Steering controls position?

Fishery Pokery · 24 February 2010, 17:49

Hi,
I am going to put a steering position on my 4.5m boat.
I would to like to put it in the first third of the boat (the bow) to leave maximum space behind me and help with planing.
I was wondering if there is a reason not to, as all the boats I see seem to have it in the centre of the boat?
Cheers,
Geoff

chewy · 24 February 2010, 19:37

Is it the SIB?

Fishery Pokery · 24 February 2010, 19:58

It is the SIB Chewy, but I posted it in here as there seems to be a lot more steering on ribs than sibs.
It will not be a proper jockey position or console, it is a "box" I've designed myself that is a column that will house a battery in its base.
It will bolt to the floor, I was thinking over the part where there is a hole to inflate the keel.
Do you think this is too far forward?
Cheers,
Geoff

chewy · 24 February 2010, 20:03

Does your SIB do the whole bending thing when you go over waves etc?

Fishery Pokery · 24 February 2010, 20:12

Not too sure Chewy, I have not used this boat yet, and tend to only go out in flat calms.
I imagine with my weight at the front it won't be bending up much

.
This is a picture.... http://rib.net/forum/attachment.php?...2&d=1247339387
The rear floor panel is bolted to the transom with two struts.
Cheers,
Geoff

chewy · 24 February 2010, 20:21

The likes of Zodiac use a bar that runs across the boat from tube to tube which is usually pretty far forward.
Whats wrong with the tiller?

Fishery Pokery · 24 February 2010, 20:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by chewy

The likes of Zodiac use a bar that runs across the boat from tube to tube which is usually pretty far forward.
Whats wrong with the tiller?

I intend on going further afield with this boat and didn't enjoy being half turned all the time with my other boat.
Plus I was forever trying to get further forward with my other boat, to the point of holding the tiller extension with my finger tips to get on the plane.
I have the parts to convert and the full steering setup, just waiting for the steering mount to be made by a fabricator in stainless steel.
In the meantime was wondering about the position, so I don't drill holes in my floor too far forward if it won't work there.
Cheers,
Geoff

Downhilldai · 24 February 2010, 22:40

It won't be very comfortable right up in the bow.

shthpnz · 25 February 2010, 15:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoff_Jubb

just waiting for the steering mount to be made by a fabricator in stainless steel.
Cheers,
Geoff

I found a sib like yours on an Austrian RIB-forum. Also with a steering stand. Not made in stainless steel though, but made from a dust bin. Lighter and perhaps cheaper? A creative mind is a joy forever.

http://www.schlauchboot-online.at/showthread.php?t=9488

Regards,

jyasaki · 25 February 2010, 15:40

In rough water, the front of the boat gets the worst ride. I suppose you could make an argument that having controls there would make the ride in the rest of the boat at least a bit smoother, but it would be a weak one at best.

I think the reason most SIBs don't have remote steering is the space it takes up, which, in a small boat, is at a premium.

Balance and weighting aside, I prefer having the steering rearwards, as you can keep an eye on cargo and passengers (though this, too is kind of a weak argument for placement.) Forward also puts you away from the motor, which, while quieter, also makes fiddling with it to correct problems a bit harder.

These are just my opinions, though...

jky