Console too small for instruments

Simon B · 01 November 2005, 15:49

Doing the winter re-wire soon and will need to include more kit. Only problem is our 1991 Delta has a small console. What have others done to solve this probelm?
Have seen some boxes made to fit on top of existing consoles but they tend to look big and ugly. Did wonder if it could all be fitted onto an instrument bar instead of enlarging what's there (never tried making a console but ok at the St/St welding malarkey)

Any ideas and pictures would be most welcome.

Jizm · 01 November 2005, 16:10

Got a pic?
The console is very small on my rib, I have a top mounted fish finder, side mounted vhf and a top mount compass. The hour meter, tacho and trim guage are all flush mounted as is the switchgear. Bit cramped but ok. I use a hanheld GPS, "velcro'd" under the wheel.

Neal · 01 November 2005, 16:32

Simon Andy (AKA Hightower) posted some pictures of an equipment mount he made up that works well do as search or drop him a line. He is top bloke and will be happy to help.

Simon B · 01 November 2005, 17:34

Thank you, Posted is the only picture I have at present not a good one as it doesnt show front, proportions look very similar to Hightowers. I liked his neat solution this is similar to what I'd been designing.

Hightower · 01 November 2005, 23:24

Dead easy Simon. If you want some help or solutions give me a shout, I can also remove mine really easily by removal of some bungee and sliding the "dash" off the runners.

Andy

PS.......Thanks Neal

.

Simon B · 02 November 2005, 09:31

Cheers Hightower, will PM you, when I have an idea on paper or get to a probelm. Your slide mount is a neat solution to the whole lot wobbling all over the shop which is what has put me off, seeing other heath-robinson jobs that dont do any favours to the electronics.

mark-f · 02 November 2005, 10:41

On My Last RIb I used a Navpod that was designed for a sailing yacht and am currently fitting a powerpod on my current rib to house an E120, anyway have a look you might find something that would fit.

http://www.oceanequipment.com/products/navpod/index.htm

Regards

Mark

Simon B · 02 November 2005, 11:56

Mark,

They look interesting, what are they made from? We also need the designed in demountability present in Hightowers method.

codprawn · 02 November 2005, 12:10

Here is a pic of the small console on training rib I was on a few weeks ago.

mark-f · 02 November 2005, 12:29

HI Simon,

Not sure what they are made of, could be moulded or GRP but they are very tuff, nice thing about them is that they fittings are high security and makes the instruments as secure as if they were in the main console. I guess if you went for the type that is mounted on SS rail(s) then you could make a quick release easy enough. Cactus and JG tech both sell the navpod range.

The first Pic is of the one I had on old rib and the second the one I am going to fit to new rib.

Mark

Hightower · 02 November 2005, 12:30

Seen the price of that Navpod stuff? I did look at other ready built systems but none really suited my application and again didn't have the quick release option.

mark-f · 02 November 2005, 12:33

Ahh yes, navpods are not cheap .....I know

the Power Pod for my E120 cost me £230 at the boat show.

yoyo · 08 November 2005, 17:33

Simon,

Maybe this mounting pod is what you need..

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/boat-Fibreglas...QQcmdZViewItem

Mollers · 08 November 2005, 18:45

This sounds like some kinda metaphor for- My pants ain't big enough for what I'm tryin' to stuff in 'em!!!

The Jackeens · 09 November 2005, 05:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simon B

Doing the winter re-wire soon and will need to include more kit. Only problem is our 1991 Delta has a small console. What have others done to solve this probelm?
Have seen some boxes made to fit on top of existing consoles but they tend to look big and ugly. Did wonder if it could all be fitted onto an instrument bar instead of enlarging what's there (never tried making a console but ok at the St/St welding malarkey)

Any ideas and pictures would be most welcome.

Would it be worth adding a little screen if you top-mount gear? Might make any additions look more 'integral' and might make the console/instrument proportions more appropriate. It would also have the added advantage of offering some protection to the instruments (and to yourself

)?

missus

Simon B · 09 November 2005, 11:49

Jackeens,

Yes, I am intending to just this similar to Hightowers screen behind his removable unit. We dont have much in terms of grab rails so had intended to make a intergrated screen/grab rail, this could easily extend slighlty out each side (within reason, dont want it to look too much like a hammerhead)

Just need to finalise the new dimensions and make up a template to see how it looks.

The Jackeens · 10 November 2005, 06:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simon B

Jackeens,

Yes, I am intending to just this similar to Hightowers screen behind his removable unit. We dont have much in terms of grab rails so had intended to make a intergrated screen/grab rail, this could easily extend slighlty out each side (within reason, dont want it to look too much like a hammerhead)

Just need to finalise the new dimensions and make up a template to see how it looks.

Cool. If you get a chance, post a photo of the final design?

Like the idea of a rail above a screen (stops guillotine-type worries as you're blasting along

)

Mind you the last person to headbutt our console used the gps as a bumper

missus