Operating a low-pressure inflatable vessel (LBBV) offers a tremendous opportunity for the fisherman and tourist to feel confident in the high water. However, the standard equipment of such boats rarely provides a full space for the installation of an attachment motor and, especially, comfortable control. steering-consoleIt turns a simple “rubber” into a full-fledged small-size boat with remote control.
Well-designed steering doesn't just add convenience, it changes ergonomics and safety, and you don't have to pull a rummel when you're kneeling or slouching in an uncomfortable position, which is especially critical when you're going long walks or trolling. In this article, we'll take a look at what consoles are, what they're made of, and how to integrate that junction into your NDNDM boat.
The modern market offers many solutions, from simple plywood panels to complex composite structures with integrated niches, and understanding the difference between them will help you avoid unnecessary costs and get exactly the functionality that is necessary for your skating style.
Criteria of choice: material and construction
The first thing that the buyer encounters is a variety of materials. steering console Most commonly used are moisture-resistant plywood, aluminum or composite materials. Plywood coated with sea lacquer or pasted with carpet is a classic budget solution, but requires regular maintenance and protection from moisture. Aluminum models are lighter and more durable, but they can be colder to the touch and more expensive to manufacture.
Structurally, the product should not only provide a steering wheel attachment, but also have a platform for the installation of the dashboard, ignition lock and possibly sonar. The most important parameter is compatibility with a particular model of the boat NDNDM. The width of the transom, the height of the cylinders and the location of the stringers dictate their conditions. Universal solutions It does not exist, so you often have to choose a console for a specific boat or order an individual cut.
Special attention should be paid to the way the console itself is attached to the cylinders, which can be fixed on belts covering the cylinder, or rely on special stops in floorboards (if the design of the bottom allows it), an unstable platform will negate all the benefits of remote control, creating a dangerous backlash design on the wave.
⚠️ Note: When choosing a material, remember that even with a high-quality coating, plywood can eventually be layered from constant contact with water and the sun. Aluminum or fiberglass is much more reliable in this regard, although they require more complex processing of the edges.
When evaluating the design, also check for cable channels or wiring holes. Hidden cable and electrical wires are a sign of quality. Open wires not only spoil the view, but can be damaged by sharp edges or simply get tangled under the feet.
Types of steering mechanisms: cable vs. hydraulics
The heart of any steering system is a mechanism that transmits force from the steering wheel to the engine gate. For PVC NDND boats with engines up to 30-40 hp, the de facto standard has become steering-lineIt comes in two main types: mechanical (river) and rotary (circular cable in the shell). Mechanical systems are simpler and cheaper, but have a large backlash and require more effort at high speeds.
Systems of type rotary They're not without these disadvantages. They're smooth, almost deluxe, and they allow you to install more powerful motors. They have a strong cable that protects you from the sand and water that you're bound to get on an inflatable boat. For serious anglers who use heavy motors, that's the only sure bet.
- 🚤 Mechanical cable: suitable for motors up to 15-20 hp, requires lubrication, has a noticeable backlash.
- 🌀 Rotary-rotary-rotary: ideal for motors 20-60 hp, does not require lubrication, provides accurate control.
- 💧 Hydraulics: used on powerful boats (60+ hp), requires complex installation and maintenance, is redundant for most PVC.
When choosing a mechanism, it is important to consider the length of the cable. Standard lengths are 3, 4 and 5 meters. For NDND boats 320-360 cm long, 3-4 meters are usually enough, but it is better to measure the distance from the place of installation of the console to the transom taking into account all the bends. The reserve length of the cable is always better than its lack, since it is impossible to increase it.
⚠️ Warning: Never use a cable steering gear designed for cars or other equipment. Sea cables have special protection against corrosion and UV radiation, and their design is designed to work in an aggressive environment.
Hydraulic steering, although mentioned often, is a redundancy for classic PVC NDND boats, and its weight, hydraulic cylinder dimensions and cost make it a lot of large boats. If your engine is less than 50-60 horsepower, a quality rotary system like this one. Teleflex Or its analogues will do the job perfectly.
Ergonomics and functional filling
Modern steering-console It's not just a board with a hole under the steering wheel, it's a working bridge, which is the comfort of the crew, and the ergonomics of landing are determined by the height of the steering wheel and the angle of the panel, and ideally, when you're sitting in a chair, your hands should be slightly bent at the elbows on the 9 and 3 o'clock, and your back should rest on the back.
Functional content can range from minimalism to maximum comfort. The basic set includes a steering wheel, a ignition lock with an emergency stop button ("death button") and a dashboard. More advanced versions come with shelves for the navigator, battery niches, handbags for trifles and even soft seats with armrests.
Windshields are becoming an important element. At speeds above 30-40 km/h, oncoming airflow can significantly lower body temperature and interfere with view. Plexiglas or polycarbonate glass mounted on arcs solves this problem. However, on narrow NDNDT boats, high glass can sail and break the balance, so a reasonable compromise is needed.
The space under the console also plays a role, often where you hide a traction battery for an electric motor or a spare gas tank, and if you have sealed compartments or even protected areas, you can prevent valuables from falling overboard or into the water inside the boat.
Step-by-step instructions for DIY installation
Installation of the control system is a process that requires accuracy and adherence to technology. Mistakes at this stage can lead to the destruction of cylinders or the failure of the steering mechanism at the most inopportune time. Before starting work, make sure that the boat is fully pumped and standing on a level surface.
The first step is always the marking. You need to determine the exact place where the console is attached to the cylinders and the transom. The console should not press on the valves or seams of the boat. Often a system of fastex buckles is used that covers the cylinder. It is important that the belts do not rub the PVC fabric.
