20 SF CONSOLE PLACEMENT

[71kidcasper]

Can anyone give me some measurements on where to place my console? When I got this boat sevens years ago it didn't have a console. I cut the deck out shortly after that and I didn't get any measurements on where it originally was. I have built my own console without the forward seat, I plan on using a cooler instead. I'm thinking it should be about 36" from the casting platform. Does this sound about right?

[Ikan Besar]

I'd suggest putting the console in the boat and moving it around until it feels right to you. Not everyone likes them in the same place.....and there is no right or wrong spot for it.

[jerryjc]

I have a 1971 20SF which has the original console with a seat the measurement from the seat to the casting platform is 20" if you removed the seat it would be about 36" hope that helps.

[NoBones]

When I did the Re-Do on the NoBones, I made the executive decision to get rid of the original over sized console.
The thing was so big that I had to sit on the engine cowling
to make it work. Ralph Delph had his set up that way in the 70's, but not for me. I went to the Dania Flea Market in '85
and found a console that was never used but needed a seat lid fabricated, that was from Aquasport. Smaller and much more funtional for the type of fishing that I do.
Which is chasing Manta Rays for Cobia off of Daytona,
and drifting Sebastian Inlet for Snook. There is no rule of thumb for placement. Just make sure it fits your type of fishing. Center it accordingly. Make sure you run big enough chase pipes to handle all the cables and hoses that that you will need from helm to transom. My old original console is in a friends old Wellcraft that he restored.
Just do what feels good for you, right or wrong it is your
boat.
See ya, Ken [image][/image] [image][/image]
I now it is hard to see, but I have a removable tower that
cantilevers over the T-Top.

[gigolot]

The best way to do it in my opinion is, have all your accessories onboard including the console and t-top if your gonna have one. Put the boat in the water and possition it where you want it and then see if the boat needs it moved fore or aft. On my old boat it was stern heavy so I had to move the console forward and ended up having to move the batteries under the console to get a near level boat while not underway.

[samuelcooper]

I'm redoing a 69 sf 20. Decided to replace big old console (which was mounted far aft and with tank under it) with smaller one. Some have said console placement is really a matter of "taste." But is that really true? Don't mean to doubt you experts but couldn't that change ride? On the other hand, moving it forward would make the boat less stern heavy which is part of the issue with water in scuppers. I never got that much and it drained out quickly when I walked forward. I know tank placement will be a factor too. I'd really like room fore and aft Opinions or experience with this?

[Rideon]

In rough sloppy sea conditions the ride is improved with the helm aft. This will compromise rear cockpit space but as others have stated there is always a trade off and it comes down to personal preference. The new Regulators have a console position similar to the old SeaCrafts. I think this is a more comfortable driving position especially running long distances in "sporty" conditions.

[samuelcooper]

Makes sense to me. I think the other factor will be motor size.