My center console build and plans

[JCNailen]

I built it from regular 1/4 hardwood ply from Home Depot. I know some might chastise me for not using marine grade, but I figure it's just a console that will have a cover on it when not in use, and besides it will be fully epoxied and glassed too. The frame pieces are 3/4 x 3/4 strips.

I haven't glassed it yet, but so far it is super light weight, yet sturdy. After glassing it will be even more rigid.

The overall height is at 45", so it is a nice height for standing or sitting. It's 36" long fore/aft, and 28" wide. The front part will be a seat of course with a stainless piano henge. Underneath can be either storage, or with a drain plug can be a cooler/bait well.

It's easy to build, and if you are on this forum and reading this, I assume you are handy with your hands and have the basic tools.

The only advice I can give you is when you are building the panels, start from the bottom and go up. There is a slight (2" side to side, and front to back) taper from bottom to top. If you start with cutting the panels from the top, you have just ruined using left overs for the lower ones.


This was built from 1 1/2 sheets of regular 4x8 ply from Home Depot. Without the glass, I can lift it with 2 fingers!



Pics.....

 

[JCNailen]

Re: My center console build and plans

More pics... (Hey, who's that good looking guy?)

 

[JCNailen]

Re: My center console build and plans

Even more pics...

 

[Boater45]

Re: My center console build and plans

Very nice! I want a copy of ur plans.

 

[Lukiebs]

Re: My center console build and plans

Good work. I'm in the process of building mine own console. Is ready now to be glassed. What glass will you be using?

 

[JCNailen]

Re: My center console build and plans

Boater45, check your PM.

Kukiebs, for this console, I think fiberglass strand mat should be sufficient. Doesn't really require that much strength. It's cheaper than woven. You can get 3' x 3' sheets at WalMart for $4.

 

[jonesg]

Re: My center console build and plans

Looks good, if it rots it will be from the bottom, you could add a footer to sit it on thats waterproof to prevent it wicking water up. I would glass all the joints on the inside with glass cloth to prevent the joints from opening up.

If you use 2" tri stock on the inside joints the glass will go on a lot easier , then you can knock the corners off the exterior and the glass will go around the ext joints smoothly. And it will look less boxy.

 

[dkski]

Re: My center console build and plans

JC...i tried to PM you without success. I am building my own right now as well and wondered how you plan to bring your wiring back to the motor? I was looking at building a raised channel between the console and the back...curious what you plan? Dave

EDIT

 

[JCNailen]

Re: My center console build and plans

Looks good, if it rots it will be from the bottom, you could add a footer to sit it on thats waterproof to prevent it wicking water up. I would glass all the joints on the inside with glass cloth to prevent the joints from opening up.

If you use 2" tri stock on the inside joints the glass will go on a lot easier , then you can knock the corners off the exterior and the glass will go around the ext joints smoothly. And it will look less boxy.

That's exactly what I have planned to do. Just not finished yet. I will post pics of the final product. But yes, it will be fully glassed and sealed/painted.

 

[JCNailen]

Re: My center console build and plans

JC...i tried to PM you without success. I am building my own right now as well and wondered how you plan to bring your wiring back to the motor? I was looking at building a raised channel between the console and the back...curious what you plan? Dave

Hey Dave, I don't know if you can see from these pics, but if you go to the thread in my signature, you can see that the boat has floor panels for that very purpose. However, I don't want wire laying in the bare channel, so I will run 2 pvc tubes in the channel, under the panels, for a conduit. It already has one for the controls/steering.

 

[dkski]

Re: My center console build and plans

I do see it...thanks. I will have to use an alternate route since my floor was freshly done and all sealed up. Don't want to cut into the new floor. Your looks great! Dave