Building a center console

[idonthaveaname]

I have decided to remove the side console and build a center console. Sure, I can buy a pre-built center console but where?s the fun in that? So now it comes down to materials. It?s a small bass boat and I want to keep it light. Granted, we know plywood is the typical component, but what are others?

Balsa?

Foam board?

What do you think?



My project

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Building a center console

Dude, you should really try and keep all your posts in one thread for your project. It really helps everyone know what you're doing

Forum Rules.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=397820

11. Please do not post multiple threads in multiple forums about a single problem. This is confusing to those trying to help you. Multiple threads in the same forum about the same issue are also confusing. If you want help fast, one thread in the most closely related forum is the best way to get it.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Building a center console

Wood, I don't agree with you on these types of circumstances. Yeah I don't want people creating separate threads for their stringers then their deck, etc etc but for individual projects like this center console? Feel free. Not everyone reads long running project threads.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Building a center console

HI idnothaveaname. I'm with you. DIY rules! I've actually been pondering a console myself. I've seen all kinds of funky yet effective designs. I think you could get away with building one out of 1/4" plywood coated in epoxy and painted. You could also f'glass the same box if you like. I aslo saw a cool one where a guy took an old aluminum, diamond plate toolbox off his truck and made one that way (see link). I've also seen guys make aluminum consoles out of old street signs. A great source of nice, thick aluminum, if you can find 'em (leagally). You may also get lucky and find a "real" one on c-list, but that's no fun. Check out tinboats.net and youtube for some good ideas too. Here are some of the links I've been using for ideas and inspriation. Keep us posted. I'm curious to see what you come up with.....so I can steal it


http://www.tinboats.net/forum/viewt...hilit=aluminum+toolbox+center+console#p166964

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: Building a center console

Hey kfa! I saw the truck box deal a while back...innovative but dang! That's got to be heavy. I know I can build one from plywood. That's easy, done before by others, and I have found instructions on the how to. I was thinking more about weight and foam or balsa is lighter and being re-enforced with the fiberglass may or may not work. If you think about it...surfboards are made with a balsa core. Dunno for sure...just thinking.

Wood...I thought about that...keeping it in the same post. But as ez mentioned, this is really a separate project, or at least could be considered as one. Personally, I thought it was specific and separate...besides being a pirate...it's really hard for me to follow rules. arrgh!

 

[sasto]

Re: Building a center console

Hey noname. We built many one-off boat and airplane parts using styrofoam. I would shape the styrofoam to replicate the console. We used a hot glue gun to assemble the pieces. Then layup some CSM and/or biax over the form. Maybe some finish cloth for the last layer. Fair the console with a putty (peanut butter they call it here) of your choice, and paint her.


Once completed we would remove the foam and have a lightweight part. Don't tell OSHA, but gasolene would eat the foam right up.


Good Luck!.....in whatever you decide.

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: Building a center console

sasto - I hadn't considered removing the styro. Interesting. I was looking around the internet machine and came across a new term (to me). It's called hot coating and it's what is used in making surf boards and why they are so darn shiny. Basically, it's like an additional coat of resin but I haven't found the rest of the details on how it's done. Essentially, once done, the surface is good enough to not need paint...uh...like a surfboard. ;-)

 

[sasto]

Re: Building a center console

I became interested in "hot coating" and found this site. http://www.surfersteve.com/hotcoat.htm

Looks like the way to go, noname! Sure looks simpler than having to fair the whole part. I'm going to give it a try on a piece I have been wanting to make.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Building a center console

IF the console is not to complex .. I would build the base from 1/4" wood board. Shape it the way you want then Poly glass it with some CSM. Spend some time to fair it out..then Gelcoat it.

Backings where the controls/wheel are needed but EZ to do.

Current pics of the project would help.

YD.

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: Building a center console

IF the console is not to complex .. I would build the base from 1/4" wood board. Shape it the way you want then Poly glass it with some CSM. Spend some time to fair it out..then Gelcoat it.

Backings where the controls/wheel are needed but EZ to do.

Current pics of the project would help.

YD.

I will prolly go with the plywood option and save the experimenting until later. Seems to make sense at this point. I have plenty of work with the boat to keep me busy for a while, but when I start the console, I will definitely post the progress so all can see.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Building a center console

Yes .. Please do show some pics ..

