Control of rigid hull inflatable boats (RIBs) requires a special approach to the organization of the steering wheel's workplace. Unlike classic metal or plastic boats, there is no rigid deck throughout the area, which means that the installation of a rigid deck is not necessary. steering console This is a critical stage in tuning, and it's the quality of this node that not only determines the comfort of navigation, but also the safety of the crew at high speeds.
A mismatched or mounted console can disrupt a boat’s balance by creating a nose-to-head different or skewering cylinders. In addition, an open marine environment dictates stringent material and fittings requirements. In this article, we will detail how to turn a standard cockpit into an ergonomic control panel without the typical assembly errors.
Modern solutions allow you to adapt any RIB to specific tasks, whether it is fishing or high-speed walks. console It is not just a piece of plastic with a steering wheel, but a complex engineering unit that connects the motor, navigation and operator into a single system.
Criteria for the selection of material and design
The first thing that a RIB owner faces when choosing equipment is the fabrication material. The market offers solutions from fiberglass, aluminum and composite materials. FRP is considered the gold standard due to its ability to extinguish vibrations and high corrosion resistance. Aluminum consoles are lighter but require careful insulation from electrochemical corrosion, especially in salt water.
The design should allow access to the interior space for the wiring. steering-column It always has sealed hatches or removable panels, and the lack of a quality seal will cause moisture to accumulate over time, causing contact oxidation and unpleasant odor.
⚠️ Note: When choosing an aluminum console, make sure that all fasteners are made of AISI 316 stainless steel. Using conventional stainless steel or galvanizing in sea water will lead to rapid destruction of the joints.
The dimensions of the product should correspond to the width of the cockpit of your RIB. Too wide console can restrict movement on the boat, and narrow – will not allow you to accommodate the necessary navigation equipment. The optimal width usually varies between 600-800 mm for boats 4-5 meters long.
Workplace layout and ergonomics
Instrument planning is the foundation of safety, and the steering wheel should be at a height where the operator's hands are just below the shoulder level when driving, which allows you to maintain control of the boat even when you're pitching hard. ergonomics It directly affects the fatigue of the driver during long transitions.
At the top of the panel are traditionally located navigation instruments: sonar, GPS-cardplotter and radar. Below, in the line of sight, mounted tachometer, fuel indicator and voltmeter. All controls must be read even in bright sunlight, so anti-reflective visors are a must-have quality console.
- 📏 The distance from the seat to the steering wheel should be at least 45-50 cm for comfortable rotation.
- 🔌 Power outlets and USB ports should be placed in the lower part, protected from splashes and direct water intrusion.
- 🧭 The compass must be installed strictly on the diametric plane of the vessel, away from sources of magnetic interference (dynamos, powerful wires).
Don't forget to have foot space, the console doesn't have to be put against the kneecaps of the operator, if you're planning to install it. outboard with power or electric steering, make sure there is enough space inside the console to accommodate mechanical thrusts or hydraulic hoses without inflections.
Equipment and tools required
A well-installed console requires a specific set of tools, and you don't have to rely on a standard home craftsman set, because composites and marine fasteners require precision, and the main goal is to ensure that you can hold tightly without damaging the cylinders and bottom of the boat.
You will need metal drills and wood of different diameters, a polyurethane-based sealant (such as Sikaflex 291i), nut tightening keys and marker for marking. Pay special attention to the quality of the drills, since making holes in the aluminum profile of the RIB requires the purity of the cut.
☑️ Installation tools
It is also critical to prepare all electrical components in advance, to have the wires in marine isolation and the terminals in tin, and to use conventional car wiring on a boat is unacceptable because of the aggressive environment.
Step-by-step installation instructions
Installation begins with fitting. Set the console in place, check the symmetry with respect to the cylinders and the stern. Mark the mounting points. When drilling holes in the transom or floorboard, be sure to use a center drill to avoid tool displacement.
Once drilled, the hole must be thoroughly cleaned of the shavings and degreased. Apply a layer of sealant on the contact pads and mount bolts. This will create a water-repellent barrier and prevent the structure from backlashing over time. Puffing the bolts evenly, cross-cross to avoid skewing.
