14 row boat to center console

[Chipperr]

I have a v-14 guide by tracker, that had 3 seats, I removed one for more space to crab and fish on. The floor is reinforced. I’m looking to convert it to a small center console. Does anyone have any thoughts on where to put the center console. Currently have a tiller and going to convert that to a remote.

 

[Lectro88]

Maybe some more seasoned members will comment.
But you are looking at a considerable adventure.
You basically have a blank sheet and can do whatever you Really want, what fits you..
Or whatever anyone deems most practical.
I've seen the Gator guys in La with consoles almost at the front, Now that really changes your center gravity but you could shift things like fuel tanks and batteries if applicable.
Again this is your custom project, for you. If you take the advice given have a go.
You may change your mind 2-4 times after you try it.
I would start with a mock up float test if you can figure your weights and where they might go.
Buckets or trash cans of water add big weight quick at 8+ pounds per gallon.
Shift the weights around and see if you like how it floats and handles.
I don't mean filling a 50 gallon can full. that equals a 2 stroke 150 Hp. at about 400 pounds.(been there done that)
But a 50 gallon can with 10-30 gallons is easily dumped over side and easily moved over benches and 5 galloned back up..make sense? Don't flip and sink yourself dumping. stay close to shore I recommend, if you do this.
This is kinda where I would start,,. and build off what you find and others advise.
After you find your fit you will know how long controls and steering needs to be.
Enjoy.

 

[Chipperr]

Thanks, I posted this on a DIY site and everyone said push it back, but didn’t give a reason. I know the boat is light and so is the engine. I was just wondering if there was a rule of thumb. For example, why are all center console mounted on the right and not center. I get spacing. Like how much weight is needed in the rear. When I first got it and broke in the engine, I needed cinder blocks up front to get on plane.
Thanks for the help hope others will comment. I’d like to make it as nice as I can for my kid, it I also want to trotline and crab off it.

 

[dwco5051]

Since that boat was also made as a side console I would think the spacing would be close to the same. My concern might be if you remove the center bench seat would that affect the structural strength of the hull. Are the bench seats foam filled to meet buoyancy requirements?

 

[Chipperr]

Since that boat was also made as a side console I would think the spacing would be close to the same. My concern might be if you remove the center bench seat would that affect the structural strength of the hull. Are the bench seats foam filled to meet buoyancy requirements?

The middle seat was filled with foam.

 

[Lectro88]

I was just wondering if there was a rule of thumb. For example, why are all center console mounted on the right and not center. I get spacing. Like how much weight is needed in the rear.

You are about to change the rules. as in altering how it was built originally.
So just do everything in a safe and planned manner.
Paying attention to things like dwco5051 said keep the strength in tact, If you have to remove it... replace it with something in an acceptable way or method. Be Smart about it. if you don't know, the folks here will help guide you.
Things like you may be standing up in the center now in navigation.
It was designed to be sitting down and at rear. It's a little narrow, So you need to pay attention to that and not build a death trap or rolly polly.
Thats why I said do the float tests and figure a lot of this out yourself, as the guys guiding may... or may Not have built exactly what you are planning to do.
And someone may chime in,. in a week or so that did this exact thing and it may have been a success or a total Flop.
This is a very knowledgable forum.
And after a few float tests, you could find this is.. or is Not a good idea.
I'm building a modified custom also, but completely different than you.
So I kinda get it. Making it your own.
Just keep it safe is the first move. Be double sure.

 

[Chipperr]

You are about to change the rules. as in altering how it was built originally.
So just do everything in a safe and planned manner.
Paying attention to things like dwco5051 said keep the strength in tact, If you have to remove it... replace it with something in an acceptable way or method. Be Smart about it. if you don't know, the folks here will help guide you.
Things like you may be standing up in the center now in navigation.
It was designed to be sitting down and at rear. It's a little narrow, So you need to pay attention to that and not build a death trap or rolly polly.
Thats why I said do the float tests and figure a lot of this out yourself, as the guys guiding may... or may Not have built exactly what you are planning to do.
And someone may chime in,. in a week or so that did this exact thing and it may have been a success or a total Flop.
This is a very knowledgable forum.
And after a few float tests, you could find this is.. or is Not a good idea.
I'm building a modified custom also, but completely different than you.
So I kinda get it. Making it your own.
Just keep it safe is the first move. Be double sure.

