Console too small for instruments

[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.

[Jizm]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Mark,

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

[codprawn]

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

[mark-f]

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