Has anyone moved console forward?

[Uncutproducts]

Looking at this thing with no seats or gas tanks on floor and liking the space. Would moving console forward mess up balance or planing? Moving about 8" forward looks good.

[boatnamesue]

Moving 8" forward from where, is the question.  Was the console in its original position before you removed? 

My '76, which I purchased over a year ago, did not have the original console.  The console installed looks to me slightly forward, compared to photos of '76 170 brochures.  The pictures below were taken the day I bought the boat.  I've kept the console in the same position and installed a leaning post. 





The weight of your console and all of its components is what will or will not effect performance and stability.  As you can see in the pictures, this console is simple and very light.  I don't have numerous gauges, GPS/NAV, cup holders, aluminum rails, wood paneling, wind shield, rod holders, etc, etc.  If you've got one of these consoles with all the bells and whistles, the weight of each gadget adds up.  The more weight you shift forward the more you effect performance and stability.

[Uncutproducts]

Moving 8" forward from where, is the question.  Was the console in its original position before you removed? 

not sure. i think so. PO put plywood on the floor. I just got it all off and cleaned up. Going to play around with it a bit before committing. dig the clean look of yours. i have no bow rail either, but wife wants one put back on. who makes that swim platform? thanks!

[wingtime]

This all depends on what engine and other accessories you plan on adding to your boat.  If you plan on a heavy four stroke engine than moving the console AND the batteries forward will help shift the CG forward to offset the heavier motor.

[Uncutproducts]

This all depends on what engine and other accessories you plan on adding to your boat.  If you plan on a heavy four stroke engine than moving the console AND the batteries forward will help shift the CG forward to offset the heavier motor.

keeping 2 stroke for now, wondering if I should add floatation foam for if I ever get money for a 4 stroke. batteries already at front of console.

[boatnamesue]

Moving 8" forward from where, is the question.  Was the console in its original position before you removed? 

i have no bow rail either, but wife wants one put back on. who makes that swim platform? thanks!

Ask the wife what she thinks is the purpose of a bow rail.  If the only purpose she comes up with is for aesthetic value, you lose the debate.  Cause that is the only purpose of a bow rail on a 17ft hull.

Swim platform was installed when I bought boat, then I removed it once the boat was in my driveway.  Had no use for it, would get in way of fishing line. 

[Uncutproducts]

Ask the wife what she thinks is the purpose of a bow rail.  If the only purpose she comes up with is for aesthetic value, you lose the debate.  Cause that is the only purpose of a bow rail on a 17ft hull.
 

she thinks it'll make it safer for the kids. i think they're fine as it is. maybe little grab rails on side of console. still got that swim platform?

[boatnamesue]

Ask the wife what she thinks is the purpose of a bow rail.  If the only purpose she comes up with is for aesthetic value, you lose the debate.  Cause that is the only purpose of a bow rail on a 17ft hull.
 

she thinks it'll make it safer for the kids. i think they're fine as it is. maybe little grab rails on side of console. still got that swim platform?

Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't dare tussle with a mother whose out to safeguard her children.  But I do believe they cause more harm then good.

I did install SS grab handles to the console, 1 on each side of the seat for the passenger sitting.  I think I gave away the step ladder.  If you have a marine surplus business locally Id check there first.  They strip boats of everything, sell to the public discounted. 

[GoneFission]

Aquasport actually moved the console forward from the factory on some models to make for more "fish space" aft.  For example, if you look at the last Osprey 225 from 2005, there is barely enough room in front of the console to get around.  They moved the console WAY forward (see pic below).  Since the console is really not that heavy, it does not make a big difference in COG.  The biggest change is in how she rides over chop - the further up the console is, the more you will feel the chop under your feet.  That was one of the features of the original 22-2 model back in the 60s - she rode nicely somewhat because the console was located so far aft.  But you want that open space near the stern when you use the boat mostly for trolling, so the console moved forward over time... 

  

[wingtime]

I'd say Aquasport moved the console further forward in the Osprey for that heavy four stroke on the back of the boat.  Yes the console itself dies not weigh much... but everything else attached to it and the T-top does.  Also moving the crew and other things forward does help.