advice on making a single jockey into a double

[xs 400]

I have a 4m rib with a XS factory glassed in console and single jockey.

There is not enough space to fit another single one behind it (XS single jockey length 50cm) there is 40cm usable space.

Attached picture is PeterM new console which gave me the idea of extending mine. I would need to get this made up of stainless steel.


second picture my boat during production to show seat/console

my thoughts would be to remove rear back rest/seat from console get hold of double seat, get a stainless steel extention made with support legs, refit rear back rest to s/s extention

what are your thoughts?



anyone know anyone in the southwest who could fabricate such a thing out of ss?

[paul tilley]

try westward fabrications yeovil

[TomKat]

did the same thing myself with 2 redbay seats, was pleased with the result, local supplier made it for me as a favour!

[xs 400]

Originally Posted by TomKat

did the same thing myself with 2 redbay seats, was pleased with the result, local supplier made it for me as a favour!

Like it! how did you attach the ss to the deck?

[PeterM]

Mine has feet on the ss legs. But I found out the boat it was made for wasn't flat...must need some 5mm packing under them. The feet have two screws holes in each...

[xs 400]

bit worried about drilling the deck, can that be avoided?

or am i worrying unduly?

[PeterM]

Originally Posted by xs 400

bit worried about drilling the deck, can that be avoided?

or am i worrying unduly?

If done properly not a big deal . Always possible to bond a block to the deck and screw to that - but maybe not as 'neat'

I've just put 24 screws in the SR ! More sealant/adhesive than I thought possible was flying about earlier.

Streakers console and seat are screwed and sealed the same way ...been fine for six years now.

[Poly]

Originally Posted by PeterM

Mine has feet on the ss legs. But I found out the boat it was made for wasn't flat...must need some 5mm packing under them. The feet have two screws holes in each...

In tight turns jockey seats can be under huge torsional (?) loads. Poorly fixed seats have been known to be ejected. 4 screws isn't much at the far end of the seat - in your case might be OK - but TomKats is very long and its not clear how the other end is fixed to the jockey. I guess what I am saying to XS400 is make sure the fixing is appropriate for the final design you end up with.

Originally Posted by xs 400

bit worried about drilling the deck, can that be avoided?

or am i worrying unduly?

As above I'd be more worried about not drilling enough! Bolts rather than screws would be better etc. It can all be sealed.

Originally Posted by xs 400

There is not enough space to fit another single one behind it (XS single jockey length 50cm) there is 40cm usable space.

I like PeterM's approach but wonder if the driver on his own might find the absence (or distance behind him) of the backrest frustrating. Of course not all ribs have backrests so its not essential - but if you drive hard or for long periods I think they become more desirable. I've not looked but does anyone else sell a shorter jockey? or could you make one specific, double jockies are a good compromise and peter's approach a good compromise on how to achieve it but are two compromises too much?

[PeterM]

Originally Posted by Poly

I like PeterM's approach but wonder if the driver on his own might find the absence (or distance behind him) of the backrest frustrating. Of course not all ribs have backrests so its not essential - but if you drive hard or for long periods I think they become more desirable. I've not looked but does anyone else sell a shorter jockey? or could you make one specific, double jockies are a good compromise and peter's approach a good compromise on how to achieve it but are two compromises too much?

The old problem of how to bolt under a sealed deck ( For XS400 - not on the SR- The SR would just be painfull as opposed to impossible)

I'm thinking about a removable extra back rest on mine, but then I dont think it'll be a long haul boat anyhow.

Then again my entire life is a compromise ...

[TomKat]

Mine is really well bolted to the Console, the original intention was to have a flat plate on the bottom of the legs at the back but I too found that the deck was not flat when /i went to fit it so to get it to fit I had to chop 20mm of the legs thus loosing the flat plate. So the rear legs are just sitting on the deck - over the winter will revert to plan A!

To be honest though it feels very steady in use but I take on board the views of folks more experienced than me! I guess as I am using mostly in flat water it has not got a severe test.

On a side note it transformed the boats handling from a chine walking monster to super stable by getting the (my!) weight forward.

Edit - i also now have a back rest on the console for the driver, without it I found the boat too scary to use, I was hanging onto the steering wheel while the 75 horses tried too throw me out the back of the boat! I can still sit 4 on the seats which is perfect for my needs.

[PeterM]

Mike - another possible to throw in for you . Attached is a pic of the old single console and extension - this needs no attaching through the deck and if done in stainless with double diagonal braces could work well. Need some stiffening / reinforcing inside the seat - but all out of sight and maintains your deck integrity.

Ignore the rope handles etc , but you get the idea I am sure - maybe a combination of this and my 'new' console would work for you.

Pete

[xs 400]

thanks for the suggestions, I will pop in to see westward this week.