Move center console?

[alinbend]

I have a 19' dory that I have refurbished. As part of the project, I completely rebuilt the center console and placed it about 18" forward of where it was when I bought the boat. I have fished the boat for one season and it is easy to handle as it is configured. I have a new 60 hp Merc which gives plenty of power to plane with 6 people in the boat. I usually fish with two to four people.

Now I am thinking I might like the console better in the bow. There is an anchor locker in the bow and I am thinking of placing the front of the console about 18" behind that, thus leaving room to stand in the bow and work anchor lines of tie off. This would free up most of the rear of the boat for guest fisherman while trolling or anchoring into the wind.

This will be quite a bit of work and I have not owned a lot of boats. I would appreciate the advice of more experienced users who have tried various configurations. Thanks for your thoughts. See photo attached.

 

[Woodnaut]

Re: Move center console?

Based on where the console is now, how much farther forward would it move?

 

[cr2k]

Re: Move center console?

If you are going to move it very far you will probably need to purchase new, Shift and Throttle cables and Steering cable. Kinda pricey but if you need to replace them anyway what the heck. Usually the control box harness is plenty long.

If you plan on laying the cables/harness in the bottom of the boat (under the floor as they are now) you might consider some kind of runway to strap them to or lay them in. I would also suggest wrapping them with some heavy duty spiral wrap to keep them from chaffing.

I did a similar project for a customer last fall and added lots of electronics too.

 

[alinbend]

Re: Move center console?

I am considering moving it about 4.5 to 5' forward.

 

[alinbend]

Re: Move center console?

I will need shift, throttle and steering cables. They run on the side under the gunnels. Placing them is not a problem because I don't have to go under the floor, but your sure right about the price. That goes in the negative column as I figure whether I want to do this or not.

 

[Mike Robinson]

Re: Move center console?

If you use your boat in rough waters you should consider that it will be a rougher ride further forward.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Move center console?

ROUGH ride

 

[Captn Dave]

Re: Move center console?

It might throw off the balance/trim of the boat. Before attempting it I'd get two of your buddies to sit up where you plan to install the console and see how the boat responds in different condtions.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Move center console?

i lower Florida there are many boats with the console right in the bow.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Move center console?

I've seen a couple of guide boats on the eastern shore with the console all the way forward, too. 16-18' aluminums. Very odd looking, if you care about your boat's lines (and yours is a nice looking boat). But they are used in creeks rather than open water so not a lot of chop. But me, I wouldn't do it unless maybe I was guiding.