Sequence of action:1. The cockpit center markings.
2. Drilling of pilot holes.
3. widening the holes to the desired diameter.
4. Surface degreasing.
5. Sealant application.
6. Final setup and puff.
If the console has built-in fuel tanks, they are the last to be installed, after checking all electrical connections, and make sure that the fuel supply hoses are untensioned and do not rub against the sharp edges of the metal elements.
Nuances of attachment to inflatable elements
If your console has side wings that rely on cylinders, use special soft linings made of PVC or neoprene. Hard contact of plastic with the fabric of the balloon at high wave will lead to rapid wear of the material of the boat.
Electrical Connection and Navigation Scheme
The RIB electrical system is a high-risk area, moisture, salt and vibration are the main enemies of electronics. All connections must be made using shrinkable adhesive cambricks. The usual insulation on a boat does not live long.
Use separate fuses for each consumer to connect the appliances, which will allow you to quickly find a fault in the case of a short circuit and will not leave you without light or navigation completely. Grounding In the onboard network of the boat is usually not done in the classical sense, the role of "minus" is performed by the common wire going to the battery.
| Dashboard. | Consumption (A) | Wire cross-section (mm2) | Safety lock (A) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Echoer/GPS | 0.5 - 1.0 | 1.5 | 2 |
| Instrument panel | 0.5 | 1.5 | 2 |
| Navigation lights | 1.0 - 2.0 | 2.5 | 5 |
| Radio (VHF) | 6.0 - 10.0 | 4.0 | 10 |
Put the wires in corrugated hoses or cable channels inside the console, which will protect them from rubbing and ultraviolet light, the output of the antennas and sonar sensors should be sealed with special introductory bushings.
⚠️ Warning: Never put power wires (from battery to motor) in close proximity to the signal lines of the sonar or radio, this will create severe interference, and navigation will not work properly.
Use colored wire markings: red for plus, black or yellow for minus, blue for accessories, which will save hours of time in future equipment repairs or upgrades.
Corrosion protection and maintenance
Even the best materials require maintenance. Every time you go out to sea, especially in salt water, the console needs to be rinsed with fresh water. The salt, when it dries, forms crystals that break down the paintwork and the metal.
Check the seals of the hatches and glass regularly. Rubber blisters and cracks over time. Timely replacement of the seal costs a penny, but saves expensive electronics from flooding. Also lubricate the moving parts of the steering mechanism with a special lubricant that is resistant to washing.
Once a season, it is recommended to remove the instruments completely and check the wiring status behind the panel, often there, insects are injected or condensate accumulates in hidden cavities. Prevention It's always cheaper than repairs.
The main enemy of the equipment on the RIB is not water, but salt and vibration. Regular flushing with fresh water and checking the tightening of the fastener will extend the life of the console many times over.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install a boat console on an inflatable RBI?
Hard boat consoles are often too heavy and oversized to upset the balance of an inflatable vessel, and they have different attachments, and it's better to use specialized models for RIBs.
Which steering wheel is better to choose: stainless steel or plastic coated?
The RIB is the best stainless steel steering wheel for the AISI 316 with a non-slip or perforation coating. Plastic in the bright sun can burn out and crack, and also become slippery when wet. The metal is longer and more reliable.
Do I need to ground the console on the boat?
In the 12B DC onboard network, which is used on most RIBs, the classic grounding is not used in the home network. The sub-wire goes directly to the battery. The grounding of the housing is only required if you have complex radio equipment or you connect to the 220V onshore network via an inverter.
How to protect the appliances from the sun when the boat is on the trailer?
The ideal solution is to have a removable awning case on the console itself. If you don't have one, try to park the boat so that the cockpit is in the shade, or use the sun visors that come with the console. Ultraviolet destroys plastic and burns out the instrument screens.
Should I buy a console with a built-in fuel tank?
It's a matter of convenience and safety. The built-in tank saves space in the cockpit and focuses the load, but it's harder to maintain and control the fuel level visually, for long hikes, take-away tanks are preferable, and for walks near the shore, there's also a built-in option.