Water sports and amateur fishing have long ceased to be the lot of Spartans, ready for hours paddled or sitting on a cold transom. The modern approach to building and buying small boats dictates its conditions, where ergonomics and the possibility of full control of the boat come to the fore. console-boat It's becoming an increasingly popular choice among medium- and high-power outboard motor owners, and it's a way of changing the experience of driving, bringing it closer to driving a rigid-hulled car or boat.
The main difference is that there is a central or side panel, which attaches the steering wheel, dashboard and, often, knobs for storing equipment, which allows the boatmaster to control the boat standing, which greatly improves visibility and reduces fatigue during long transitions. In addition, the presence of a console frees the nose and sides, making the space more functional for the accommodation of fishing equipment or passengers.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the design features, the advantages of various options for installing steering and the nuances of choosing components for self-assembly or upgrading an existing boat. You will learn how to choose the right steering cable and which materials are best suited to create a durable structure that can withstand an aggressive aquatic environment.
Advantages of steering on a PVC boat
The switch from the tiller to the steering wheel is not just a fashionable tribute, but a major improvement in the performance of the vessel. When using outboard motors from 9.9 hp and above, controlling the tiller becomes physically costly, especially when driving against a wave or strong wind. Steering gear It allows effortlessly control the course using only light brush movements, which is critical for safety.
The console also solves the problem of placing navigation equipment. On rompel boats, GPS navigators and sonars often have to be mounted on temporary brackets or held in their hands, which is inconvenient and unsafe. Garmin, Lowrance
Another important aspect is weight distribution: the design of the console, especially if it is equipped with built-in manuals, can serve as a ballast in the nose, improving driving performance and preventing nose burrowing on the wave. A properly designed console does not violate the balance, but on the contrary, makes the boat more stable and predictable in handling.
- 🚤 Reduced physical load on the operator when driving powerful motors.
- 📡 Possibility of standard installation of navigation and dashboard.
- ⚖️ Improvement of the weighting of the vessel and the running specifications on the wave.
- 🛡️ Protect the steering mechanism from accidental impacts and water.
Types of layout: central, side and removable
When designing or choosing a ready-made boat, the owner is faced with the question of the type of location of the steering column. It's a classic solution that allows for symmetrical mass distribution and free passage to the bow of the boat on both sides, but it can take up useful space in the cockpit, which is critical for boats less than 3.5 meters long.
The side console is usually mounted on the starboard side (as it moves), often chosen by anglers who need free access to the nose to throw nets or anchor. The sideways arrangement allows the console itself to be narrower, leaving more space in the center to accommodate gearboxes or thermal bags. detachableThey are attached to regular slings or special sleds.
Special attention should be paid to the transom plates and their influence on the choice of console type. If the boat is equipped with a hydraulic or electric trim, the wiring and hoses should be carefully integrated into the steering design. In the case of the center console, cables are laid under floorboard, and in the lateral position - along the side, which requires careful insulation and protection from rubbing.
⚠️ Warning: When installing the side console on boats with symmetrical cylinder arrangement, make sure that the shift in the center of gravity does not cause the vessel to roll permanently on one side.
Consoles construction and materials
The durability of the steering panel depends on the materials chosen, and because the PVC boat is in constant contact with water, sun and mechanical stress, using conventional plywood without proper protection is unacceptable. plywood They're highly moisture-resistant, often fiberglass-lined or coated with special anti-corrosion enamels, and they last for years without losing their geometry.
A lighter, but less durable option is the use of aluminum profile and composite panels. Aluminum frames do not rust (in the presence of oxide film or anodizing) and are of low weight, which is important for inflatable boats, where every kilogram counts. However, aluminum is subject to galvanic corrosion when in contact with certain metals in salt water, so all fasteners must be made of stainless steel 316 stamps.
The current trend is to use foamed PVC (composite plastic) 10 mm thick or more, this material is absolutely not afraid of water, is easy to process and allows you to create complex geometric shapes. Consoles made of foamed PVC easily pasted with film or painted in any color, imitating expensive materials, the main requirement is sufficient rigidity of the structure so that the steering wheel does not “walk” during maneuvers.
Secrets of the end treatment
When you make a plywood console yourself, make sure to treat all the ends with epoxy resin. It is through unprotected sections that moisture penetrates into the layers, causing layering. The plywood should be soaked with olive oil or special soil in at least two layers before finishing the painting.
Selection of steering gear and cable system
The steering mechanism is the heart of the control system. For PVC boats, cable systems are most often used, which are divided into two main types: standard (usually branded) systems. SSC) and irrevocable (marks) UC or UflexStandard cables are cheaper, but have backlash and feedback from water on the steering wheel, which can be tiring at high speeds. irrevocable mechanisms provide more accurate and gentle control, fixing the position of the steering pen even when the wheel is released.
The length of the cable is a critical parameter that you can't choose by eye. For boats with a console, the distance from the mounting mechanism to the transom increases, so the standard 3 meters (10 feet) may not be enough. You need to measure the path of the cable with all the bends and add a margin. Wrongly selected cable with a small bend radius quickly fails, and too long will create unnecessary loops in the cockpit.
The steering wheel and the column are an important element: 330-350 mm steering wheels with a soft non-slip surface are optimal for fishing; metal columns should be protected against corrosion. Electronic control systems are gaining popularity recently (electronic control systems are gaining popularity).Steer-by-wire) where mechanical communication is replaced by electrical signals, but for most amateurs, classical mechanics remains more reliable and maintainable in the field.