☑️ Preparation for installation
Then there's the motor bracket on the lower unit, and it's critical to use special gaskets and lock nuts to keep the vibration of the motor from unwinding the connections, and the steering cable is laid from the console to the transom, and if you use rotary, keep a minimum bend radius of the cable, so you can't break it.
The final step is to connect the electricals and check the operation, and the wires from the ignition lock go to the engine starter and tachometer (if any), all connections must be soldered and thermally shrinked, because conventional tape will not survive in humid conditions.
⚠️ Attention: When drilling holes in the transom to output the cable, use only metal drills with low rotation speed, so as not to burn through the wood or transom plastic.
Comparison of finished solutions and self-manufacturing
The angler always has a choice between buying the finished product or making it himself. Flagship, hunter, Aqua) Guaranteed geometry, but often high price and basic functionality, homemade options allow you to realize any fantasy, but require skills with materials and tools.
Below is a table to help compare the two approaches:
| Parameter | The finished console | Homemade (DIY) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | High (from 15 000 rubles) | Low (5,000 - 8,000 rubles) |
| Compatibility | Perfect for the model | It requires fitting. |
| Materials | Serial (plywood, plastic) | Option (aluminum, composite) |
| Time. | Instant receipt | 2 days to a week of work |
If you're going to make a console yourself, start by making a paperboard pitcher, which will help you avoid making mistakes in cutting the basic material. For NDND boats, 10-12 mm thick aviation plywood, glued with glass fiberglass on epoxy, gives the strength of the metal at the weight of the wood.
The secret to plywood durability
To make a plywood console last for decades, use "liquid plastic" technology. Soak the plywood with epoxy on both sides, then paste the glass and re-coat it with resin. Once you grind and paint it with polyurethane, the material becomes impervious to water.
Don't forget the weight. A homemade structure of thick plywood and steel corners can weigh 20-25 kg, which for an inflatable boat, where every kilogram counts, can be critical. Aluminum profile and sheet aluminum with a thickness of 3-4 mm will reduce the weight by half, while maintaining rigidity.
Steering maintenance and care
Even the best quality. steering-system The marine environment is aggressive: salt water, sand, ultraviolet light and temperature changes do their job. Regular maintenance will prolong the life of the machinery and preserve the appearance of your boat. The basic rule is clean and dry when stored.
After each outing, especially in salt water, the system must be rinsed with fresh water. The steering cable, even in the shell, is prone to corrosion at the outlet of the shirt. Once a season, it is recommended to remove the cable, clean it of old lubricant and apply a new specialized lubricant, for example, WD-40 Specialist Marine Or lithium lubricant.
- 🧼 Wash: Use mild detergents, avoid aggressive chemicals that can eat up plastic or varnish.
- 🔧 Lubrication: The hinges of the motor wicket and the steering machine mechanism require lubrication every 10-15 motor hours.
- 🔍 Inspection: Before the season, check the integrity of the cable shell and the reliability of tightening all bolt joints.
Electrical contacts require special attention. Oxidation of the terminals can lead to engine failure on water. Use contact cleaner spray and be sure to install moisture-protected caps on all connectors. If the console is equipped with a battery, monitor the electrolyte level (if the battery is serviceable) and the charge density.
Save a piece of wax candle or use a special wax to protect the metal parts of the steering mechanism. A thin layer of wax creates a great hydrophobic film that repels water and prevents corrosion.
Should I keep a boat with a console installed or disassemble it? If you have space in the garage, it's best to keep the boat assembled but slightly deflated to take the tension off the fabric. If there's no space, the console will have to be removed. In this case, mark all the connections so that the spring build doesn't turn into a puzzle.
Security and legal aspects
Installation of the steering console changes the classification of your boat in the eyes of the law. PVC boat with an engine power of more than 5 hp or more than 2 meters in length is subject to registration in GIMS. The presence of remote control does not remove the requirements for the presence of life jackets, anchors and other equipment.
The safety of the navigation depends on the reliability of the mounting. Sharp maneuvers at high speed create significant stress on the points of attachment of the console to the cylinders. Tie-tap Or a console breakaway can lead to a boat tipping over or loss of control, so only use certified fasteners and check their condition regularly.
Also worth remembering is the death button, which is a must-have on steering boats, and the cable with the check must be attached to the driver's clothes, and if a person falls overboard, the motor must shut down automatically, and neglecting this rule can cost lives.
Safety on the water is made up of the reliability of equipment and the discipline of the driver. Regular check of the console mounts and the presence of an emergency stop is not a formality, but a necessity.
In conclusion, the installation of the steering console on the NDND boat is an investment in comfort and safety. The right control system, chosen and mounted, makes fishing a pleasure, not a test of endurance. Weigh the pros and cons, choose quality components and enjoy the water with a new level of comfort.
Do I need to register a PVC boat after installing the console?
Installation of the console itself is not a registration criterion; registration with GIMS is required if the length of the boat is more than 2 meters OR the engine power exceeds 5 hp (or 3.68 kW).
Can I install a console on a boat without a transom plate?
Yes, you can. There are console models that are attached directly to the cylinders using a belt system and have their own supports, but to install the engine, a transom plate (or reinforced transom) is still necessary, since the console controls the engine, not replaces the transom.
What is the maximum size of the engine suitable for PVC boats with a steering wheel?
For most high-quality boats NDND length of 320-360 cm safe limit is considered a motor capacity of 15-20 hp Boats 380-400 cm can carry engines up to 30-40 hp Exceeding these values is dangerous due to the limited rigidity of the inflatable body and the risk of damage to cylinders on the wave.