On the level, Thanks brother

 

[FunInDuhSun]

Very good advice here from Lectro88 and dwco5051! Stability of small boats is easily affected when weight is moved around or increased.
I will add this: make every effort to keep the weight balanced and as low as possible.
I added a console to my 1448 BigJon. Did not remove any bench. I attached perforated angles to the hull supports and mounted the console to them. That allowed me to adjust the console a bit to find the ‘sweet spot’. I’ve used this rig for back bay fishing for about 10 years now and, for me, it works fine. The hull is rated for 3 but with the mods, I consider it a 2 seater.

 

[Chipperr]

Very good advice here from Lectro88 and dwco5051! Stability of small boats is easily affected when weight is moved around or increased.
I will add this: make every effort to keep the weight balanced and as low as possible.
I added a console to my 1448 BigJon. Did not remove any bench. I attached perforated angles to the hull supports and mounted the console to them. That allowed me to adjust the console a bit to find the ‘sweet spot’. I’ve used this rig for back bay fishing for about 10 years now and, for me, it works fine. The hull is rated for 3 but with the mods, I consider it a 2 seater.

Can I ask you how did you test it and see where it should be...or the sweet spot...I’d like to do almost exactly what you did.
Also I don’t plan on driving standing up...just trotlining and fishing

Also, can you tell me why boat makers put the seat on the right....I was looking at the v-14 tracker with seats, and feel that it would be lopsided also. Just curious. Thanks

 

[Lectro88]

Thanks for the kind words, FunInDuhSun

Quote;
Thanks, I posted this on a DIY site and everyone said push it back, but didn’t give a reason. I know the boat is light and so is the engine.


Answer
Probably because the motor is light and you and console "may" way outweigh the motor and reverse Porpoise, being far out of balance or C.G.
Meaning the motor may frequently over rev being out of water, Especially in a little chop water.
The boys hunting gators I referenced for example probably have big motors. Allowing full forward consoles.(just a guess)They have a reason for what they did.
Same with you and your build.
I would venture to say if I were to take a stab at it. Center or a little back from Center would probably find the "Sweet Spot", that's the words I was missing.(thanks FunInDuhSun)
The Law... Every action causes a reaction, is alive and well here. and especially in small boats.

Oh, and a late welcome to IBoats.

 

[Lectro88]

On the level, Thanks brother

Did I pick up on something here.?
You can PM me on this, if you want.

 

[Chipperr]

Did I pick up on something here.?
You can PM me on this, if you want.

Just a fellow brother.

 

[FunInDuhSun]

Can I ask you how did you test it and see where it should be...or the sweet spot...I’d like to do almost exactly what you did.

I started with the front of the console about 18” behind the center bench. in that position it was easy to reach the wheel from the rear bench but too heavy in the rear (even with anchor and a spare fuel tank up front). I then moved it forward 16”. That made a huge difference but I still felt it needed more weight up front. You might also notice my helm isn’t centered L to R. I have it as far to starboard as the flat bottom allows. With the helm offset, it’s easy to move forward around the port side. To counteract the extra starboard side weight, I added a battery box in front of the front bench on the port side floor. I use a type 31 which is HEAVY but offers 1000 CCA.
With the relocated battery she is almost 150# heavier but really well balanced. I can sit or stand while running and the railing is perfect to hold when going thru chop. I do sit but no much!

Also I don’t plan on driving standing up...just trotlining and fishing

Also, can you tell me why boat makers put the seat on the right....I was looking at the v-14 tracker with seats, and feel that it would be lopsided also. Just curious. Thanks

Starboard helms are considered the standard side, some say because it’s easier to dock, IDK.

 

[dwco5051]

Starboard helms are considered the standard side, some say because it’s easier to dock, IDK.

Agree that it is easier to dock. Since I do 99% of my fishing with just my dog and me and the fact that I am 82 years old it is much easier to just ease in to the dock, reach out and grab a cleat and if the wind is against me throw a line onto the cleat and I am done without ever leaving my seat.

I have also heard the theory that putting more weight on the starboard side to counteract the torque from the standard clockwise rotating prop helps keep the boat level underway.

I have seen some consoles on the port side but not very often. I remember many years ago when I was still working my partner and I stopped an older Ranger bass boat and after a short talk with the operator and cutting him loose with a warning I asked my partner if he noticed anything unusual about the boat. He said something seemed different but he didn't know what it was. I told him the steering wheel was on the left console. That was the only Ranger I ever ran into with a port side console.