Hi All,

I have a new 2011 Yamaha 60Hp 4stroke on the way and im planning to change my Quintrex Hunter open boat from a tiller steer open boat into a side console open boat with forward and aft casting decks.

I have allowed about 1000-1200 for the whole job which includes the change over from tiller steer to side console. The refit will include the addition of casting decks front and rear, bolting in a side console, setting up the steering system and bolting on and wiring up the engine.

I can save some money by doing the jobs myself like building the casting decks, carpeting the decks, build the lockers and hatches, rewire the boat but I cant make the side console.

Does anyone know of a company that sells aluminum side consoles off the shelf or makes them regularly? Im assuming a one off commissioned job would be expensive. I am in sydney so prefer a sydney company so i can see the console but would look as far as QLD or VIC.


cheers
Andy

I'd be finding a local sheet metal shop that works with aluminium and do a joint project.
That way you can do as little or as much of work as you want to yourself.
For me I'd measure up, get the sides guillotined up, get the front, top, back folded in one piece and get them to weld it together.
Somewhere in there you'll want a drill, grinder & jigsaw but all that stuff is handy to have and pretty cheap from Bunnings.

Pick Jumpy's brain for material size & grade and even design input like built in rod holders etc.

At least that way you will finish up with a really good & useful thing rather than a plastic fruit box with a hole in it for the steering wheel.
Probably work out cheaper than you thing too.

Think ewe better re-evalute that figure, what ewe want to pay & what it is going to cost are 2 very different things
A sheet of 3mm alloy alone is up around $300 mark & the person doing the job aint there for love he's there to make money & you're not going to get to many to do the job if you're trying to dictate the price.

2nd hand control box is up around the $500 mark add to that control cables, then steering etc etc etc Sheet of ply is up over $100 & you'll need more than one then you've got carpet etc etc etc

If it's not too big you might get half of it out of offcuts Pirate, I think I'd be looking around for the 'right' shop around your area.
Surely there's some around Taren Point way.

The new 60hp comes with control box,key switch and gauges....the boat already has large side gunnels so just need the side console to be fabricated up and a steering system set up of some sort.
The rest I can and will do.

Roughly as the boat is now

if you are going to do a major refit, this is just an idea, why not close in the transom and mount the motor on a pod that would add more working space, maybe J.G. can tell us if that be done.

Paul

I was pondeing that and i did start to cost it but since i have large platforms on the rear id need a full custom pod job and then the dollars become an issue...wife has already approved a new engine and console but a pod would be pushing it.

The rear of my boat



Ive priced a few aluminum side consoles and looks like they range from 700-900.

Unless you're willing to spend the $$'s 4get the pod alot of work goes into doing them



Tried telling ewe budget aint big enough, may just look like a box to peeps but a fair bit of work goes into them

I'd be thinking about a splashwell too Pirate.

It's a shame I can't get my T I G machine working properly, for thick stainless Steel it's magic, but just can't seem to get it to weld alloy.
I have a couple of sheets of alloy sitting/waiting for such work jobs but without the T I G I have to rely on my M I G machine and they don't do as pretty a job as T I G.
IF Jumpy knew someone who would bend and weld it for you, as I say I have plenty of sheet here, maybe we could work something out to help you and save you a few dollars.

Come to think about it. I just recently finished a project boat for a young mate of mine and I put a new centre console in that for him.
He MAY still have his old console, which only needed minor repairs and a clean up, OR carpeted, and it would be fine.
Would you like me to see if he still has it ? I could take some photos and you could save heaps of $$$$$.
Maybe it would need a little converting to fully suit your boat, but I could fix and modify it with not too much trouble.

a good idea Fed, if not a pod then a splash well, you may loose a little bit of space, but it will make the boat that much safer in rough conditions.

the other thing is to build a flat floor.

if you have the skill to build the casting beck's then why not build the console from marine ply and encase it in fibreglass???????????

plus its ezzy for us to sit here and think of ways to spend your budget

Paul

Jumpy hasn't been motivated to do re mods on his own boats which have been in the wind for last year or so

He's definately not going to run around for other peeps

Think i'm over it all these days

im sure my budget can move up BUT it will do so only if i have to ...everyone needs to set a ceiling and re-evaluate it there after.

Im thinking;
800 for a console
250 steering
200 labour
150 marine ply
80 carpet
80 wiring/ switches (recycle sone of the old gear)
40 odds and ends
(I do have quite a few bits and pcs at home already for the job)

so maybe $1600 is more likely the spend which is ok i can cover that.

The boat already has a low flat floor in good condition...so just need to add casting decks extending over the front and rear thwarts.

I want an ally side console as wood would end up too heavy.

Ive found a few consoles ill post up.


$730 gets you this inc steering (New)




$850 get you this which i really like and would probably cut down to suit if i get it inc steering

http://www.boatsonline.com.au/boats-for-sa...brand-new/77069

2 items you'vewell & truly under estimated esp on the carpet
$80 will only get you 1 linial meter if you buy from retail outlet

Go to Nolans Warehouse they're in alexandria you'll get it alot cheaper there
Honestly would not waste my time using ply, source out alloy 3mm thick & you wont have to worry about having to replace it a few years down the track.

