Console thickness

Discussion in 'Fiberglass and Composite Boat Building' started by Jason Penton, Nov 27, 2020.

  1. Jason Penton
    Joined: Nov 2020
    Posts: 4
    Likes: 0, Points: 1
    Location: Louisiana

    Jason Penton New Member

    I’m trying to make a new center console for my boat and I’m wondering how thick I should I make the console it’s for a small poling skiff. Thanks
     
  2. Mr Efficiency
    Joined: Oct 2010
    Posts: 10,386
    Likes: 1,042, Points: 113, Legacy Rep: 702
    Location: Australia

    Mr Efficiency Senior Member

    "Thick" enough so it doesn't break in normal use, are you talking fibreglass ? Just ensure where your steering bolts on to it you have a wide backing plate to spread the load, you don't want a spongy feel to the wheel.
     
  3. Jason Penton
    Joined: Nov 2020
    Posts: 4
    Likes: 0, Points: 1
    Location: Louisiana

    Jason Penton New Member

    Yes I’m talking fiber glass. You would say 1/4 inch
     
  4. Mr Efficiency
    Joined: Oct 2010
    Posts: 10,386
    Likes: 1,042, Points: 113, Legacy Rep: 702
    Location: Australia

    Mr Efficiency Senior Member

    You don't have to go overboard with the glass, 1/4 inch is a lot, you just need to have, as mentioned, good backing, which could be ply or a good core, of sufficient size to spread load, as part of the structure, where weight bearing attachments are fitted like steering and gear/throttle control. Otherwise you will have wobbly controls at hand.
     
  5. Jason Penton
    Joined: Nov 2020
    Posts: 4
    Likes: 0, Points: 1
    Location: Louisiana

    Jason Penton New Member

  6. BlueBell
    Joined: May 2017
    Posts: 2,684
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    Location: Victoria BC Canada

    BlueBell . . . _ _ _ . . . _ _ _

    Good solid advice there Jason.
    Mr E is proven, over and over again here.
    Rock solid 1/4" polyester.
    Bomb proof.
     

  7. kapnD
    Joined: Jan 2003
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    Location: hawaii, usa

    kapnD Senior Member

    A small poling skiff should be kept as light as possible, 1/4” of fiberglass will be overkill.
    I’d make a quick Female mold of melamine, and lay up inside it, only using backing for the area where the helm is.
     
    philSweet and BlueBell like this.
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