If I ever build a console...

[DOCREED]

Ok, I see it now.  Looks like they have a gasket all around.

You get up early Rick.

[RickK]

Yup - 445 every day - working the site by 5.  Server is an hour off.  

[c master]

Well, since I started this 'string', I have to say that the more I look at it, the more making my own console "open" just doesn't seem that difficult (as compared to, say, a completely new floor/transom). I'm going to go stare at mine for awhile and ponder the idea.  Realistically I'm thinking that on my 170 there just isn't that much complexity to my electronics...probably more suited to a larger boat.

If I was paying a yard to re-do an old 22-2, I'd probably include this option as part of the upgrade.  But is there something that makes this more complicated than I'm thinking?   I know some of you are experts are wiring...would converting to an "opening console" worth the effort?

[Capt Matt]

I made my own console and went with big removable hatches to access all the wiring. Seems alot easier to make than a flip top console, plus with a tower going on the boat it would not flip anyway. Anyway you can get to the wiring without having to crawl is a plus.
Capt matt

[pete]

have you thought of putting a large door on the front or side?

[c master]

The entire front seat flips forward on my '75, and there's a pretty big opening in the front of the console behind it.  But I still end up on my back with my head inside, and the open seat-back is in the way.  Plus my hydrocyphalic head is about all of "me" that will fit in there!   Part of the problem is that it's just not a big console on these 170's...not much working room no matter how I approach it.  

For now I just need to nut-up and stop whining about it.  My wiring is working - it's not a bird's nest although I'm not happy with it...I just wish I had taken the time to run the wiring properly when I replaced the tank, since the console was completely out of the boat at that time.  Maybe I'll pull it back out this winter and do it right. The only difficult 'disconnect' is the steering/throttle.

But I do think that on a larger AS (or any center console) the opening console would be a nice addition.  You're correct -  any tower would have to be designed around it too.   (You don't see many towers on smaller boats over here...mostly just T-tops, so less superstructure to get in the way)

Another solution is for me to buy a 22-2, which is what I really want anyway!  Hmmm....