Insturment Panel Location

[Whitebear]

I have over the years been bothered and wondered about the "normal" insturment panel location on boats. I have considered a front mounted console but don't want to be trapped by it. Maybe a "T" shaped consol in front of the driver.

One soulution I like is with a rear driver (which I don't like) having the panel in the back of the front seat (which I like).

With the new mapping GPS systems coming on line it seems to me this is deserving of some discussion, especially since runs are getting longer and covering more miles. Both engine monitoring and navigation warrant closer attention.

Anybody got ideas or pictures of whats good, bad or needs improvement?
Maybe this needs some outside-the-box thinking.

Scotty 8)

 

[marshmaster pat]

Whitebear - I have seen a setup I really liked on a hull Billy Kline built. Front driver seating, end of the foot deck had a slight angle up on it. Had the Temperature and Oil Pressure gauges mounted right there besides the petal. Never had to glance away and down to look at the gauges. In my opinion several of those panels are not really set up to be easily seen.

It I would ever get another hull the setup would be the same.

Another one is the tach location. Typically I can tell the prop RPM with my ear after running a boat alittle while. With it set up with the prop as a governor, I am not really concerned about maxing out the engine, and I don't run them harder than I need to move. So I would slide the Tach to the back of the panel.

Those GPS mounts can be purchased that hold the GPS in an upright position, if there is a location with room you could add one of these and be set up nicely. American's boats seem to have extra room around the control panel. Plenty of room for one.

Who is Next - ?

 

[Ron Miller]

This is a good topic --- We have discussed this when we add something new to the boat--GPS--Mounted Spotlight ---etc. So far for worm weather running those with the banana shaped center console with the gages to the top seem to be easily adapted with GPS holders and cup holders Now for the boats I set up for the fire deps. I suggest a windshield around the drivers area to block the winter cold and to put all of the instruments right in front of the driver and co-pilot so both can mounter everything.

 

[Whitebear]

Looking at your avatar, I see how that Banana shaped panel works and I like that, but I don't like side by side seating.

I wonder how that would work on a single front driver. might be ok as long as I stay out of the trees, which is unlikely........grinn WOnder if it would interfere with my giggin too? Guess I need to look at that cause its already in use to some degree.

Scotty

 

[Anonymous]

Just curious Whitebear ...... what don't you like about side-by-side seating, the imbalance running solo?

BF

 

[Whitebear]

I think you meant what do I NOT Like about side by side seating.

I like in line seating cause it keeps me further from the tree branches as I whip through the swamps. It also promotes no talking while I'm running the boat and thats important to me. I like to listen to the engine, the wind, and just enjoy the experience, if I want to talk I can always pull up somewhere n shut the boat off and talk.

I'm the same with TV and the Movies too. Theres a time to talk and a time to do other things. I prefer silence when I'm running the boat, it heals my soul.

Scotty

 

[Croc1]

For my GPS I like http://www.ram-mounts.com/ they are very light, strong (rubber coated cast aluminum) and articulating to almost any direction. they are removable in seconds and the only thing left is a 1" ball I can switch it to either boat, truck , 4wheeler or to keep my GPS from getting stolen in under 5 seconds you just leave the ball mounted on each machine and move the arm, holder and GPS which stays together to the other machine.

 

[cowboy]

Got that right Croc.
I got a ram mount for my new, and first gps. It's really nice. Glad I got it.

I mounted it on the frount of my seatstand. It's set up like what MMP was describing above. Works well, and I can glance down to view it quickly, and then go back to scanning the terrain.

You can see it in this picture.

 

[jdotson]

I have a fiberglass shell mounted at the very front of my foot stand with all my gauges.


http://www.southernairboat.com/photopos ... /ppuser/75

The picture doesn't show it in detail but gives you an idea of what I'm talking about. This shot was back when I was direct drive. The seat in front of the foot stand is removable and usually left off the boat.