Console Storage

[tgilchrist01]

My winter project this year is a clean up of my center console. It's peppered with holes from items that have been mounted and removed over the years.
I would like to get some suggestions on improving the under console storage. The current set up is a wood frame and bi-fold panel that slips down into the frame. There are some large clumsy drawers installed on and under the shelf in the console. I would like to close off the cut out where the wood frame is installed and install a set of flush mount drawers. Closing off the cut out would help the structure of the console but I don't want to hurt the access to the components under the console too much.

[FELLOW-SHIP]

My CC was the bigger CC so what I did was different that what you can do But there are lots of improvements that can be done. Here are some before and after pictures for you.




















FellowShip

………………………….

Just for the Grins

Official 23’ SF Antique Classic SeaCraft Owner

[tgilchrist01]

Thanks for the great examples of what can be done. What you have on the back of the console with the drawers and access door is pretty much what I'm shooting for. I won't have the access you have with the large door at the front of the console. Beautiful work inside there by the way. I was also thinking of moving the engine controls to the far right of the console, to provide more open sapce for the drawers. How do you find the center location for the wheel when you have two people standing behind the console?

[FELLOW-SHIP]

Hi tgilchrist01:

I like the center wheel for a few reasons.

One is if you happen to be by your self the boat needs no trim
If you got 2 other guys on board you can stand 3 abreast or if there is 1 other you can scoot a little and use a little trim.

If you are in bigger seas coming from the forward quarter and there coming over the bow you can scoot around to the more protected side.
By then, your 1st and 2nd mates have retreated behind you allowing you to be their new Splash Shield.


FellowShip

………………………….

Just for the Grins

Official 23’ SF Antique Classic SeaCraft Owner

[Capt Chuck]

Tommy

I have the same console. Without major mods, you can set yours up to your liking. I will give you a few examples.

I use the built in forward seat cooler for dry storage.
After removing the windshield & the grab bar I added electronic boxes on top of the console & under the T-Top to provide the necessary space if your using multiple equipment vs a single net screen. Then you can just use your imagination for the under the console wiring & equipment installs

[DonV]

Capt. Chuck, looking at your console has me wanting to change my mind from a power-pole for the Hewes back to a Raymarine auto pilot for the Seacraft. I can only afford one (as far as the wife is concerned, I really can't afford either one) and that Raymarine auto pilot is REALLY sweet. Damn....tough call!

[tgilchrist01]

I really appreciate the suggestions and examples. Thanks. I'll be moving my new engine control to the far right of the console and putting the wheel in the middle. Right now with the engine control about in the middle of the console the control cables dominate the area insde the console and would get in the way of the set of drawers that I plan to install down there. Last year's project was a re-do of the panel, looks like it's getting done over again.
Capt. Chuck, boy that's some pretty bright work. I'm going to need to keep the elctronic's down low. I set the T-Top to fold down so I can get under a bridge that lays between my mooring and Snug Harbor. Last winter I replaced the nice fiberglass hard-top with a much lighter sheet of cellular PVC. I lost the storage up there as a result but it's so much easier to tilt now. I'll take advantage of your idea's as I lay out my new drawers.
My boat came to me set up with a Raymarine Auto Pilot. Since I never use it and I'm trying to clean up the console in general I'm thinking of taking it off the boat. I use the boat to spearfish or bounce the bottom while drifting.

Thanks for the feedback

Tom

[DonV]

Check your PM

[tgilchrist01]

Things are starting to come together on my console refurb and fuel tank replacement project. I'm glad I posted my questions, I got good suggestions, thanks to the contributors. I've put some in progress shots below, I'll post the finished product when I'm done, hopefully before Memorial day.
Here's the Console peppered with holes, its in the paint booth now.


The fuel tank, justifies the effort of getting it out.

The new tank in Fab

Ready to go in

[tgilchrist01]

I'm close enough to call it done and start using it. I put the boat in the water a couple of weeks ago but did not finish up the set of drawers that I made for the console until this weekend. I trimed the shelf inside the console back about 18" and added a flange across the bottom back of the console so I could screw a flange mounted insert set of drawers into the console. Thanks for all the suggestions.

Tom