Center console ideas?

[ʇuǝɹq™]

I'm thinking about converting the middle part of my bench seat into a console. Has anyone every built one? I'm looking for some tips or "do's" or "don't" when building one?

[Bud Kennedy]

The best idea I can think of is  DON'T DO IT

Just think of all the of wiring that would have to be changed, along with what ever electronics cable you have and then there is always the throttle controls, other guages etc.  I don't know what boat you currently have but I would doubt that you would gain anything with a center console unle your boat has some size to it.

[ʇuǝɹq™]

The best idea I can think of is  DON'T DO IT

Just think of all the of wiring that would have to be changed, along with what ever electronics cable you have and then there is always the throttle controls, other guages etc.  I don't know what boat you currently have but I would doubt that you would gain anything with a center console unle your boat has some size to it.

Bud, all I'm wanting is basically a glove box between the bucket seats. Something to hold my wallet, keys, sunglasses, etc., and something to be sturdy enough for my backseater to step on instead of stepping on my seats. There would be nothing wire or reroute.

[Mike Cork]

You should come look at the Legend. It's so simple it's crazy. Basically it's fiberglass resign that was put into a 2x4 mold for all six pieces, then a couple hinges for the top piece. Of course they carpeted it to cover up any imperfections.

[Bud Kennedy]

Bud, all I'm wanting is basically a glove box between the bucket seats. Something to hold my wallet, keys, sunglasses, etc., and something to be sturdy enough for my backseater to step on instead of stepping on my seats. There would be nothing wire or reroute.

Ah Ha,  The folks at Bass Boat Seats have a really nice one.  Princeton Man put one in his Stratos and he can tell you how it is working out.

Sorry I mis understood your original question.  We have so many center console boats in our area that I just locked on to that understanding. 

My old ranger also has a bench seat and I would like to do the same thing but I would have to completely put different seats in favor of a bucket  style seat to have a spot to put the "console"

[Nutt]

Im wanting to do the same thing with mine.  I have no need for the center seat, and the seat back gets in the way when the person fishing in the back wants to get back into the cockpit.  I saw some molded consoles somewhere, but wasn't sure if I wanted to try them out.  Theres also a company that will make one if you send them your measurements.  I will try to see if I can find them again.

[Princeton_Man]

I like mine! Extremely strong/sturdy and makes the step up to the back deck so much easier.

It holds a lot of stuff and I've run in rain, towed uncovered in rain, and it stays dry inside.

$100 at bassboatseats.com

[Donald Garner]

Jim how is that piece secured in your boat?

[Nutt]

I like mine! Extremely strong/sturdy and makes the step up to the back deck so much easier.

It holds a lot of stuff and I've run in rain, towed uncovered in rain, and it stays dry inside.

$100 at bassboatseats.com

Thats the one I saw. 

[Princeton_Man]

Jim how is that piece secured in your boat?

I had to remove the seat pan when Iinstalled the new seats. Since the seat pan is fiberglass, I glassed and  attached a piece of 1/2" marine plywood to the underside . I didn't like having nothing except flat fender washers against the fiberglass holding the seats in.

With that plywood backing, I was able to use the 4 SS wood screws that came with the console without fear of piercing the fuel tanks.

There are drainage holes in the compartment, cup holders, and the center gadget holder but I haven't drilled through the seat pan for them.

[ʇuǝɹq™]

$100 bucks for that is perfect. I'm going to check that out! You don't have any issues with the lid popping open do you? I'm not sure if I like how the direction it opens is on the leading edge into the wind.

[Princeton_Man]

$100 bucks for that is perfect. I'm going to check that out! You don't have any issues with the lid popping open do you? I'm not sure if I like how the direction it opens is on the leading edge into the wind.

No problems with the latch at all. You actually have to pull hard to open it as well as press quite firmly to latch it. It will not pop open running on the water or the highway.

[ʇuǝɹq™]

No problems with the latch at all. You actually have to pull hard to open it as well as press quite firmly to latch it. It will not pop open running on the water or the highway.

Awesome to hear. Thank you!

[Bassinkorea]

I am wanting to have a storage box in my boat also. I am not sure I like to the look of these plastic boxes though, so I am thinking about building a custom box out of Aluminum and carpeting it.

[Princeton_Man]

I am wanting to have a storage box in my boat also. I am not sure I like to the look of these plastic boxes though, so I am thinking about building a custom box out of Aluminum and carpeting it.

I used to agree with you on the plastic looks but, changed my mind pretty quick once I put it in between the seats. I didn't want wood and don't have the skills or tools to fabricate using fiberglass or aluminum plate, and to pay a professional fabricator I'd probably be looking at $400 or more for something as strong and secure.

[Princeton_Man]

Here's a pic open. Quite a bit of room.

[Oldfart9999]

Here's a pic open. Quite a bit of room.

That's a nice solution to storing the little stuff and if you wish, just pull it out.
Rodney

[Princeton_Man]

Four screws and it slides right out. I also have a matching hinged center seat that I can put in when needed. Linda bought that as a birthday gift last year. It's only 12" wide so I plan to get the 17" wide one eventually, mostly because it will look better than the 12".