Series inflatable boats penguin They are well-deservedly popular among water tourism and fishing enthusiasts due to their reliability and spaciousness, but the standard configuration of these boats often leaves much to be desired, especially when it comes to the comfort of management and placement of navigation equipment. steering consoleIt changes the ergonomics and appearance of the boat.
A well-chosen console not only allows you to conveniently place the steering mechanism, but also integrate the sonar, GPS navigation, and provide protection from splashes and oncoming wind. This turns a simple inflatable boat into a full-fledged small boat that can feel confident in large bodies of water. It is important to understand that the selection and installation of this element requires the design of your boat, because universal solutions, ideal without modifications, almost do not exist.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all aspects of the selection, self-manufacture and installation of consoles for boats. penguinYou'll learn about materials, how to attach to cylinders and transoms, and the nuances of electric laying that beginners often miss, and the right approach to this issue will ensure not only comfort, but also the safety of your stay on the water.
Types of constructions and materials of manufacture
The first thing you need to decide on is the type of design that will be optimal for your model. penguinThe market offers ready-made solutions in fiberglass and aluminum, however, many owners prefer to make consoles themselves from plywood or composite materials. The fiberglass variants are high strength and excellent appearance, but they are generally heavier and more expensive. Aluminum structures are lightweight and not afraid of corrosion, but may require additional noise insulation.
Homemade options from water-resistant plywood brand FSF or FC They are the most popular because of their accessibility and ease of processing, because they can be easily painted in any color, cut holes for any shape, and adapt the design to the specific dimensions of the cockpit, and the main thing is to ensure that the ends and surfaces are waterproofed properly so that the material does not swell from constant moisture.
When choosing a material, you should also consider the weight of the entire structure in the assembly. Overloading the bow of the boat can adversely affect the performance and stability, especially on the wave. Lightweight composite materials or aviation aluminum will allow you to maintain the balance of the vessel without sacrificing strength.
- 🛶 Glass plastic - high strength, complex repair, high weight.
- 🛶 Aluminum - lightness, corrosion resistance, high thermal conductivity.
- 🛶 Plywood – availability, ease of processing, requires careful protection from water.
Therefore, when using lightweight materials, you need to provide internal reinforcements or stiffness ribs.
Criteria for choosing a ready-made or homemade model
Choosing a ready-made console or designing your own, you need to consider the dimensions of the cockpit of your boat. penguinA torpedo is too massive to occupy usable space, preventing movement and landing, and the optimum width of a torpedo is usually between 40 and 60 cm, allowing standard instrumentation to be placed and space for hands.
Particular attention should be paid to the height of the windshield, which should be sufficient to protect the face and upper body of the seated helmsman from oncoming air flow and splashes. However, excessively high glass can create sailing, degrading the handling of the boat in strong lateral wind.
Another important criterion is the ability to access the console's interior space, which often includes a battery, motor control unit and switching, a removable lid or door will make it much easier to maintain equipment and replace batteries, and the tightness of this compartment must be absolute to prevent water from entering the electrician.
And the aesthetics are also important, and the console should fit harmoniously into the overall design of the boat. penguinA carefully designed torpedo increases the liquidity of the boat in the event of resale.
The process of installation and attachment to the boat
Installation of the console on the boat penguin The main method of attachment to the cylinder is the use of slings with carabiners or Velcro straps covering the cylinder. It is important that the mounting points do not overpress the balloon, but also do not allow the console to shift under load. For rigidity, often a cable stretched from the nose handle to the transponder through special rings on the console.
Mounting to the transom is usually done through regular pockets or with the help of clamps. If the console has a leg resting on the floor (sleigh), you need to make sure that the pressure is distributed evenly and will not damage the inflatable floor or hard floorboard. Using wide soft-coated support areas minimizes the risk of damage.
☑️ Checklist of installation of the console
When installing the steering mechanism (reverse gearbox), you need to strictly follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the length of the cable. The bends of the cable should not be too steep, the bending radius is usually at least 20-25 cm, otherwise rapid wear or jamming of the control mechanism is possible.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to attach the console or its reinforcement elements directly to the inflatable elements of cylinders with glue, nails or screws. Any violation of the integrity of the cylinder will lead to depressurization of the boat on the water.
