Hi there. My 2nd post. I have a West Marine RIB 10' 11" Hypalon aluminum boat, which is the dinghy to our Tollycraft 44 CPMY. I need for my wife and 2 labrador dogs to be able to get in and out easily. I would like a nice center console RIB but they cost $8-30K. Hence this project. A plastic mini console costs about $500 plus shipping. So, I decided to make one. I traded my 2 stroke Mercury 15HP for a 4 stroke long shaft Mercury 20 HP set up for wheel steering. Bought an Ice Chest seat. The back folds forward or backwards for seating in either direction.
Then I need: Throttle cables, Shift cables, a console, wheel, running lights, battery etc. With a 15hp this boat would plane with 2 people and a 75lb dog. 4 people it would not. This dinghy will be on davits behind our Cockpit Motor Yacht. I have found lots of useful build data and information on this site. It is quite helpful and much appreciated. I'm hoping to contribute to the build section.
The build briefly:
1. I mocked up a center console out of cardboard. I cut out the console with 2 tube curved circles to be able to slide the console further to the starboard side. This gained me 3-4" in the center of the boat. Every inch gained is important in such a small boat.
2. I did a 4" cut out at the bottom for feet to be able to slide under the center console providing more feet room.
3. Used 1/2" plywood and solid oak for the framing. Sealed the wood all around with West System epoxy. All of the support "Cleats" are glued together with Epoxy and 406 thickened microballs.
4. Offset the console to the starboard side for more room for our dogs moving around.
5. I have a fixed 4" offset jack plate to mount the motor.
6. The fuel tank I found a rectangular smallest shape which will fit in the bow. 6 gallons. I need to keep the weight in the bow.
7. Next I need a bow platform for the dogs to get in and out. Likely this will be 1/2" plywood. This will go over the fuel tank. I'm open for suggestions of a different material. The support has to support 65-100lb dogs plus people to walk on it. It can be tied into the 2 aluminum lifting supports to keep it in place. It will be vented at the aft end of the supports.
8. The top of the console is about 6" wide. This will house 2 ss cup holders and a SS hand rail.
9. The 30 degree angled area is for the Steering wheel, shift lever, and a 6 panel switch set. Bilge pump, nav lights, etc.
10. The entire console will be rounded with a 1" half round on all edges. Sealed with 2 coats of epoxy. Then primed and painted with marine polyurethane.
11. The AGM battery will be housed inside of the console as well as wiring, on off master switch and circuit breakers etc.
12. The console will be thru bolted and glued with 4200 to the double floor of the dinghy.
Questions you might be able to help me with are below.
1. What is a good durable material for the top and the control wheel area. I'm considering G10, star board, or something which is not wood but would hold up well.
2. What is a good material for the bow platform for the dogs? VS wood epoxy coated and covered in indoor outdoor carpet. The labs need something to hang onto with their feet. As well we harness our dogs with lifejackets. The plan is to have 2 pad eyes on the front section of the console to attach the dog harnesses to.
Let me know if anyone is interested in watching along. Some pictures have been attached.
John
Then I need: Throttle cables, Shift cables, a console, wheel, running lights, battery etc. With a 15hp this boat would plane with 2 people and a 75lb dog. 4 people it would not. This dinghy will be on davits behind our Cockpit Motor Yacht. I have found lots of useful build data and information on this site. It is quite helpful and much appreciated. I'm hoping to contribute to the build section.
The build briefly:
1. I mocked up a center console out of cardboard. I cut out the console with 2 tube curved circles to be able to slide the console further to the starboard side. This gained me 3-4" in the center of the boat. Every inch gained is important in such a small boat.
2. I did a 4" cut out at the bottom for feet to be able to slide under the center console providing more feet room.
3. Used 1/2" plywood and solid oak for the framing. Sealed the wood all around with West System epoxy. All of the support "Cleats" are glued together with Epoxy and 406 thickened microballs.
4. Offset the console to the starboard side for more room for our dogs moving around.
5. I have a fixed 4" offset jack plate to mount the motor.
6. The fuel tank I found a rectangular smallest shape which will fit in the bow. 6 gallons. I need to keep the weight in the bow.
7. Next I need a bow platform for the dogs to get in and out. Likely this will be 1/2" plywood. This will go over the fuel tank. I'm open for suggestions of a different material. The support has to support 65-100lb dogs plus people to walk on it. It can be tied into the 2 aluminum lifting supports to keep it in place. It will be vented at the aft end of the supports.
8. The top of the console is about 6" wide. This will house 2 ss cup holders and a SS hand rail.
9. The 30 degree angled area is for the Steering wheel, shift lever, and a 6 panel switch set. Bilge pump, nav lights, etc.
10. The entire console will be rounded with a 1" half round on all edges. Sealed with 2 coats of epoxy. Then primed and painted with marine polyurethane.
11. The AGM battery will be housed inside of the console as well as wiring, on off master switch and circuit breakers etc.
12. The console will be thru bolted and glued with 4200 to the double floor of the dinghy.
Questions you might be able to help me with are below.
1. What is a good durable material for the top and the control wheel area. I'm considering G10, star board, or something which is not wood but would hold up well.
2. What is a good material for the bow platform for the dogs? VS wood epoxy coated and covered in indoor outdoor carpet. The labs need something to hang onto with their feet. As well we harness our dogs with lifejackets. The plan is to have 2 pad eyes on the front section of the console to attach the dog harnesses to.
Let me know if anyone is interested in watching along. Some pictures have been attached.
John
