A swimmer's upgrade often begins with a desire to improve comfort and functionality. A homemade console in a boat is not just an aesthetic enhancement, but an opportunity to ergonomically accommodate navigation devices, steering and batteries. The owner gains full control of the layout, adapting the design to their anthropometric data and specific fishing or recreational tasks.
The process of creating such a assemblage requires careful preparation and understanding of the properties of materials used in shipbuilding. marine It's very aggressive to most metals, so the choice of components has to be determined by their resistance to corrosion, and unlike factory solutions, artisanal assembly saves a lot of money, especially if the craftsman has access to a basic set of tools.
In this article, we will discuss all the stages of creating a steering post, from the choice of concept to the final mount. You will learn how to correctly calculate the dimensions so as not to disturb the stability of the vessel, and which ones are the most important for the development of the boat. composite Well-designed design will be the control center of your boat for years to come.
Selection of materials and design of construction
The first step is always to determine the type of design and the choice of the base material. The most popular solution for light inflatable or small rigid boats is the use of plywood brand FFS (water resistant) or composite materials based on fiberglass. AMG5 or AMG6It is also often used, but requires non-ferrous metals skills and special equipment for welding or riveting.
Designing the frame, you need to immediately lay the places for installation gearbox Geometry should allow easy access to the control of the gas and the ability to quickly dismantle if necessary, and do not make the structure too cumbersome, because it will shift the center of gravity and impair the performance of the vessel on the water.
To protect the interior from moisture, foam inserts or closed-cell mounting foam are often used, which gives the structure additional buoyancy and rigidity, and when working with wood, high-quality antiseptics and epoxy coating are required to prevent the veneer from being bundled.
⚠️ Attention: Using conventional plywood or wood without careful waterproofing will lead to rapid swelling and loss of strength of the structure in conditions of constant humidity.
Pay special attention to the calculation of the angles of inclination of the windshield and the instrument area, which should provide minimal glare and ease of reading the sounder or GPS navigation in any position of the sun. ergonomics Reduces operator fatigue during a long transition.
Necessary tools and components
Well, you need not only the desire to build, but you need a specific set of tools, and working with composites or metal is different from carpentry, so preparing the workplace is key. Without a quality tool, it will be extremely difficult to achieve tightness and strength of the joints.
The main elements that cannot be done without in the process of work:
- 🛠️ An electrojigsaw or circular saw with a guide for precise cutting of materials.
- 🔩 Drill screwdriver with a set of drills for metal, wood and feather drills.
- 🧪 Capacities for mixing epoxy resin and brush for coating layers.
- 📏 Building level, roulette and a coal mine for geometry control.
- 🛡️ Personal protective equipment: respirator, glasses and gloves.
It is worth mentioning separately about fixtureAll bolts, screws and nuts must be made of stainless steel grade AISI 304 or AISI 316. Conventional ferrous metal will rust in one season, leaving ugly streams and weakening joints, and high-quality marine sealants on polyurethane or silicone basis will also be required.
If you're planning to install electronics, think ahead of time about how you can wiring. Cable channels or corrugated tubes should be laid inside the structure until the finish line, avoiding hanging wires and protecting the electrician from mechanical damage and splashes.
Step-by-step instructions for assembling the frame
The assembly begins with cutting the main sheet materials according to the pre-prepared drawings. Accuracy at this stage is critical, since correcting the distortions on the assembled structure will be problematic. pattern-basedIf there are many details to ensure their identity.
☑️ Checking before assembling the frame
The elements of the frame are connected using corners, bars or a spike-paste method followed by gluing. When using epoxy resin, it is important to observe the temperature regime and polymerization time. It is not necessary to rush here, since the resin will not gain the declared strength if it is not cured.
During the assembly process, constantly monitor the diagonals and verticals. The frame must stand smoothly, without blockages, otherwise the steering can work with distortion, which will lead to uneven wear of the cables. Strength of construction checked manually - there should be no backlashes or creaks with moderate pressure.
| Element of construction | Recommended thickness of material | Type of connection | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side walls | 10-12 mm (plywood) / 2 mm (aluminum) | Glue + screws / Rivet | epoxy |
| Top panel. | 12-15 mm | Corners + glue | Lacquer/Paint |
| Internal partitions | 8-10 mm | Slash in the groove | Impregnation |
| Fixing to the transom | Reinforced (up to 20 mm) | Bolt (M8-M10) | Anti-corrosion |
Once the main box has been assembled, you can start installing internal amplifiers, which are especially needed in the mounting areas of the steering machine and the instrument brackets, and local reinforcement will prevent material from being pushed under vibrational load from the motor.