Equipment: appliances and electrics
A modern boat is unthinkable without navigational devices. penguin It should include a sounder, a GPS navigator and possibly a radio station, and the standard solution is to use universal brackets or carve out seats for specific instrument models, and the instrument panel should be positioned at an angle that is convenient for reading information in bright sun.
The boat's electrical circuitry must be thought out in advance, all wires must be stacked in corrugated hoses or cable channels to protect against mechanical damage and ultraviolet radiation. The use of a multi-core copper wire with a cross section of at least 1.5-2.5 mm2 will ensure stable operation of the devices even when voltage drops in the onboard network.
To control the electrical equipment, a block of toggles or buttons with moisture protection is installed on the panel, a mandatory element is the main mass switch, which allows you to completely turn off the boat during a long parking period or in an emergency, and it will also be useful to install USB connectors for charging mobile devices.
| Dashboard. | Consumption (A) | Recommended cross-section of wire (mm2) | Safety lock (A) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Echoer/Map | 0.3 - 0.5 | 1.5 | 2 |
| Navigation lights | 0.5 - 1.0 | 1.5 | 3 |
| Radio station | 1.0 - 5.0 (for transmission) | 2.5 | 5-10 |
| Illumination of the panel | 0.2 - 0.5 | 1.0 | 2 |
All wire connections must be soldered securely and insulated with thermal shrink tubes, twists in vibration and humidity on water quickly oxidize and cause equipment failure.
Tuning and improvement for comfort
Installing the console is just the first step to improving comfort. Further tuning may include placing a soft armrest on the top of the torpedo, which significantly reduces arm fatigue during long-term driving. The console skin inside with carpet or dermatin not only improves the appearance, but also reduces noise and vibration transmitted to the instruments.
To protect against sun and rain, a small awning visor is often placed over the console, which is mounted on arcs inserted into special glasses on a torpedo, a simple solution that allows you to keep your view in sunny weather and protects the instrument screens from glare and overheating.
Storage of trifles is another important aspect: cut-in fishing rod glasses, sealed phone boxes and keys attached to the panel will help order in the cockpit. Chaotic things at speed can fall overboard or get stuck in mechanisms.
- ☀️ Installing a sun visor improves visibility and saves the instruments.
- ☀️ Soft upholstery reduces noise and increases tactile comfort.
- ☀️ Built-in organizers prevent the loss of small things on the go.
Some owners go further and integrate heat mug holders or even small refrigerators into the console, turning a boat into a new one. penguin A full-fledged liner for the weekend.
Safety and maintenance of the design
Any design installed on the boat requires regular inspection and maintenance. Before each season, check the condition of fasteners, slings and cables. Metal parts, even painted ones, are susceptible to corrosion, especially in salt water. Timely coating with anti-corrosion compounds will prolong the life of your console.
Pay special attention to the tightness of the wires through the panel. If the sealant is dry or cracked, moisture will freely enter the interior, causing a short circuit. Regular replacement of seals and inspection of the glands is the key to faultless operation of electrical equipment.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave your battery in an unlocked or leaky compartment of the console unattended for long periods of time, which attracts the attention of intruders and can lead to a fire if you short-circuit.
When storing a boat in winter, it is better to dismantle or safely shelter from direct sunlight and temperature changes that can lead to deformation of plastic or plywood stratification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install a console on a Penguin boat without drilling cylinders?
Yes, absolutely. Modern mounting systems use slings, belts and cables that are fixed to the rigs of the boat (pens, liner cables, transom boards), drilling cylinders is strictly unnecessary and prohibited.
What is the maximum size of the navigator screen?
It depends on the width of your console. Standard torpedoes allow you to comfortably place instruments diagonal up to 7-9 inches. Screens 10 inches or more require individual design of the wide console, so as not to disturb the view and ergonomics.
Do I need to register a boat with a console installed in GIMS?
The installation of the console, steering and awning does not change the classification of the vessel and does not require registration if the weight of the boat with the engine is less than 200 kg and the engine power does not exceed 8 kW (10.88 hp).
How to protect the devices from vibration on the console?
Use anti-vibration mounts (pillows) under the devices themselves. Also effectively works soft inner upholstery console (carpet, foam), which extinguishes vibrations transmitted from the water through the cylinders to the body of the torpedo.