The desire to increase the level of comfort during fishing or cruising on the water naturally leads owners of inflatable boats to the idea of modernization. Console in the PVC boat NDND It is not just an aesthetic addition, but a functional element that allows you to ergonomically accommodate navigation equipment, engine control devices and steering. The transition from a classic propeller or motor configuration to a more advanced one requires careful planning, as inflatable tubes and rigid solder bottom impose their limitations on weight and method of attachment.
Unlike aluminum or fiberglass boats, where all elements are rigidly welded or screwed to the hull, the floatboat The load distribution is key. An improperly installed bench can disrupt the boat's balance, which is critical for models with the acronym NDND (Low Pressure inflatable floor), which have excellent driving qualities but require careful attention to the center of gravity. A competent control panel installation turns a conventional "inflater" into a full-fledged small boat, improving safety and ease of operation at high speeds.
So let's look at the basic aspects of selecting, designing and assembling this site, and it's important to understand that there are no universal solutions: something that is perfect for the design and installation of this site. Flagship.Maybe not get up in Cayman. or solaris You have to choose between buying finished products and making your own, customized ones, and either way, the ultimate goal is to have a reliable platform for hands and appliances that doesn't interfere with your cockpit.
Design features and requirements for the cabinet
Before you start purchasing materials or choosing a model in the store, you need to clearly define the requirements that your future company must meet. steering-staffThe main task of the design is to withstand vibration loads from the outboard motor and dynamic shocks against the wave without deforming or shifting. The PVC console should be as light as possible so as not to overload the transom and not reduce the load capacity of the vessel, but still have sufficient rigidity.
Materials are crucial. Aluminum profile, coated marine plywood, fiberglass or special composites are a great choice. console-weight It's a direct effect on the differentiation of the boat, and if you put a heavy metal bench in the bow, the boat can start to burrow its nose in the plane, so modern solutions often combine a lightweight frame with a strong but thin wall.
Dimensions should strictly correspond to the interior of your model. Too wide console will block access to cylinders or make it impossible to move passengers. The optimal width usually varies between 40-50 cm, and the height is selected so that the handler or steering wheel is at a comfortable level for the operator sitting on a bank or a special seat.
⚠️ Note: When designing, consider that the console installation shifts the center of gravity. Be sure to test the boat on full load water before going to great depths or in high winds.
To understand which parameters are important, let’s look at the comparison of the main specifications of different types of structures:
| Parameter | Aluminum console | Plywood (marine) | Plastic/Plastic glass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight. | Medium. | Highly | Low. |
| Corrosion resistance | High (with anodizing) | Requires paint/varnish | Absolute. |
| Difficulty of manufacture | High (welding required) | Low (needs a jigsaw) | Medium (shape required) |
| Cost | High. | Low. | Medium/High |
Selection of installation site and boat preparation
The mounting point is critical. In boats with NDND, most often the console is placed in the center of the cockpit, relying on stringers or special linings on the inflatable floor. Sometimes the practice of shifting to one of the sides to free up the passage, but this requires installation of a thong or special lining on the inflatable floor. pulp-extensioner If you plan to use a rampel control, the stanch should be placed so that the operator's hand freely reaches the handle of the motor.
The preparation of the BND surface is to protect the bottom material from abrasion. The rigid base of the bench should not contact PVC directly without a gasket. floor-floor It's also important to drain water, because the design doesn't have to create a pocket where water will accumulate, which can cause local overload.
If your boat is equipped with transom wheels, make sure that the console model chosen does not block their work or the possibility of removing them. Often the bench is made removable by placing it on special pens or simply putting it on the bottom before going to the sleeve, and during fishing in drift it can be removed into the bag. However, a stationary installation is preferable for safety, since it eliminates the displacement of a heavy object inside the cockpit during a sharp maneuver.
Self-manufacture: materials and drawings
For those who are used to working with their hands, consoles DIY It's a great way to save money and get a product that fits perfectly into the dimensions of the boat, most often an aluminum corner or a small-section profile pipe, a sheet aluminum (AMG) or moisture-resistant plywood skin, and it's easy to find the blueprints online or draw them yourself based on the size of the cockpit.
The fabrication process begins with the creation of a frame. It should be rectangular or trapezoidal, with an upper instrumentation platform and a vertical wall behind which the wires hide. If you use plywood, the sheet should be at least 10-12 mm thick to ensure stiffness. Aluminum sheets can be taken thinner, but always with ribs. All corners should be rounded so as not to damage clothing or to make them more rigid. boat-boat with careless movement.
To attach the instruments (echo sounder, navigator) in the upper panel, holes of the appropriate diameter are cut out. On the inside, there are places for the batteries to be placed if they are not placed in a separate pendulum. It is important to provide hatches or removable panels for access to the wiring. The tightness of the cabinet itself is not necessary, but spray protection for electronics is mandatory.
The main stages of the work can be presented in the following list:
- 📏 Taking measurements from the cockpit of the boat and determining the dimensions of the cabinet.
- ✂️ Unlock the material (aluminum, plywood) according to the drawings.
- 🔩 Assembling the frame and covering, installation of fastening elements.