Installation of steering and attachment equipment
The steering mechanism is the most important technical step, depending on the type of boat, it can be a rampel control, a cable (mechanical or hydraulic). SSC62 Or their own, because they are easier to maintain and install.
When mounting the steering column, it is important to ensure that the cable is straight-lined without sharp bends, the bend radius should not be less than the minimum permissible for a particular model of the cable, otherwise it will quickly fail. Steering machine It is mounted on a reinforced platform, often cut from thicker material or duplicated from the inside.
⚠️ Warning: When laying the steering cable, avoid places where it can RUB against sharp edges or be clamped by movable elements.
In parallel with the steering wheel, the brackets for the gas controller (gas machine) are installed, the lever must move smoothly, without jamming, often located to the right of the steering wheel, but left-hand position is also acceptable and depends on the personal preferences of the skipper.
Secrets of the installation of the steering cable
When installing the cable, be sure to lubricate it with a special lubricant for marine use. Do not use litol or solidol, as they are washed out with water and thickened in the cold. Lithium-based lubricants with molybdenum supplements are ideal.
Don’t forget to provide a place for the switch installation. kill-switch It must be in close proximity to the operator so that in an emergency situation the engine can be immediately turned off.
Finishing and protection from moisture
The appearance and durability of your console depends on the quality of the finish, and if the base is plywood, simple painting is not suitable here - you need a full-fledged glass paste with fiberglass, followed by varnishing or painting with polyurethane enamel, which will create a monolithic protective layer that excludes contact of wood with water.
The pasting process involves applying multiple layers of resin, alternating the direction of fiberglass for maximum strength. Once dry, the surface is grinded to perfect smoothness. It is important not to overdo it and wipe the fabric to holes, especially at the corners.
For metal structures, the main task is to make a good primer. Use epoxy soils that provide chemical adhesion to the metal. The top layer of paint should be resistant to ultraviolet and salt water. The color scheme can be any, but the lighter colors are less heated in the sun.
The inner cavities, if they remain open, are also recommended to be treated, you can use special spray plastics or just carefully paint over all the ends and slices, this will prevent moisture accumulation and mold development inside the structure.
Use a self-adhesive anti-slip material (EVA foam) on the top of the console, which will not only improve the appearance, but also prevent the navigator or phone from slipping while driving along the wave.
Electronics installation and system testing
The final step is to integrate navigation devices and check all systems, so that sonars, GPS mapplotters and sensors are securely secured and protected from vibration, and that the wiring is assembled in corrugated harnesses and fixed by clamps.
Pay special attention to contacts. All connections must be soldered or made through quality terminals, preferably using adhesive thermal shrinkage. Contact oxidation is the most common cause of electronic failure on water.
The first run is best done on land or in shallow water in a safe zone, check the smoothness of the steering wheel from stop to stop, the operation of the gas controller and the responsiveness of the engine, make sure that the console does not create unnecessary noise and vibrations when the engine is running at different turns.
How to properly fix the console on the transom of the boat?
Mounting should be done through reinforced holes in the transom using wide washers ("five") to distribute the load. Be sure to use counternuts or grovers so that the vibration does not weaken the connection. Under the bolt hats on the side of the boat, it is recommended to put rubber pads for tightness.
Do I need to make the console removable?
For inflatable boats and small PVC vessels, removable construction is preferred, which facilitates transportation and storage. Use powerful pin joints or quick-removal bolt locks that will withstand the load on the water, but allow you to quickly dismantle the knot.
What weight is considered acceptable for a homemade console?
Weight depends on the boat's load capacity. For small boats up to 3 meters, the weight of the console should not exceed 5-7 kg, so as not to shift the center of gravity critically. For larger boats, we can assume weights up to 10-12 kg, but always keep in mind that wet wood or metal can become heavier.
A hand-built console is a must-have for the owner and a guarantee of comfortable operation of the boat. Compliance with technology and the use of quality materials ensures that your creation will last many seasons, delighting with reliability and functionality.
The main secret of success is not to skimp on fasteners and sealants, since these elements are most exposed to aggressive aquatic environment.