fine.The lip of the console usually 1/4" thick, the sub floor is about 3/4" thick, that gives you another 1/2" penetration in the foam.

[Fayetteguy]

yeah, i bet you have never seen a 1 and 1/1 inch screw before....i assume you knew it was 1 1/2. i think it will be ok as well, just checkin with the experts. Next is installing a steering system and new throttle cables, the days af up fron stick steer are diminishing.....

-matt

[Big Will]

Matt,

Good luck and have fun. Pre drill your screw holes with a bit as big as the inner shank of the screw but not as big as the threads. If you hold the bit in front of you perpendicular to the ground then hold the screw directly behind the bit to still see the threads on the screw you've found the right bit...

I't seems like #8 pan head stainless 1 1/2" screws are the right size but I'm not 100% on that. I don't remember how big a #8 is.

To lay it out I always used a set of pencil marks on the floor. Also, check the fit in the given area you select. If the console has any nubbins on the flange you may want to hit them with a grinder to accurize the fit before you break bad with the 5200.

Seems like we used a 3" hole saw to cut a hole for the cables to go through.

P.S. I think that's the way Wuerffel did it... Just kidding, Will

[shaggy3131]

FG, At the factory, they install all the components (steering, guages, etc.) before installing the console. Makes it easier than bending over and working upside down. Re: the 5200, force it in the screw holes and apply it to the screw threads before screwing in the screws. Good luck, Aubrey I'd use # 10 or # 12 screws.

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

CS uses #10 screws for the console.Mine are 1 1/2" long.

[boogieblues50]

hey Fayetteguy
just a question on Your front stick steering...I gave a friend and old 72 ranger bass boat I had sitting around,,,The hull and boat were buit like a tank back than almost indestuctable...the hull is as sound as the day it was made...He is stripping it down to the hull wants to take the little mid console out and put a front stick steering system up front and maybe a smaller 4 stroke on it...
You having had the front stick steer... what are the pros and cons of it...its only a 16 ft boat...will be used on lakes and rivers..
Thanks for any Info....BoogieBlues

[Fayetteguy]

On lakes and rivers expecially fresh i would love it!

Pros: Nimble as can be, it is so reactive you almost have to be careful how much you pull the stick, it is very quick handling. If you ever troll and are by yourself, you can run the motor, and from the same seat let your trolling motor down and keep going.

Cons (for me): Saltwater by myself i feel uneasy about being so close to the front of the boat, if i hit something im going over no matter what. This is the biggest one for me bc i sometimes run by myself. How nimble it can be and getting used to it. Its annoying in idle speed maneuvering flip the stick one way, then the other.

Overall i think it is a cool setup, for freshwater it would be just about perfect, but my style of fishing, and not wating to get as wet anymore, plus my safety issue has me doing the switch.

-matt

[boogieblues50]

Hey Fayetteguy
...Thanks for the feedback...just what I wanted to hear...I sorrta suggested it to him and didnt want to be leading him down a bad bumpy road....
BoogieBlues

[Fayetteguy]

oh yeah and it also opens the boat up tremendously! you get a much more open floor. and it is currently in a 16ft skiff

[Big Will]

So have you decided on the center or the side for your console?*006*

[Fayetteguy]

Im gonna go with Center, since ill be by myself a good bit i wanted to keep the balance a little more down the middle. Im gonna order my ten ft steering system in a day or two, then once thats in ill work on throttle cables! i figure once i have all the parts it should only take a few hours.

[Big Will]

Any ideas on the seat? Are you maybe planning to reuse your pedestal from the front? It looks sturdy.

[Fayetteguy]

i have a storage seat in the back already, so im thinking about just putting a pad on it and sitting on the bench. i have also thought about putting some sort of backrest on the seat so you have a little bit of support.

[Big Will]

Hmmm, good thinking. You'll have three across seating in the stern, storage, and a rear deck to stand on when casting from back there... I like it.

I wonder if anyone makes a flip back that could be attached to the storage lid, a small one, that could flip forward or back for a back support, and the articulation would help it clear the engine etc.

It would mount with camel backs.

Just a thought... The possibilities are endless.

[Fayetteguy]

Well i have run into a glitch with all this, im getting parts a pieces together to do the swap and after doing some measurements i have a problem. I have a moeller red gas tank in the back right now, as well as 2 deep cycle batts. In other words alot of weight. I was planning with the console to move both the batts and the gas tank under the console. Problem is one one will fit, with the dimensions of the two moeller tanks that are options, they will fit, but the batts will not. Or the batts will fit and not the tank. I dont wanna drop ove $100 on a new tank when this one is fairly new. So will moving the batts be the best bet, this will at least leave me a little storage space to put a tool box and jackets or whatever. I would mount the batts as far forward under the console as possible. If i chose to mount the tank under there, it would be further back to access the fill without cutting a hole in the front of my new console. I wonder what would be better weight wise? Im thinking that mounting the batts up there would be best, about the same amount of weight and it could be as far forward as possible to help with the balance, and i dont have to buy a new tank......any opinions? help? im looking at 12 gallon tanks if that helps!

-matt

[Gunnar]

matt,
If it was my decision I'd go with the batteries under the console. Two batteries are going to be heavier than a full tank of gas, if you're concerned about being stern heavy. Having more storage under the console is also a plus as it will be drier than the back of the boat.
My two cents, Gregg

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

matt,
If it was my decision I'd go with the batteries under the console. Two batteries are going to be heavier than a full tank of gas, if you're concerned about being stern heavy. Having more storage under the console is also a plus as it will be drier than the back of the boat.
My two cents, Gregg

Ditto.

[Big Will]

It sounds like your fuel tank is already in the stern. That may be the way to go. Fuel tank in back and batteries under the console.

I don't like batteries under the console myself. To much acid and Hydrogen gas issues. Unless you build a wall like NEM.

Do you have any plans for a bow cap? Maybe you could put the batteries or the fuel tank under the bow? You're going to notice a difference with the weight adjustment as you won't have your weight forward.

I have some simple plans for a home made bow arround here some where. It's easy to do if your interested ask and I'll post 'em.