i'm looking at upgrading my boat, ideally to a big jon or something in the range of 1652 with a side steer console.  i'm having trouble finding a boat with the console already in it though. i've run across a few that have a tiller motor in the back.  has anyone made or purchased their own console?  if os can you post up some pics please.

thanks

steven

I've done something similar with the 21' steiger craft. (My old tuna boat)

We moved the center console more towards the rear and replaced the entire floor with 5/8 while we were at it.

Do you have specific questions?

Things to consider-

Routing the wiring for electronics.

Motor controls

Hull balance and performance regarding weight placement. (my boat handled heavier seas much better with the console moved towards the stern.

replacing under-deck foam (tricky)

Carpeting and final finish work

I didn't do it myself but they guy i bought this boat from had added an aftermarket console and ran controls to the motor. Not a great pic but the best i have right now. Basically just bolted it into the deck and hooked up the throttle and steering controls. Doesn't look like it was much work at all.

It runs great for me and it's alot more fun to drive then a tiller. Remember though that you are giving up some of your floor space on a jon boat for this when a tiller will still get you where you need to go

I plan on doing the same thing when I get my new Lowe 1652 jon boat. I'm not sure what i'll make it out of yet, but I am going to take the controls off my old boat .

that's great. it's kinda what i'm looking for.  i've had a few ideas how to build it.  can some people post pictures of their consoles so i can get an idea what they look like?

thanks!

steven

Don't for get to hit the local boat bone yard.  Or offer to hauld off old boats, (that's how I got two consols a few years ago) You might be able to get the console for next to nothing

How about making it a stick steer?