New Osprey Console

[Chris]

Osprey have released a new console called the Searider. Some pics here along with pics of some recent Vipermax builds.

http://www.ospreyribs.co.uk/

I am sure all you fellow Osprey lovers will be dribbling over them

[chewy]

That console will never fit on a Searider, lol!

[Hightower]

It's nice to have another console to their range but considering the amount of time they had to design and build the console, it looks pretty much like anyone elses one. I guess the upside is that it looks to be big enough for all the bits and pieces and has a built in front seat with storage. But there is no room for your legs under the console, which is a little disapointing.

A few more pages to the website to showcase all the different options and configurations would also be nice.

[Chris]

I think it is difficult to see from the pics but the whole console slants back towards you giving some leg room.

I have to say I am still a firm supporter of the Discovery console. Definately one of the nicest looking consoles available. All subjective and down to personal taste however!

Chris

[Hightower]

I'm all for no frills boat packages and the Osprey has to be one of the nicest RIBs in the market place (don't tell anyone).....However there could be some improvments in the looks department. There are some really nice consoles and accessories out there that manage to combine both good looks and practicalities.

But yes, I agree it's subjective and down to personal taste I guess

[Ian M]

I am glad to see that Osprey are thinking about consoles. To my mind it is the single biggest shortfall in the Osprey 'brand'; it has certainly been my biggest headache
Like Andy, I can see that this new console is certainly a no frills design, which may suit some more than others. Down to the individual I guess.
I take it that the build quality will be up to Mike's usual standard, bloody good

[bedajim]

Originally Posted by Ian M

I am glad to see that Osprey are thinking about consoles. To my mind it is the single biggest shortfall in the Osprey 'brand'; it has certainly been my biggest headache
Like Andy, I can see that this new console is certainly a no frills design, which may suit some more than others. Down to the individual I guess.
I take it that the build quality will be up to Mike's usual standard, bloody good

Your not thinking of changing yours now

[Ian M]

Well actually Jmaes, I've got this idea of enlarging the console, chopping through the deck, relocating the fuel tank (probably to the 'A' frame) and converting it to a cabin RIB, whadya think

[OSPREY RIBS]

Originally Posted by Hightower

It's nice to have another console to their range but considering the amount of time they had to design and build the console, it looks pretty much like anyone elses one. I guess the upside is that it looks to be big enough for all the bits and pieces and has a built in front seat with storage. But there is no room for your legs under the console, which is a little disapointing.

A few more pages to the website to showcase all the different options and configurations would also be nice.

I've read with interest everyone's comments regarding the new console. I've got no argument with the length of time it took to produce but feel that it is a thoroughly useable console. We have deliberately kept it simple so that it is still very good value for money and extremely practical. If you look on the website you can see just how much room there is for instrumentation, large chart plotters etc. The front seat covers a large access hatch where everything can be accessed very easily. There is now ample room to walk to the front of the boat without standing on the tubes. Regarding leg-room, the console slopes away leaving masses of leg room for even the tallest helmsman. The shape by the way enables it to be extremely strong. We have now added more picutures to the website. (www.ospreyribs.co.uk) Good luck to everyone on the water in 2009, let's hope the sun shines on us all!

Roy

[bedajim]

Originally Posted by Ian M

Well actually Jmaes, I've got this idea of enlarging the console, chopping through the deck, relocating the fuel tank (probably to the 'A' frame) and converting it to a cabin RIB, whadya think

I'll drop mine off when you've sorted the prototype and can you also sort me a Etec 200 HO without the stars and stripes for the back end