Offset seats and console?

[sameh]

Hi
Some posts talked about weight dispersal and performance of the RIB

Some say, better have the console up front so that plaining would be easier. What would happen if you have the console more to the back so that you can have a less disturbing hits on choppy sea, being more able to operate and read all the electronics on the console (such as fish finder-in my case) and have a front seat for your partner-who will have weight dispersal correct and get more bymps that the driver.

second and more important question to me is the weght dispersal on the width axes..some ribs may not offer enough space to have console and seating in the middle of the boat width, where fisherman can fish next to console or seat or pass from stern to bow freely, then better have side console/seats.

My question here, how do you think this would affect the performance of the rib? in regular fiber boats i know it has a negative effect, in my sib boat i dont find alot of effect due to tubes touching water all the time, how in RIBs? is there any way to overcome that by laying fuel on the opposite side or any other solution?

[John Kennett]

You need to think about how the boat will be balanced with the various different setups, and decide which will be best for the way you are likely to use it most.

Generally the further back you are, the more comfortable the ride becomes. You still need enough weight forward though to keep the boat reasonably level without having to use lots of engine trim. Small boats are relatively easy to ballast by moving fuel tanks, anchors etc but this is generally less practical with bigger boats.

I've seen RIBs and other small boats with the console offset to the side, but I've never used one. I would expect the handling to be compromised to a certain degree unless it's balanced out some way.

[jwalker]

My previous rib, 6.5mtr, had the console set to the starboard side. The offset seemed to be balanced by the prop torque and it gave me no issues.

[sameh]

Originally Posted by jwalker

My previous rib, 6.5mtr, had the console set to the starboard side. The offset seemed to be balanced by the prop torque and it gave me no issues.

I did not take the torque of propeller..good point and good thing for me-having the console to the side to have more space for fishing and walking by!

[sameh]

Originally Posted by John Kennett

You need to think about how the boat will be balanced with the various different setups, and decide which will be best for the way you are likely to use it most.

Generally the further back you are, the more comfortable the ride becomes. You still need enough weight forward though to keep the boat reasonably level without having to use lots of engine trim. Small boats are relatively easy to ballast by moving fuel tanks, anchors etc but this is generally less practical with bigger boats.

I've seen RIBs and other small boats with the console offset to the side, but I've never used one. I would expect the handling to be compromised to a certain degree unless it's balanced out some way.

Thanks for the reply john.
My target is 5-6 m RIB. Heared that console should start 2/3 length of the boat from bow. Wonder if that is the case usually...seems reasonable to me and confortable position..having another person closer to bow will make better balance..

[Maximus]

Can't recall any serious or Top end RIB with off set Consul as standard.
Try Before you Buy or start Hacking a used one to bits would be my advice!

[Ian M]

Port/starboard weight distribution is important. When installing one of my RIBs my real world (lack) of experience showed. I installed the 2 batteries on the opposite side to the helm position, thinking to counter balance the helms weight. Did not take into account prop torque. Handling was not the best
Later shifted both batteries as far to starboard as possible inside the console and the handling was transformed.

[Mextli]

Originally Posted by Maximus

Can't recall any serious or Top end RIB with off set Consul as standard.
Try Before you Buy or start Hacking a used one to bits would be my advice!

Some Seariders have console offset as standard.

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by Mextli

Some Seariders have console offset as standard.

Yes they do.
Some cars WERE made of Fibre Glass and had three wheels as well
I was referring to what's made these days...on the smaller Sea riders I'm pretty sure it was a way of trying to make some more room,and not for "Balance"

[matt h]

Originally Posted by Maximus

Yes they do.
Some cars WERE made of Fibre Glass and had three wheels as well
I was referring to what's made these days...on the smaller Sea riders I'm pretty sure it was a way of trying to make some more room,and not for "Balance"

Think it was for pulling up Lobster pots n stuff.