console layout

Steve Care · 16 March 2004, 20:58

This is a layout of a friends new avon and was going to change a couple of items
Was going for a compass infront of the wheel with optimax dials where they are.
plastimo fish finder next to the opti dials
plastimo vhf above the grab rail
plastimo gps a bit nearer the wheel more central
switch panel where the fishfinder is on this one

What do you think?

Ian · 16 March 2004, 21:08

I'd certainly move the VHF up but think I'd leave the compass central.

Steve Care · 16 March 2004, 21:11

It would be between the wheel and the opti dials on the flat so can see it easily

Ian · 16 March 2004, 21:15

Would it be clear to see with the wheel infront?
It really is personal taste, but I prefer navigation equipment clearly visible so errors are minimised.

Alex Brown · 16 March 2004, 21:23

Agree with Ian,

http://gallery.ribseadrive.co.uk/cru..._0614_130014AA

I prefer the nav stuff right up front - the compass right in the middle (amazingly doesn't get too affected by the things surrounding). I have the chart plotter on the top left which is easy to read when bombing along, and also the tough one for me was where to put the icom dsc unit. I nearly put the dsc at the bottom, but then figured that if I received a message whilst travelling, looking down and trying to read would be a nightmare, so it went above the vhf. In either case, working with that tiny area was a nightmare - looks like you have plenty of space on that console Steve.

-Alex

Ian · 16 March 2004, 21:30

Big bits of kit Alex but a nice layout

Richard B · 16 March 2004, 21:37

I like having the compass straight in front.

I would leave the area to the left of the steering wheel (where the fish-finder is in the photo?) completely clear so that when you've got cheesed off with the side-mount throttle you can fit a top-mount one.

If you fit the VHF above the grab-rail, then make sure you leave plenty of "knuckle-room" above the rail.

Steve Care · 16 March 2004, 22:11

Given the bits that I'm having fitted where would you put what???

Have to make my mind up for the morning

Richard B · 16 March 2004, 22:20

The only thing I'd change from your spec (in your first post) is the posistion of the switch panel. I'd consider putting it on the flat bit cos it won't obstruct anything or on the raised part above where the VHF's going. What switches have you got? Lights? ...anything else?

Nick West · 17 March 2004, 13:30

Steve,

As it's my boat, I suppose I had better post my first reply on the forum!! I sat on the helm jockey last night and the plotter is fine on the left of the console. however, do check that your vhf is flush-mountable (a mistake that I made) although the current mount sits quite nicely between the two jockeys and suprisingly doesn't get knocked. The plotter needs to be mounted on the bracket as it wouldn't fit in any of the available flat areas on the console front panels.

hope this helps, should be taking her out at the weekend.

nick

seafariskye · 17 March 2004, 20:34

Here

I would like to know who the hell is gonna be brave enough to sit in that seat at the bow -

I hope the velco holding it on is good??????????

Pete

Steve Care · 17 March 2004, 20:48

Nick good luck at the weekend enjoy your first outing where will you be heading. Wish I was there collecting mine this weekend to go with you but hopefully mine will be soon.
Its a shame that the gps doesnt fit in the console would look alot nicer imhp.

Steve Care · 17 March 2004, 20:49

Nick I hope your be taking lots of pictures of your trip to post for all to see

And don't put the kids on that seat up on the front of the tubes

Ian · 17 March 2004, 21:01

Nick, are you joining us on the Solent trip then? Just put my console piccie on the Pro Sport thread. Let me know what you think of the layout.

Cheers

Nick West · 18 March 2004, 14:02

Ian,

First boat!.....No experience apart from limited river and canal boating and Iv'e just seen the weather forecast! Thanks for the invite, but I will probably end up sitting in the boat in Bembridge Harbour, engine off and smiling to myself until I get the confidence up and the PB 2 ticket.

Your console looks good...nice and tight. Unfortunately the instrument positions on mine have been a little dictated as the compass hole was cut out and fitted before I had the chance to have an opinion, It didn't help that the Silva S15 cannot be flush mounted.

enjoy the blast at the weekend!

seafariskye · 18 March 2004, 14:25

Quote:

It didn't help that the Silva S15 cannot be flush mounted.

Nick

It Can -- Sikaflex it in, what i did was (and yes i did ask) cut the supplied mount and use the side bits, with the screws on, to make it hold itself in, under the console.
Then put a good healthy ring of Sikaflex round the nice big hole you have cut, and thats it.
Works ok, although am on my 3rd set? and no its not that hard to get out again, if need be, and the set is ok as well.

Cheers
Pete

Rupert Bear · 18 March 2004, 16:18

You can flush mount an S15, they sell a pair of brackets that screw into the sides and tighten up to hold it in place.

Nick West · 18 March 2004, 17:18

Thanks guys

I should have asked the question sooner!

Nick

Steve Care · 19 March 2004, 09:52

This is how my console looks so far

Mark Halliday · 19 March 2004, 10:10

I would worry about the position of the waterproof floaty bit to put under the console first, and then place the instruments.

Sorry, I just wish I had a console like yours (green with envy).
Kit looks well laid out to me, and there is loads of space for the extras you will not be able to resist at some time ( fuel flow meter, stereo, auto pilot, cuddley toy etc.)