converting to a center console

[kajunboy89]

well im new here so if this has been asked before, bare with me. I was recently GIVEN a 2001 G3 aluminum hull boat with trailer. It is double hulled with a large fishing deck ont he front and the back, with an OLD 70 Evinrude. He says its from 1980. It still runs PERFECT. My only complain is that its a SIDE console and I was going to convert it to a center console and I will be looking to buy a Yamaha motor. Where should I start with the console first off. I cant seem to find just that. it already has a deck, too witha livewell so i will have to take that out. NO idea where to start, and im trying to avoid spending too much money on this. I also decided NOT to buy a BRAND new motor, for that price iw ould be able to pick up a used bay boat. I was looking for a refurbished motor for the 2-3k range.

any help would be awesome

 

[chargerboy]

Re: converting to a center console

Did you try searching the threads to see what other guys have done? There have been many center console jobs that have turned out just amazing.

 

[kajunboy89]

Re: converting to a center console

yes, i dont know if i wasnt looking in the right place, but i didnt find anything
if you can pull something up for me that would be awesome!

 

[chargerboy]

Re: converting to a center console

Here's one...

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=368149&highlight=center+console

 

[kajunboy89]

Re: converting to a center console

any for aluminum hulls?

 

[chargerboy]

Re: converting to a center console

Well, let me sum up a couple of things for you.. There is not going to be a step by step tutorial on how to do something to your boat that it's not intended for. Second, if you think you are going to do this conversion for next to nothing, sell the boat right now. It's going to cost a fair bit of money (couple grand at least) to build a good looking interior that is functional as a center console. You can build it cheap, or you can build it right.

Read the forums, figure out where to start by seeing how to repair any damage to your hull. Figure out what you want in the boat. Start collecting what you need, then start putting it together. It's not hard, nobody can look into a crystal ball and tell you what you want and what you should do. Figure out what you want, what you need, and people will be able to help give you advice from there. Take things one step at a time.

 

[kajunboy89]

Re: converting to a center console

I actually took the boat out today, nothing is wrong with the hull. the thing that will cost the most would be a new motor, which is actually the ONLY thing the boat needs. The side console thing is just not practical for the kind of fishing i do, and i was not looking to BUILD console. I know they make them pre-built, as we made a few of my friends boats to be center console, just i cant find them online.
i have priced around but the ONLY thing i can find is fiberglass ones, which is not what i want. i will deal with putting a livewell in at a later time.
this afternoon we pulled some of the flooring up, cehcked everything out and it all seems fine. we will be pullin gthe gas tank out soon and cleaning it out and re doing the bilge and cleaning that out.
this is just a project for me to have something to do and spend my money on, i just cant seem to find a pre-build aluminum console, and i hate welding.

 

[chargerboy]

Re: converting to a center console

I googled "aluminum center console" and came up with this page

http://www.seaarkboats.com/accessory5.html

might help you out

 

[kajunboy89]

Re: converting to a center console

i never really thought of going to a dealer to buy a console...
anyway, the girlfriend seemed to like the boat, and her friends too.. so, after its all said and done i will be sure to get pictures of her and her friends.. in bikinis.. trying to fish.

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: converting to a center console

i never really thought of going to a dealer to buy a console...
anyway, the girlfriend seemed to like the boat, and her friends too.. so, after its all said and done i will be sure to get

pictures of her and her friends.. in bikinis..

trying to fish.

 

[jonesg]

Re: converting to a center console

I'd build a console from wood or snag a glass one from craigslist.
If the wood version works out , use it to make an alum one later.

And I would stick with the engine you already have. The older engines are a LOT easier to work on yourself. Taken care of they will outlast you.

 

[kajunboy89]

Re: converting to a center console

i really dont like the way the motor handles.im not sure if its the motor or the controls thsat i dont like. im in love with the way my buddies boat handles with electronic controls. mine seems really jerky.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: converting to a center console

I would not be in any hurry to get rid of an '80 Evinrude 70. The triples had really great power to weight ratios and were straight up runners. Parts availability is great also. Save that cash for other upgrades. Post up any of your issues with it in the Johnson/Evinrude repair section and the gurus there will help you have it back to new condition.

 

[kajunboy89]

Re: converting to a center console

it doesnt seem like it has the power thst it should. my buddies all have some 60 adn 70 yamahas and they walk my boat. i just cant keep up. it just doesnt seem to push right and its jerky

 

[ezmobee]

Re: converting to a center console

Sounds like it has a cylinder going in and out.

 

[kajunboy89]

Re: converting to a center console

not really sure what it is, and im not very mechanically inclined.. at least on marine engines.

 

[mulli2b]

Re: converting to a center console

I am in the process of turning a side console boat to a center also. There are numerous nice fiberglass console you can buy but the cost was a little to high. I build one out of 1/4inch plywood and fiberglass it for strength, it is light weight and sturdy, if you have the money then buy a aluminum console.

Bill

 

[kajunboy89]

Re: converting to a center console

pulled my side console off today, realized there is a hole in my hull where all my wires and cables were ran... now thinking of what to do with that hole.. also there is a hole where my drain plug/aerator was for my livewell and thinking what to do with that also.... c***......