Is this the same boat that you started a thread back in 2010 ? http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=444851

Just wondering if you can get some updated pics so those of us can get a little more Involved with your projects..

Thanks man..

YD.

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: Building a center console

Yup. That's the girl. It been so on and off I haven't been very attentive. Work seems to be slowing a bit, and the weather looks like it might allow me to do some work (it's outside under cover so rain is a problem). I am going to consolidate into here

Here are some current pics...

I rebuilt the center of the decking where I had this:

In retrospect, I should have removed the entire cap before starting...let that be a lesson to those starting a project.

After finishing the center deck, I dug a little more into the back area of the boat where you see the seating in the above picture. Well it was paper thin and I was really bothered I had not check this before. Stupid new guy trick. So...stupid me...still didn't want to pop the whole top. I strategically chose a place to cut and removed the rear cap.



Here is it laid against the house. Note the red circles...rotted wood under the seating area and venting. Other than that it's solid as a rock.

Once pulled the cap off I could see the real damage. OMG...what a mess. There were two boxes (created for flotation) and full of water logged foam. The foam below deck was soaked and the stringers were... anyhow, the transom was shot and I knew that. Here the picture after I removed most of the wood:



After numerous attempts with a chainsaw, homemade scrapers, long pry bars, and anything else I thought would work and since I have removed the back cap, I decided to remove the inner skin.



After cleaning out the stringers and the remaining transom wood pieces, I was stuck with this bilge area and had to make a decision since I couldn't remove the remaining wood between the bilge and the transom outer skin.



I chose to remove the entire bilge and rebuild the stringers and bilge along with the transom. That's where I am now which brought to the center console question in the other post. I figured since I was going to reconfigure the area mentioned, I would make this little girl into a center console.

I will post as I progress.

Thanks.

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: Building a center console

Finally found some time this weekend to play with the boat. I had bought the plywood a few weeks ago to let dry in the garage. Formed and cut it then epoxied to seal. Hopefully I will be able to work on it this week and glass it in. Here's some pix!

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Building a center console

sasto - I hadn't considered removing the styro. Interesting. I was looking around the internet machine and came across a new term (to me). It's called hot coating and it's what is used in making surf boards and why they are so darn shiny. Basically, it's like an additional coat of resin but I haven't found the rest of the details on how it's done. Essentially, once done, the surface is good enough to not need paint...uh...like a surfboard. ;-)

Hot coating is nothing special, all you are doing is painting on another layer of resin to fill the weave in the glass. S/Bs use very light cloth and the weave can be filled easier than the glass normally used on boats. S/Bs also use a resin designed for just for them (sort of), which is a little different than what you will typically buy for boat repair.

Catalyze at the upper end of the range for the resin you will use.

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: Building a center console

Question for the experts. I need to order some supplies and was thinking about getting the final deck coating. I have seen where ya'll called for 6oz finishing cloth. Looking at US COMPOSITES I don't see anything called finishing cloth. I see S cloth, E cloth, plain or stain weave but nothing as simple as finishing cloth. Which should I choose for that smooth finish?

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: Building a center console

Found this while shopping around for material. I usually contact USCOMPOSITES, but this place sounds interesting.

http://thayercraft.com/

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Building a center console

I am assuming you are using epoxy all the way for your build. Looking at the link you posted I'd recommend the Style 7532 for your deck. You will need a heavier cloth for tabbing in the transom. Something more like the Style 3783

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: Building a center console

Correct WOG. Epoxy all around. It's what I started with so I will continue with it.

Thanks for the recommendation.

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: Building a center console

Quick update....

I ordered my finishing cloth for the deck from THAYER and it arrived within days and NO SHIPPING charges along with a great price. Of course, I am a ways from final deck, but at least I have the material waiting and urging me forward. With the transom wood cut and the hull area sanded and prepped, I am hoping to have the transom mostly completed by the weekend...YAY! I can then complete the stringers and start the deck. Once done, I will redesign the side console to a center console configuration.

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: Building a center console

Rainy weekend so I was able to sneak out to the man cave an get some more done. Next step; finish stringers, lay deck, and re-form the boxes that held the floatation foam.