Looking for web sites for ideas/designs for a center console. I have a
1973 Aquasport and the console is shot.

I have looked at some pre-built ones but they are either not to my
liking or way too much money.

Thanks

--
Tailgunner

Rather than look on the internet, I would go to someplace that has some
small fishing boats on display, boat shows are good for this. Find the ones
you like, take measurements and pictures. Then design your own using the
info you developed.
When I designed my console here are some of the objectives that were
important to me .
I wanted to house as many mechanical items as possible in the console.
These were, batteries (3) engine oil tanks, trim tab pumps, macerator pump
for fish box, auto pilot pump, fuel tank switching valves and I wanted to
attach my tee top to it as well in a manner where the bolts where accessible
from inside the console. A clever idea that Contender uses.
You can take a look at my web site and see some pictures of the inside of
the one I made for this boat. As far as construction, you can make one from
plywood and fiberglass over it and either paint or gelcoat the finish. You
can make a wooden console look as good as a factory molded one but it will
require some work on your part. The console you see on my web site is about
1/2 wood and 1/2 foam core. It was easier to make areas of it wood rather
than put a lot of small wood inserts where I would need to screw or bolt
thing, screws tend to pull out of foam core.

--
Ron White
My boatbuilding website is:
www.concentric.net/~knotreel

Ron White wrote:

Rather than look on the internet, I would go to someplace that has some
small fishing boats on display, boat shows are good for this. Find the ones
you like, take measurements and pictures. Then design your own using the
info you developed.
When I designed my console here are some of the objectives that were
important to me .
I wanted to house as many mechanical items as possible in the console.
These were, batteries (3) engine oil tanks, trim tab pumps, macerator pump
for fish box, auto pilot pump, fuel tank switching valves and I wanted to
attach my tee top to it as well in a manner where the bolts where accessible
from inside the console. A clever idea that Contender uses.
You can take a look at my web site and see some pictures of the inside of
the one I made for this boat. As far as construction, you can make one from
plywood and fiberglass over it and either paint or gelcoat the finish. You
can make a wooden console look as good as a factory molded one but it will
require some work on your part. The console you see on my web site is about
1/2 wood and 1/2 foam core. It was easier to make areas of it wood rather
than put a lot of small wood inserts where I would need to screw or bolt
thing, screws tend to pull out of foam core.

--
Ron White
My boatbuilding website is:
www.concentric.net/~knotreel

Ron,
Very nice. I would imagine that boat moves along quite nicely with those 225's.

Your requirements are very similar to mine. I want everything inside the console
with the ability to lock certain items (radio, etc) behind doors. The fishing
boxes behind the leaning post are on the list with a drop down shelf for
bleeding fish.

I don't want a tee top as nice as they are. I have a draw bridge to contend with
and rumor has it they are going to start charging by height when they raise the
bridge.

I plan on using 1/2" acx plywood, glassed at seams and painted.

I have been scouring the local boatyards and harbors as you suggested. I keep my
digital camera with me for things I like.

My project can be seen at http://boat.nbrigham.com
As you can see I have some work cut out for me. Put a new 125 Merc Sal****er
Classic on the boat this weekend. I plan on replacing the deck either this year
or next.

--
Tailgunner
1973 22' Aquasport

Don't go too cheap on the plywood. ACX doesn't usually lie flat and could be
more difficult to work with. Marine would be nice or at least some premium
grade of exterior. The 1/2" would be lighter and adequate strength wise but
unless you filleted the insides of the corners , you will compromise the
strength. 3/4" will be easier to fasten the joints and have more leeway in
sanding the corners round to have a better look.
I would cover the whole exterior of the thing with glass and resin. And
reinforce the joints on the inside as well. Then fill the exterior with
either fairing compound or auto body filler, epoxy prime and then paint with
a good type paint (urethane maybe).But I don't know what your goals are for
appearance and weather resistance.
You may find some interesting ideas from the following websites:
www.classicseacraft.com
www.classicmako.com
and I think there is a Whaler site as well.
These guys are doing some great work on home projects like you are doing.

--
Ron White
My boatbuilding website is:
www.concentric.net/~knotreel

Ron White wrote:

Don't go too cheap on the plywood. ACX doesn't usually lie flat and could be
more difficult to work with. Marine would be nice or at least some premium
grade of exterior. The 1/2" would be lighter and adequate strength wise but
unless you filleted the insides of the corners , you will compromise the
strength. 3/4" will be easier to fasten the joints and have more leeway in
sanding the corners round to have a better look.
I would cover the whole exterior of the thing with glass and resin. And
reinforce the joints on the inside as well. Then fill the exterior with
either fairing compound or auto body filler, epoxy prime and then paint with
a good type paint (urethane maybe).But I don't know what your goals are for
appearance and weather resistance.
You may find some interesting ideas from the following websites:
www.classicseacraft.com
www.classicmako.com
and I think there is a Whaler site as well.
These guys are doing some great work on home projects like you are doing.

--
Ron White
My boatbuilding website is:
www.concentric.net/~knotreel

Thanks Ron. I was planning on filleting the insides of the corners for strength.

The more I think on it (I have all winter) the more I think I will cover the
outside with glass and west system the inside and then paint the sh*t out of it
all.

I knew about the Mako site but not classicseacraft. Thanks.

--
Tailgunner

The console is easy to make but beware of the installation.
Here is a link to a web page showing how to install a DIY console on a deck:
http://bateau2.com/modules.php?name=...ticle&artid=43


--
Jacques
http://www.bateau.com


"Tailgunner" wrote in message
...
Looking for web sites for ideas/designs for a center console. I have a
1973 Aquasport and the console is shot.

I have looked at some pre-built ones but they are either not to my
liking or way too much money.

Thanks

--
Tailgunner

You might try the Tolman Skiff group on yahoogroups.com. Most of them are
built with a console and plenty of plan variants are available, probably for
free.

James Sloan
Saint Simons Island, GA

"Tailgunner" wrote in message
...
Looking for web sites for ideas/designs for a center console. I have a
1973 Aquasport and the console is shot.

I have looked at some pre-built ones but they are either not to my
liking or way too much money.

Thanks

--
Tailgunner

Jacques Mertens wrote:

The console is easy to make but beware of the installation.
Here is a link to a web page showing how to install a DIY console on a deck:
http://bateau2.com/modules.php?name=...ticle&artid=43


Thanks.


--
Jacques
http://www.bateau.com

"Tailgunner" wrote in message
...
Looking for web sites for ideas/designs for a center console. I have a
1973 Aquasport and the console is shot.

I have looked at some pre-built ones but they are either not to my
liking or way too much money.

Thanks

--
Tailgunner



--
Tailgunner
Idiot#1 BS#232
'90 FLSTC "X-Girth" - For Sale
Just cause it's nasty don't mean that it's bad

"James W. Sloan" wrote:

You might try the Tolman Skiff group on yahoogroups.com. Most of them are
built with a console and plenty of plan variants are available, probably for
free.

James Sloan
Saint Simons Island, GA


Thanks.


"Tailgunner" wrote in message
...
Looking for web sites for ideas/designs for a center console. I have a
1973 Aquasport and the console is shot.

I have looked at some pre-built ones but they are either not to my
liking or way too much money.

Thanks

--
Tailgunner



--
Tailgunner
Idiot#1 BS#232
'90 FLSTC "X-Girth" - For Sale
Just cause it's nasty don't mean that it's bad