☑️ Checking before getting on the water
Comparative table of steering system types
To make equipment easier to choose, it is worth comparing the main specifications of the systems available on the market, the differences being not only in price, but also in handling sensations and maintenance requirements.
| Parameter | Standard cable (SSC) | Irrevocable cable (UC) | Hydraulic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feedback | Eat (feels water) | Missing (soft move) | Missing. |
| luft | Being present with time | Minimum | Missing. |
| Price. | Low. | Medium | High. |
| Application | Motors up to 100 hp. | Motors up to 150 hp. | Motors from 100 hp. |
| Service | Lubrication of the cable | Lubrication of the mechanism | Replacement of fluid |
As you can see from the table, for most PVC boats with medium-powered engines, the best choice for price/quality ratio is a non-returnable system. It does not have the disadvantages of "sluggish" control of standard cables, but it is much cheaper than hydraulics. Hydraulic systems make sense to only be on very powerful engines or if you plan to install an autopilot system in the future.
Electricity and instrument panel equipment
The installation of the console opens the possibility of a full-fledged electrical network on board. batteryIt's best placed in a sealed wire at the base of the console, which provides low center of gravity and spatter protection. Consumer switching (navigator, light, pumps, motor) uses a central remote control with switches and fuses.
It is important to use only marine fittings: USB sockets with a lid, LED lights with a protection class of IP67 and above, and wires in insulation resistant to ultraviolet and oil. All connections must be soldered and insulated with a thermal shrinkage with a glue layer. Simple twisting or using conventional car terminals on the boat will quickly lead to oxidation of contacts and equipment failure.
Special attention should be paid to navigation lights. According to the rules, a boat with a console must have a properly installed top light and side lights. Often on the consoles install a mast for top light, which can be removable or foldable, this allows you to pass under bridges without dismantling the structure and comply with GIMS requirements.
Use copper tires instead of wires. To get good electrical power on the boat, buy a ready-made tumbler panel with fuses already built in, which will save time and guarantee the reliability of connections.
Tuning and additional accessories
The finished console is just a base for further improvements. One of the most popular types of tuning is the installation of the system. rod-holderThey can be built into the body of the console or attached to its upper plane, and for trollers, it's an indispensable element to keep the gear ready and free your hands.
Another useful accessory is windscreen, and even a small visor made of Plexiglas or polycarbonate significantly improves comfort, protecting the face from oncoming airflow and splashes. It is also convenient to attach a navigator or phone to the glass if there is not enough regular space, but it is important not to block the view in the 180-degree sector.
The soft seat is also a good option. Standard hard lids are inconvenient for long periods of sitting. Specialized cushions with mounts or built-in back seats make the boat a comfortable vessel. Some models are equipped with adjustable pedestals seats, allowing you to change the landing height depending on the conditions.
⚠️ Attention: When installing additional equipment on the console, carefully monitor the total weight. Overloading the bow of the PVC boat can lead to loss of running, increased yaw and even rollover during a sharp maneuver.
Rules of operation and care of the console
For a boat with a console to last, you need to follow a number of rules of operation. After each release, especially on salt water, all metal surfaces, cables and hinges must be washed with fresh water. Salt is a powerful catalyst for corrosion and can disable even high-quality machinery in one season.
Check the tension of the steering cable regularly. It can stretch over time, which leads to an increase in the free running of the steering wheel. If the backlash has become noticeable, the cable is better replaced, since it is not usually adjusted by design. Also lubricate the moving parts of the mechanism with a special lubricant for marine applications that is not washed away by water.
When stored in winter, it is better to dismantle or carefully cover the console. Frost can adversely affect plastic elements and paintwork. Removable electrical elements (navigators, batteries) be sure to remove and store in a warm dry room.
Proper steering care and regular freshwater flushing ensure that the boat’s control will remain clear and predictable for many years of operation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install the console on a boat less than 3 meters long?
Technically, you can install any design, but on boats shorter than 3 meters, the center console will take up too much useful space, making fishing uncomfortable. For this size, it is better to consider options with a side shelf-console or even abandon the idea in favor of tiller control, since balancing a small boat with a heavy bow will be difficult.
What length of steering cable to choose for a boat 4 meters?
For a 4-meter-long boat with a center console, a standard 3-meter (10-foot) cable is usually not enough. You will likely need a 3.35-meter (11-foot) cable, or even 3.65-meter (12-foot) cable, depending on the height of the steering wheel and the path of the floorboard. Always take with a small margin, the excess length can be neatly stacked in the cockpit.
Do I need to register a boat with a console installed in GIMS?
The installation of the console itself does not change the classification of the vessel, unless the load capacity or the number of seats exceeds the norm. However, if the tuning results in the weight of the curb vessel exceeding 200 kg or the engine power will be more than 8 hp (5.5 kW), registration is mandatory. The console adds weight, so weigh the fully equipped boat.
What is better to make a console yourself: plywood or plastic?
If you have experience with wood and access to quality marine plywood, the plywood option will be tougher and cheaper. Plastic (foamed PVC) is easier to handle, it doesn't rot, but it costs more and requires more frequent attachment points because of less hardness at the kink. The choice depends on your skills and budget.