SR4 mods?

hotwater · 07 September 2012, 11:40

We have owned our 1982 SR4 (ex USCG) since 1986 and had great fun with it. Do to a low back injury I can no longer drive in a seated position. I must stand up to let my legs act as shock absorbers. I am now driving the boat from the rear facing seat whilst on my knees leaning forward to the wheel. Not exactly the most comfortable. We are thinking of installing a conventional (stand up) center console (not a jockey seat) but I am concerned about my CG standing and driving such a small boat that I might get ejected in a wake or hard turn. Has anyone installed or have seen this type of console installed on this size rib. If so, what was overall impression? Thanks in advance.

Best Regards to all

Bill

Erin · 07 September 2012, 12:48

Foot straps. They should stop you ejecting yourself.

lukewhiting · 07 September 2012, 13:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erin

Foot straps. They should stop you ejecting yourself.

I was gunna say foot straps too! Dakine make some pretty good ones for kitesurfing & windsurfing that screw down. sure they would work on your sr4!

Dakine Warlock Footstraps | Kiteboarding Accessories | Kitesurf

Peter_C · 07 September 2012, 17:04

What about a nice suspension seat? I understand the bad back issue but can't imagine standing for hours a good solution either. It is nice to have something to lean back against.

MustRib · 07 September 2012, 20:10

go for a leaning post ...
You could probably have one made fairly cheaply by a Stainless steel fabricator there, have them put some wing backs on the ends to snug you in.

MustRib · 07 September 2012, 20:14

check out the post on this Rib

http://www.rib.net/forum/members/695...icture1237.jpg

hotwater · 08 September 2012, 14:31

This last post is what I am seeking, The rib shown however is much larger than an SR4 which is my concern. The leaning post would be required. I can stand and drive our big boat (displacement hull) for 10 hours at a time with out ever sitting. With my injury I can not sit for more than an hour in a modern car. Any one done this to a smaller rib?
Best Regards and thanks to all.
Bill

Nick Hearne · 08 September 2012, 18:27

I think you are asking too much form it & your concerns of being top heavy, with the likely hood of being ejected are justified, do you use a back support?

hotwater · 08 September 2012, 23:31

I generaly use a back support when I am flying and doing heavy lifting. I do not wear it when boating per the Doctors instructions.
Does anyone ever stand up from the jockey seat and drive?

Poly · 09 September 2012, 09:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotwater

Does anyone ever stand up from the jockey seat and drive?

That is quite common, but the 'standard' SR4 console is very low so not ideal for this.