Re: Jon boat console location?
I have an alumacraft 1436 jonboat with tiller steer and im changing it over to remote steer/throttle/shift. What i want to know is, does it make a difference where the console is located on the boat? As far as driveability does it matter where i put the steering console and where i sit to drive the boat?
Do yourself a huge favor: Get on craigslist (watch for scammers) and find yourself a 1648 jon boat and then put a console from iboats (
http://www.iboats.com/Steering-Cons...59585074--**********.651652201--view_id.40120) in it. I had the same delema you have (minus the part about tillers - they drive fine for me). But I had a 1636 boat that I wanted to modify to console steering and also add a trolling motor and a few "custom touches". I got some of the same advice here at iboats that you did - and I am thankful for it. So I spent a little time and re-bucked some rivets and put a paint job on the old boat and rattle canned the trailer it was on and then sold it for $700. Then I bought a 2003 Voyager 1670 (same as most 1648's, they just measure the beam for their models I guess) that had been in a storm and had some minor damage with a tilt trailer for $500 and found a console (very similar to the one in the link) with the steering wheel and cable for $100. Just the other day I found the seats I've been looking for for only $60.
Long story short: I have a boat project for the winter, but, with a little shopping and patience, I have been able to acquire all the major items to put the boat together just the way I want it for the same money I sold my other boat for.
Take the time and put it into creating the boat you really want. Read through some of the remodel threads here and at some of the other sites (as mentioned). I did and I found that most everyone that had taken the time to make their boat what they wanted were much happier that they had......and I'm sure I will be as well and hope the same for you (should you venture that way).
One last note: You may also have to consider cost of going to a larger motor as well if you do go to a larger boat. Of course that depends on what you already have and what you are wanting to achieve. For me, a larger motor doesn't cost much as I am in love with the '50s and '60s Johnnyrude motors and they can be bought for less than a couple hundred bucks in "not running" condition (someone is too lazy to put a carb kit in or replace a coil) and tuned up to make a great motor. The last one I bought ('57 Evinrude 30 hp) for $100 because it would run for a while and then stop and fuel would run out the front of the carb. I put a $24 carb kit in it and it runs great. Of course I will do the standard and replace the impeller, spark plugs, tune the ignition, and replace the lower unit oil.....but that's easy enough. Best part is, it came with the throttle/shift controls and a trolling motor. All I have to do is find starter solenoid and wire everything up to the console when I install it.
Sorry to run away with the thread.....but I do hope this gives you some ideas and encourages you to make sure, whatever you do, that you will be happy with the end result. As for me, I say a guy with your "steering challenge" should stay away from stick steering as well. Either go console (with a bigger boat) or stay at it (more carefully though) and learn the tiller.
Good Luck
