Any tips on scratch-building a console?

[guy48065]

I have a '79 pontoon boat and the console is "wiggly" due to bottom rot (doncha just hate it when that happens??).
Throttle control is a standard Quicksilver side-mount attached to the right side. Fence mount is also a possibility.
I'd prefer a "minimalist" helm and I'm not a fan of the price or plastic look of the catalog choices. I'm a hobbyist woodworker and can build one--if I have a little nudge on what direction to start.

I'm also open to suggestions on re-purposing something unique as a console.

I've searched Google images for ideas and came up empty but I'm sure plenty of folks have built custom consoles.

Fire away guys--inspire me!

 

[uniquesnd]

Re: Any tips on scratch-building a console?

I have a '79 pontoon boat and the console is "wiggly" due to bottom rot (doncha just hate it when that happens??).
Throttle control is a standard Quicksilver side-mount attached to the right side. Fence mount is also a possibility.
I'd prefer a "minimalist" helm and I'm not a fan of the price or plastic look of the catalog choices. I'm a hobbyist woodworker and can build one--if I have a little nudge on what direction to start.

I'm also open to suggestions on re-purposing something unique as a console.

I've searched Google images for ideas and came up empty but I'm sure plenty of folks have built custom consoles.

Fire away guys--inspire me!

I would form one up using plywood then stretch fleece over it staple it along all leading edges and bottom then resin the whole thing. After that sets up you can lay CSM over areas to reinforce them this is how we car audio guys build fiberglass boxes, door panels etc. google "building fiber glass door panels" and "building fiberglass speaker box" to get some ideas! Hope this helps

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Any tips on scratch-building a console?

Checkout pontoonstuff.com and GreatLakesSkipper.com for consoles. Any supplier of pontoon seating can sell you a basic console for a reasonable price.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Any tips on scratch-building a console?

For a pontoon boat... I think a Lay-Z-Boy recliner bolted to the deck with the throttle mounted to one side of the recliner and stick steering mounted to the other.:watermelon:

... ya can't get much more minimal than that (and it's pretty lazy too!)

 

[guy48065]

Re: Any tips on scratch-building a console?

Checkout pontoonstuff.com and GreatLakesSkipper.com for consoles. Any supplier of pontoon seating can sell you a basic console for a reasonable price.

My old boat has more of a work boat tall and narrow console. It's what I'm used to and feels right to me either standing or seated. Most of the molded replacements are low and wide and accommodate a dozen gauges while I have none.

 

[guy48065]

Re: Any tips on scratch-building a console?

Oh well. I was hoping for something a little more "creative" here.
For example--I was looking at some spendy aluminum steering consoles and realized how they resemble a barbeque grill so now I've got my eye out for a used smallish 2-burner stainless grill with enclosed base. I could buy a new one for cheaper than a plain aluminum console but the challenge will be to get one for $50
Pin the lid down, but make it easy to open for access to wiring. Replace glass window (if it has one) with plastic gauge panel. Discard the wings & handle... or move it to the back as a hand-hold for passengers or towel rack.

THAT'S what I'm talkin about...

 

[GT1000000]

Re: Any tips on scratch-building a console?

You can make it super light and strong using the method described above, but instead of using sheets of ply to make the frame, use some 1x2's, 1x1's...staple them together lightly, they will only be used as a basic form...then stretch fleece over the form and apply a coat of resin...once that kicks off, you can add several layers of CSM/1708 cloth to build up the thickness and remove the temporary forms...then finish it any way you want, paint, gel coat, etc...You can add some small plywood backing plates to areas that will receive stress, such as the steering wheel and control unit...you can glass those in or just hold them in place with whatever mounting hardware...around the base you can glass in some sturdy, resin/glass coated 2x4 fir lumber to have a solid attachment point to the deck...
I can think of a hundred different ways to design a console for a boat...it really depends on what you want and need it to do...
As an alternative to the above, you can use some cardboard, hot glued together, to try out a couple of different layouts.
It is cheap, easy to do, and takes nothing but some time...
You can refine it to the point that you could cover the cardboard with aluminum foil + molding wax and apply the first coat of resin and glass to it, then remove the cardboard mock up and finish it out by adding more layers of glass/resin until you achieve the desired thickness.
In the end it may cost almost as much as buying a ready made one, but the difference is it will be custom made to your liking...
Have fun!
GT1M