How to build a center console on a wooden boat?
i might build a 19-25 foot wooden boat that i could take on the ocean, but the plans include a cabin, which i think is too big, and i dont want it. so, i need a center console. i need to be able to fit all of the necessary equipment in there, (steering wheel, etc.) but i also want some room as well to put other stuff. any plans, references, or advice is greatly appreciated.
EDIT:
also, this boat is going to be a 20 foot dory, and the height of the walls is about 3 feet. is it suitable to be taken out on the ocean in moderate seas?
Consider A Trawler Yacht – Part 1
In looking for the right powerboat, consider that they come in a variety of styles and configurations. They are all generally the same, all having staterooms, salons, heads, etc.
In choosing the one that best fits your needs I think it is important to determine what you will do with it. Will it always stay at the dock or will you do some island hopping on her? Is a fast moving boat the right one for you or do you like to take it slow and easy. Do you like to use 4-8 gallons of fuel an hour or can you handle 40 gallons per hour? How about construction? A wooden boat has her charm but requires more bottom maintenance and insurance may be an issue. All of these must be considered.
If taking it slow is your cup of tea, the trawler may be just for you. Taking it slow and easy stopping to smell the salty air and watch the osprey soar overhead. So why choose a trawler? The modern trawler is comfortable, roomy, stable and seaworthy coupled with reliability and economy of operation.
WHAT IS A TRAWLER?
So what is a trawler? A trawler is not to be confused with fishing vessels although the idea originated with the seagoing fishing vessels. Trawlers in general are boats with long, deep keels to prevent running gear damage in the event of grounding, boats with top cruising speeds of 7-10 knots, and boats with large panoramic windows for good views. Trawlers have large fuel and water capacities to enable extended cruising and have crew creature comforts that will match any vessel afloat. The primary draw of a trawler is the traditional salty lines that turns heads at every dock.
TRAWLER ADVANTAGES
The advantages of owning a trawler may not be so obvious. In addition to the graceful lines, here are some of the most important traits.
Very economical to operate. A trawler uses only from 2-8 gallons/hr. at cruising speeds of about 9 knots.
Large fuel and water capacity.
Very large onboard storage in the many lockers, cabinets and drawer.
Large rudders make docking simple.
Many were embellished with exotic teak, even below decks in engine rooms. Teak is resistant to rot.
Slow RPM diesel engines produce anywhere from 10-20,000 hours of use before any serious work is needed.
Very high resale value due to
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tight market. Unlike cruisers and motoryachts, the trawler market exceeds the supply.
TRAWLER HULLS AFFECT PERFORMANCE
In choosing a trawler, one needs to choose between full displacement and semi-displacement hulls.
Displacement hulls are generally found on ocean going vessels. These hulls can carry more payloads due to their design. The hulls do not plane and power is directed to pushing the hull rather than raising it. The hulls are generally rounded which produced a soft ride.
Semi-displacement hulls combine round bottoms forward and flat bottoms aft. As it moves the hulls partially raises out of the water. These hulls give a bit more speed but may sacrifice a soft ride. These hulls are not suitable for blue water crossings.
TRAWLER STYLES
There are five trawler styles. Each style features unique floor plans and layouts. Trawler styles are as follows.
Classic or Trunk
Sundeck
Sedan
Pilothouse
Passagemaker
Trunk styles are considered to be the classic, double cabin trawler. They have wide walk-around decks and access to the salon from both side doors. It sits low to the water making boarding easy. The fly bridge is normally 3 steps up from the trunk deck and has ample sitting area for guests. The traditional mast with boom holds a sail to prevent rolling in heavy seas. The boom can also be used to launch the dingy. The interior provides an aft stateroom and private head. Two steps up is a large salon for entertaining. Forward is the galley, which may be up or down. A dinette is usually provided adjacent to the galley. Further forward is the guest quarters with another private head. I love the look of the trunk but it does not allow a place to be when the weather is bad other than indoors.
The sundeck model made its appearance in the mid 80s. Sundeck models are similar to the classic trunk styles except that the sundeck is enclosed allowing access to the bridge via the sundeck from the salon in inclement weather. Sundecks have wide bodies with decks higher than trunk styles. This allows for a very large master stateroom. A swim platform is provided which allows access to a dingy while away from the dock. Some are fitted with wet bar on the sundeck to entertain. Bridges are. large that will allow 6 to sit while underway. If you consider yourself to be an outdoor person, this is the model for you!
The sedan model is a trawler preferred by many due to few steps to negotiate. Everything is on one level with the exception of the bridge, which must be accessed by a ladder. The model has no aft cabin and all of the cabins are somewhat smaller than other models of similar lengths. There is a salon aft, with the galley forward generally with a dinette up. Two staterooms are forward, generally with a single shared head. The cockpit allows entertaining but only in favorable weather.
Many boaters, especially in northern climates, prefer the pilothouse model. The pilothouse models feature a single helm, which is completely enclosed. It affords excellent visibility. The typical layout includes a large galley, salon and cockpit on the lowest level. The master stateroom with private head is located amidships below the pilothouse. The guest stateroom and head is located forward of the master stateroom. A fly bridge overhang protects the aft deck and side decks. A large deck extends beyond the fly bridge allowing room for dingy storage etc. An advantage of this boat is operability in inclement weather. A disadvantage is having to use the generator and air conditioning during hot months in southern climates.
Passagemakers are the last type of trawler, which are designed, and intended for making the Trans-oceanic passage. Passagemakers are usually full displacement and over 45 feet in length.
In the next posting we’ll discuss the different sizes, accommodations and engine selections.
The author, Mike Dickens is a trawler owner and
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owner of Paradise Yachts, a Florida yacht brokerage.
By: Marinetrader
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