Best position for fitting console?

[neilhope]

Just got a centre console for my 4m Avon Searider.

Couple of questions if anyone can help.

(1) How far forward it should go?

The easiest option seems to fit the front of the console up to the raised floor hump which runs widthways as the bow begins to curve, or should I go further forward and notch the console either side to fit?

(2) Are throttle controls usually reversable? - mine's on the left at the moment but I'd prefer to fit it on the right where the fixing holes already exist on the console.

(3) I've got a couple of ex-mod petrol tanks which will fit nicely in the console under the seat - will this cause problems if I put the battery in there too?

Thanks in advance.

Neil

[Tim M]

(2) Are throttle controls usually reversable? - mine's on the left at the moment but I'd prefer to fit it on the right where the fixing holes already exist on the console.

(3) I've got a couple of ex-mod petrol tanks which will fit nicely in the console under the seat - will this cause problems if I put the battery in there too?

2: Normally.

3: Not a good idea unless there a sperate compartment for the battery/electrics.

[Biggles]

Neil,

On my Searider the consol was butted up to the ridge. The console was cut or adapted in anyway it was just set flush against the ridge.

The downside of being so close to the ridge was that when I was refurbishing it I had trouble getting sealant along that front edge. Maybe if the console was about 1/2 an inch back from the ridge it would of been better.

But your in the right area. Weight distribution seemed fine in that location and the boat sat well in the water.

With regards the battery and fuel together. I know everyone says no but on a 4 meter Searider your a bit stuck for storage space.

I had an extra long fuel lead and put my tank in front of the console. It did get knocked around though and caused minor marks on the front of the consol. In the end I silicon sealented a piece of clear perspex on the front of the consol to take any abuse.

Best of luck with your new consol. Hope all goes well.

By the way don't forget to seal the screws in to the floor. The floor is a quite thin piece of wood and below that is the flooding hull. My mate didn't do this and it was quite amusing when he stopped as little fountains of water would pop up everywhere.