console offset?

[tue]

I am getting close to being able to re-fit my console and was wondering about its location.

When I bought the boat, the console was offset as in the bottom picture, with a bench seat. I was wodering if I put it back in the same location with two jockey seats if it would upset the balance of the boat. I never got to try my boat when I got it as floor was not strong enough at the time so I don't know of the effects of having the console in this location.

I was thinking of better access to the front to get to the dive gear going to be stored up there.

Any thoughts or do I just put in the middle like all the other boats?

[Pete7]

Tue the advantage with carrying divers is that you can easily move clyinders and weight belts about to balance the boat. I found the ribtec 6.5 likes a bit of weight up the front. If you have twin tanks use the front and put the lead up there as well. If there is to much weight at the back the water slops in as the transom is quite low being a deep v shape.

The standard ribtec console is 29" wide and we don't have a problem moving clyinders about with the console in the middle. The throttle is mounted in the centre so it doesn't get knocked.

Pete

[jwalker]

Mount them offset to the other side. I'll help counter the torque reaction at the prop

[Rogue Wave]

I wanted to say that! but yes I'd definitely put it on the other side too

[jwalker]

They say great minds think alike, Stu!

[arnevandalsem]

if you move you console you will probably have to move your engine, if your boat carrys a big engine, the engine should be mounted 1.5" to the port side of your boat. At least thats what I think, please ask the manufactuar (the guy who made the boat) aboat the offset of the engine!!!!

Good luck

best regards Arne

[Pete7]

please ask the manufactuar

No way, ribtec haven't a clue what a tape measure is. The original offset on rib was nearly 3 inches, way over the top. It should have been 1.5 inches. We have now mounted the engine on the centre line to no ill effect.

What you might notice is that the boat doesn't sit level on the trailer with an offset console. The extra weight from the offset when winching it up caused the boat to lean a little.

Mine is in the middle and doesn't cause any problems.

Pete