- 🎨 Finishing: painting, varnishing, installation of soft linings.
⚠️ Warning: When working with aluminum, use only stainless fasteners or aluminum to avoid electrochemical corrosion. Steel bolts in the marine environment will rot in one season.
Installation of steering and instrumentation
Installing the console is half the battle, and the main functional load is placed on the equipment you're hosting. remote-controlYou will need to install a steering gearbox (mechanical or hydraulic) and lay the steering cables to the motor. Mechanical systems (such as the SS130) are easier to install, but have a limited angle of shifting and more force on the room.Hydraulic steering) provides smoothness and ease of travel, but is more difficult to install and more expensive.
The cables must be laid with minimum bend radii specified by the manufacturer: sharp ruptures will lead to a rudder jamming or a rope break; cables are fixed along the side or under the floorboards with clamps, excluding sagging and hitting moving parts; the console itself is equipped with a steering wheel that must rotate freely, without backlashes.
In parallel, the electrical part is mounted. The battery wires to the navigation lights, sonar and chargers are hidden inside the cabinet. It is recommended to use a corrugated tube to protect the cables and waterproof connectors. All connections should be soldered and thermally shrinked. The front panel is equipped with mass switches and on-board network, as well as a voltmeter for charge control.
Secrets of cable laying
When laying the steering cable across the entire side of the boat, use lubrication to facilitate passage in hard-to-reach places, but in no case lubricate the gearbox mechanism itself unless it requires maintenance (sealed unit).
For those who don't want to mess with the cables, there's an option to put a console under the hummel, in which the stanchair acts as a support for the hand and the instrument pad, and the control is done directly by the tiller, which wraps around the structure or passes through a special hole, which is easier, but less convenient at high speeds.
Ergonomics and safety of operation
Water safety is priority number one: the console should not have sharp edges that can be injured by a fall or a sharp roll, all protruding parts should be coated with soft material or covered with plugs. Stability of construction It is checked at the first exit: the bench should not slide along the bottom of the boat, for this purpose, an anti-slip coating is glued to the bottom or suction cups are used (although the latter are less reliable).
The instrument should be so arranged that the operator can read the sounder and the navigator with one glance, without distracting from the control of the boat and monitoring the water situation. The screens should not glare in the sun, so the visors above the devices are an indispensable element of a quality console.
It's important to remember the wind load. A tall console on a small boat can work like a sail, especially in lateral winds. This increases the risk of tipping over. Therefore, for boats up to 3.5 meters in length, it is recommended to make the tubes of the lowest possible height, sufficient only to accommodate the instruments and elbow support.
- 🛡️ Check the reliability of the attachment of all elements before each release to the water.
- ⚓ Make sure the console does not interfere with the operation of the anchor fall or lifesaving end.
- 💡 Organize the lighting of night fishing devices so as not to blind yourself.
Use Velcro to temporarily fix small objects on the console so they don't fall into the water when shaking. It's cheap and very effective.
Overview of popular models and ready-made solutions
The market offers a lot of ready-made solutions if you don’t want to engage in business. PVC boat manufacturers, such as Flagship, Aqua, brigThey often make regular accessories that fit perfectly with the geometry of their models, usually made of fiberglass or composite materials, streamlined shapes and factory openings for standard appliances.
Universal aluminium consoles are also popular, they are prefabricated structures that can be adapted to different sizes, their strength and ability to upgrade, but they can be heavier than specialized plastic counterparts. When choosing a finished model, pay attention to the equipment: the presence of a lock for the ignition key (if any), the quality of the powder paint and the equipment of the fastener.
The price of finished products ranges from a few thousand rubles for simple stands to tens of thousands for complex complex complexes with integrated tanks and seats. For NDND boats, lightweight plastic models that do not require painting and are not afraid of water are often the best choice.
☑️ Check before buying a finished console
When purchasing a finished product, make sure it is certified and safe. Cheap Chinese counterparts can be made from brittle plastic that bursts in the first serious wave, turning into a pile of sharp shrapnel inside an inflatable balloon.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I install a console on a boat without a hard solder floor?
Technically possible, but highly discouraged. The console requires a hard base for stability. On boats with a sleigh mat or high-pressure inflatable floor (HDPD) without hard inserts, it is almost impossible to secure the bench - it will collapse. For such boats, it is better to use tranza shelves or inflatable tables.
Do I need to drill cylinders to mount the console?
Absolutely not. The console must be mounted on the boat floor (BNDD or plywood) and fixed either by weight or by a stop in the sides/stringers. Any damage to the cylinder will result in loss of leakage and emergency. Use soft pads between the console and the sides.
How to protect the devices on the console from water?
Use appliances with a moisture protection class of IP67 or higher, you can also purchase special protective covers or visors, after each fishing, wipe the surface with dry rags and check the leakage of the connectors.
Does the console affect the speed of the boat?
The extra weight (5-15 kg) and sailing can reduce top speeds by 1-3 km/h and increase fuel consumption, but the advantages of comfort and handling often override those losses, especially when driving at cruising speeds.
A properly selected and installed console is an investment in your comfort and safety, transforming a conventional boat into a modern water transport.