new boat-a RIB! needs a centre console putting in....

[yourmomm]

hi-i have recently bought a 16ft zodiac inflatable floor boat with a one-piece plywood (18mm) floor; i am considering moving the steering position and putting in a centre console-however, all centre consoles are made for polyester floors. would i be right in assuming that i could simply bolt a centre console through my ply floor, as long as i take measures to protect the inflatable floor underneath from the protruding bolts? any other ideas greatfully received and thanks for your help.

 

[fireball]

I'd be wary - what is the plywood floor fixed to? With a console bolted to it and a person sitting on the console you will be applying a twisting motion to the floor that it wasn't designed to take - on a fast turn it could twist out and throw you over the side .... right into the path of the outboard's prop ....

 

[KenMcCulloch]

i think Fireball is quite right and indeed the header suggest a misunderstanding. What you have is not a Rigid Inflatable Boat but a simple inflatable with a floor. It will not safely take as powerful an engine as a similar sized RIB, it is a lot lighter, and installing a console and central steering wheel strikes me as utterly pointless.

 

[Loginname]

Every Zodiac with a wooden floor which I have seen has had a "modular" floor consisting of 4 or 5 panels which fit together.
You talk about a single sheet, which makes me wonder if you have something which has been homemade for some reason. If it has been properly made then it should be no problem but I would suggest that you examine it carefully.

Check also that it is made from marine ply, otherwise it will start to fall apart in no time at all.

Of course, I may be wrong but I can't see the point in having a 16ft inflatable which can be folded up for convenience but having a full length plank for the floor.

 

[landlockedpirate]

I had a 15ft Zodiac inflatable in the 90's one of these:

It had a 5 piece wood composite floor, the centre console was bolted through the floor with coach bolts. The boat was very rigid and very fast (55kts, Yamaha 50 and stainless prop).

What model have you got, I dont think any of them had a 1 piece floor, so this may be a home made addition. If its similar to the one above I cant see any issues with fitting a centre console.