Console on a rib

PacificNWrib · 01 February 2009, 01:14

Just a question to all the RIB owners. What side should a console be mounted on? Port or Starboard? Or does it even matter?

Thanks,

enwulff · 01 February 2009, 02:14

I think it is normally on the starboard side when it is mounted to the side, but most ribs have it mounted in the center so not to have weight distribution issues at high speed. If you are running at high speed and you weight is shifted to the starboard side, you will dig the starboard chine in and it can get unstable. You may need to add some trim tabs to offset this if you are going to run the boat at high speeds with an offcenter console you are going to drive behind.

no excuses · 02 February 2009, 06:27

mine is mounted to the starboard side as far as it will go, makes it a lot easier to get around it. It does lean a lil to the starboard side though but I will live with it for ease of getting by it. My motor is also offset by 1.5" to the same side.

stan

PacificNWrib · 11 February 2009, 23:12

Thanks for the input. I will keep in on the starboard side. One thing I found out from the the Mercury dealer is that the control box is universal. It can mount to either side. If I had only know this a long time ago. I had it mounted on the port side with the cables running across the deck at my feet. Tacky.

Jelly · 18 February 2009, 15:36

The main reason for mounting it off center is normally to counter the torque effect from the engine. The SR5.4 was normally offset for this reason and so you could lay a casualty down on the deck.
hope this helps
Jelly