Console build ?

[florida196]

I'm building my own console for the boat and was wondering if 1/2 marine ply would be enough or what does everyone think.  Also how many layers of glass on inside and outside is recomended.

[RickK]

When I add to my console I'm going with 3/4 Marine ply - I think 1/2" might not be heavy enough.  I think mine is cored with 3/4 now, although I won't know for sure until I cut out the coring.  As for glass I would think you'll need at least 3-4 layers of 1708 for stability and bulk - that's about 1/4".
I'm also interested in what others have done.

[Capt Matt]

Built my console out of 3/4 coosa.
Biaxle tabs on all the joints then a few layers of mat, skim, sand. skim sand etc etc
Then I tabbed the console on the inside edge into the deck so no screws to vibrate loose, raised it up under console with another piece of 3/4 for a battery stand.
Capt Matt

[gran398]

Built my console out of 3/4 coosa.
Biaxle tabs on all the joints then a few layers of mat, skim, sand. skim sand etc etc
Then I tabbed the console on the inside edge into the deck so no screws to vibrate loose, raised it up under console with another piece of 3/4 for a battery stand.
Capt Matt

Agree with Matt, the coosa will save a great deal of weight.

You may consider a toe kick underneath, which will also prevent screws from showing.

[orb]

Yeah, coosa is some sweet stuff. Very light, I used it in my transom. I am using it everywhere in my rebuild, instead of plywood. The never rot advantage in what pushed me over the edge to use it. A never rotting transom, now, that is a good feeling.

[florida196]

Thanks for all the advice 3/4 it will be.  Wish the coosa board was in my budget was my original plan.  But I figure the plywood lasted 20 years the first time if I get 20 out of my work I will be happy.

[saltfly]

Why not just build a mould and build it out of all glass? Because of a consoles shape, its already a sound  structural shape. It only has to be a 1/8 to a ¼ inch thick. Then glass in some ply wood where you are going to mount gages and steering.  Look at ones already in boats. Their all glass. It sounds as if you are all ready planning on enough glass to cover the wood to make it all glass.

[RickK]

Ditto ^^
I know mine is glass with core behind it.

[kaptainkoz]

There are plenty of videos on YOUTUBE on how to make and work with fiberglass molds. The main train of thought is that you are working from the outside in. You create a mold of the outside surface, coat it with a mold release, spray/paint it with gelcoat, let dry, Then go to town applying fiberglass to the gelcoat, adding plywood pieces where needed for backing or reinforcement. Let dry. Break away the mold and you got a center console. I know I have simplified it a but but thats the short version. When all is done it will be lighter, stronger, and just about the same price or close.

[dirtwheelsfl]

1/2 will be fine if using wood. Like Matt said, tape the joints with biax and use whatever you want glasswise on the rest of it. Double the thickness where youre going to mount a t top or whatever.

Mold will give you a much better finish off the bat, but more work initially.