D class style Nav console

[pumpkinking]

Anyone ever made/installed a D-Class style nav console for their sib? Just for a bit of fun or actually made real use of it? Indeed, any of you genuine D class owners reinstalled the electronics here or made other clever use of this space?

I appreciate that it’s going to be rare... not ideal for Solo SIBing seeing how the helm can’t reach the radio or GPS... very much designed for a crew of 2+

Not planning to try and squeeze one into my 3.3m any time soon, but I wondered if anyone had attempted it as a fun winter project. Might be handy on a 4m+ for dry storage and weight distribution if nothing else...

[pumpkinking]

some conversation starters:

[jeffstevens763@g]

I've done a few have a look at my threads new boat and excel 435

[pumpkinking]

Originally Posted by jeffstevens763@g

I've done a few have a look at my threads new boat and excel 435

Followed your 435 thread with great interest Jeff!

That top photo looks very D Class, where do I find the thread on that? Searched to no avail but I am on the phone app...

Interested to know what orientation you installed that one and what kit you fitted into it?

Best,
G

[jeffstevens763@g]

here you go

https://www.rib.net/forum/f50/new-boat-70395-4.html

you will find you cant read the plotter from the seat but my latest one you can

build pics below

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXbQ_kwUR-g

[pumpkinking]

Very nice! Yes it’s all a trade off eh?

Can you stand on the first bow version?

As I don’t fish, my sibing is all about exploring with others, so I think I’d opt for a variation of your bow console. I really like the storage underneath.

[jeffstevens763@g]

yep could have stood on it i chopped it up two weeks ago to make room pity you could have had it to play with

[Steve509926]

Hi PK, you thinking of doing some touring & wild camping next year?

[pumpkinking]

Certainly something I’d like to do, let’s see where next year takes us. Scotland is on the holiday list for some point in the future, seems like prime (or the only?!) uk wild camping territory!

I’ve got a close friend and fellow sound engineer hooked on the SIBing idea, he has yachting experience and I think he might be making a trip to see Terry in the new year about a 360... so an opportunity to have some Solent adventures with someone who knows the area. A 15hp is on the cards for next season dependant on finances...

Think my 330 is perhaps a bit small to make use of a nav console... but let’s see how much time I have on my hands! The boat isn’t stored with me in London, it’s with my folks in Bristol, so I can’t pop out and try out my ideas any time soon... Jeff has inspired me with his real-world use case, though.

[Steve509926]

I've booked 2 weeks in Scotland end of May and plan to do some wild camping, surprisingly Diane is up for it too! Like you I want to make sure I'm set up right.
Started the over winter project, bow storage box/seat, 2 bench seats with back rests, battery box with all the ext connections. Also rigging something up so that VHF, GPS etc is to hand from the helm. I'll post some pics when I compete each stage.

[Steve509926]

Obviously with my skill set, it won't compare with Jeff's setup

[pumpkinking]

Sounds great Steve, both the trip and the upgrades!

I’m going for more of a pared back open sib approach I think, but perhaps that’s because I’m still “young and springy”... (not being ageist here!)... or perhaps I’ve just been watching too much saving lives at sea...

My idea’s hewn from the D Class; having a heavy duty console/bow dodger and storage area at the bow leaves a nice open squishy-ish floor that’s easy on the knees.

For the last trips of the year, we got to the stage where we were removing the seats completely, and kneeling (me) and sitting (her) on the floor felt the most comfortable. But this was for slamming across the waves around St Anthony Head opposite Falmouth so being down in the belly of the boat felt nice and safe.

[Steve509926]

Originally Posted by pumpkinking

Sounds great Steve, both the trip and the upgrades!

I’m going for more of a pared back open sib approach I think, but perhaps that’s because I’m still “young and springy”... (not being ageist here!)... or perhaps I’ve just been watching too much saving lives at sea...

My idea’s hewn from the D Class; having a heavy duty console/bow dodger and storage area at the bow leaves a nice open squishy-ish floor that’s easy on the knees.

For the last trips of the year, we got to the stage where we were removing the seats completely, and kneeling (me) and sitting (her) on the floor felt the most comfortable. But this was for slamming across the waves around St Anthony Head opposite Falmouth so being down in the belly of the boat felt nice and safe.

How very dare you! How ageist! But I can't but help agree, knees are not as "young and springy" as they aught to be!
I should have the bow box/seat and bench seats finished before the end of the week (so much for winter project) so I'll post pics of them soon. Then onto the batt box etc.
I am planning a day/night sibbing/camping to test it all over in Anglesey before we go to Scotland, probably mid April. If its not too far and if your work schedule allows, you more than welcome to join us.

[jeffstevens763@g]

waterproof dog beds are good sit on the floor one on the tube to lean on stay there all day

[pumpkinking]

I was thinking of asking you what those were Jeff! Very good idea...

I have found these https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/30174201346...r=601071985261 which look like they would perfectly fit the internal width of my Excel 330 at 80cm... I’m sure there’s a cheaper option too but I do like the super heavy duty look of these.

Dammit bring on spring 2021...

[pumpkinking]

Originally Posted by Steve509926

How very dare you! How ageist! But I can't but help agree, knees are not as "young and springy" as they aught to be!
I should have the bow box/seat and bench seats finished before the end of the week (so much for winter project) so I'll post pics of them soon. Then onto the batt box etc.
I am planning a day/night sibbing/camping to test it all over in Anglesey before we go to Scotland, probably mid April. If its not too far and if your work schedule allows, you more than welcome to join us.

Looking forward to seeing your handiwork! And thanks Steve, fingers crossed things get back to normal, would be great to arrange a trip next year if things align!

[jeffstevens763@g]

Originally Posted by pumpkinking

I was thinking of asking you what those were Jeff! Very good idea...

I have found these https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/30174201346...r=601071985261 which look like they would perfectly fit the internal width of my Excel 330 at 80cm... I’m sure there’s a cheaper option too but I do like the super heavy duty look of these.

Dammit bring on spring 2021...

Same ones that I have

[Sladonians]

I did one for my XHD365. Made from plywood painted in white flowcoat.

Also fitted nav and running lights to the A frame, and VHF antenna.

Fixed to the floor by 4 thumbscrews, I made a wiring loom which runs under the ali floor and has waterproof connectors at both ends meaning the box and A frame can be removed within about 5 minutes. It was my summer lockdown project.

Advantage of it as well is it adds about 20kg to the front of the boat balancing out the 20hp Tohatsu at 43kg and my weight in the middle. It means she will get on the plane instantly but without the usual bow rise.

[Steve509926]

Originally Posted by Sladonians

I did one for my XHD365. Made from plywood painted in white flowcoat.

Also fitted nav and running lights to the A frame, and VHF antenna.

Fixed to the floor by 4 thumbscrews, I made a wiring loom .

Looks a good job. Noticed its for sale on ebay.

[Sladonians]

Originally Posted by Steve509926

Looks a goo job. Noticed its for sale on ebay.

Yeah, selling it to fund the next project. Keeping the electrics though, just selling the boat, motor and trailer.