Same tools [circular saw] to cut as the ply just set blade only 6 - 10mm depth this will allow you to cutin a circular /radius to follow shape of hull make sure you wax cut line

thanks JG for the heads up and pointing me in the direction of cheaper carpet...ill go and have a look.

1/2 a sheet of marine ply and carpet was the items i have as well as 1/2 roll of wire a few switches and a pile of stainless screws and other bits and pcs.

If you dont mind or if its no hassle pics of the old console would be nice .... may be an option.

Any particular reason to go side console over centre console Pirate?
The only reason I ask is that I've never been a big fan of side consoles.

Being a smaller boat 4.7m Ill loose too much of the deck space if i go center console....my hull did come out in a center console called the Quintrex Reef. I had a good look over one and there is bugger all deck space left to do anything in.

Ive also driven quite a few boats in my time being a commercial skipper both center and side console and end of the day I feel (starboard) side console will allow me the best of all worlds... a console to mount radios, switches etc, to be able to drive from while seated and still see where your going, effective use of deck space and weight distribution (As you can see in the top pic my boat has a port side weight issue due to mounted fuel tanks that cannot be relocated and a few other heavy items).

Maybe I'm getting more cranky as I get older but bloody hell, where was the thanks for Franks generous offer?
Sorry if I'm sticking my nose in Frank but you are a bloody legend who always goes out of his way for others I just reckon its un-australian to not say thanks!

Im sorry the words 'thank you' may not be there but the intent was.

Jason. Thanks for the kind words mate,, It's just in my nature to try and help people.
I have got in contact with the guy and he said he will get photos and details to me by the end of the week, he is flat out at work at the moment, is self employed contractor .
Will post photos of console as soon as I get them, and hope it will do the job and save you some dollars.

Will you call over & polish my boat for me?
Thank you.

Ta appriciated ill keep my eye out.

im also currently talking with a welder to maybe build one up as he is quiet atm and needs a job to keep the boys going.

I could be a bit out of touch but I'd be looking to pay less than $400 Pirate, probably $300-$350 unpainted would be a fair price in my books.
You paint, drill fit out holes and S&F your own perspex if you wanted it.

Dementions of the console 2nd hand if interested.
750 height
500 wide
400 deep

Thanks Frank for all your help, email coming your way.

Custom consoles between $500-$850

On a side note what do you think my 1996 40hp be worth? Im planning to sell it. Its a simple Yamaha 40hp Tiller steer, no hydraulic tilt or electric start but it has a new water pump rebuild kit and impeller, changed out gear oil.... and it is well looked after. The permatrim will be removed prior to sale.
what do you think i should ask for it?

My guess would be around $1000 to $1250.
My last motorbuy of that size was 40hp electric tohatsu 2005 model in as new condition with forward controls and cables etc, I paid $1500 for it.
Really hard to put a price on 2nd hand motors, it's worth as much as someone is willing to pay for it, try 1500 and see what offer you get.

Thanks Frank,
Excellent well anything over 1000 was my goal BUT i can always aim higher

As for the console im looking at getting one custom built tailored to my needs by the Bro-n-laws company in qld .

Thank you for everyones input esp you frank.

No worries mate, My mate will put his console on ebay,, I have a couple of stainless tanks on ebay at the moment and they haven't had a bid, looks like I might loose out bad on them.

After a big refit and a huge thanks to my Bro n law my boat came out of its refit with a side console and new engine.

refit consisted of;
New floors
new seats
new custom side console
new electronic suite
totally rewired
new 2012 60hp engine
refitted trailer inc new suspension axel and wheels

and probably more ive forgotten

few pics

2012 60hp 4 stroke fitted up by JD's Marine


i drew up plans for a custom console and forwarded them to my brother n law for construction





The Rum Hunter is currently on holidays in Gladstone (and maybe acting as a ark) and entering a new phase of modification after a long Christmas of crabbing, fishing and exploring. Once done it will have a large casting deck fwd and smaller casting dect rear with lots of under floor storage including a 40L esky and sub floor fuel tanks.


rear deck will look like this

Looking good. Nice to have a flat surface to cast from and tiller steer is the pits. What do you use the Huggies for?

How is it on the water Pirate?

Nice Pirate, looks great, very jealous !

If you don't mind me asking what did she set you back ? i'm considering a console in a small 4m boat but not sure if i should do it. Tiller it fine but a steering wheel would be awesome haha, and a good palce to mount sounders etc

Cheers mate

mmmm the Huggies....well the reason this build has been so drawn out is the wife and I have bred a new little fisherman...so in a few years ill have a little mate to take out!

Fed on the water she is BRILLIANT...flat out is 35Knts and is flat on the water and feel great when cruising it sits nicely at 24knts....Ive got 35hrs on it (in 3 weeks) and its so easy to use, quiet and fuel efficient. Only down fall is she is a little heavy on the stern which is why its getting fwd casting decks to bring some weight forward (and it needed some more weight over all in it) Once done she will be perfect!

quintrex101 i cant really say what the console cost as the brother n law custom built it for me, the metal at cost, water jetting was free and his labour was a labour of love. If you look at the beginning of this thread i have a few prices of commercial consoles i found.

Quite a few bits like electronic suite and new engine were bought at the last Sydney boat show on the last day paid with cold hard cash so i managed to haggle and really work great deals with different providers.