Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

Why are most consoles located at the mid point of a boat or slightly back? Wouldn't a more forward placement make for better weight distribution, better view of obstacles in the water, and easier trailering?

Just curious.

It all depends on so many factors. Motor/ fuel tank size and weight, seating arrangement etc.

Some would say it is because it has always been that way! I saw one years ago that had the console up front and thought it would be much easier to load on a trailer because you have a clear view and passengers are in the back making the boat ride level and plane easier. I think manufacturers are afraid to produce something different from what people are accustomed to.

I moved mine as foward as I could to the side gate and still be able to set a cooler in front of it and allow the gate to fully open

maybe also because of the cables and control sizes, when I was looking it seemed that 18-24' were the most popular lengths of controls, meaning more affordable.

-bb

If anyone has moved theirs forward, did you like the difference? Got a picture?

I have noticed lately that mine is sitting pretty low in the back. Seems every year I get more stuff and it all ends up in the back of the boat.

Mid point so you can view all sides of the boat... . Plus, being too far up front may put too much weight in the front causing a nose dive...

evinrude2stroke wrote:Mid point so you can view all sides of the boat... . Plus, being too far up front may put too much weight in the front causing a nose dive...

that too, I moved my 2 trolling batteries upfront, and was nose diving last time out, I am going to move them back this weekend hopefully.

I usually stand when in tight situations and loading, I can usually all around me ok, mine is about the middle.

-bb

I think their location is due to the other seating on the boat. I'm now seeing consoles going back and forth, front and rear.

Next thing up is seeing a two seat center mounted console on pontoons.

Bamaman wrote:I think their location is due to the other seating on the boat. I'm now seeing consoles going back and forth, front and rear.

Next thing up is seeing a two seat center mounted console on pontoons.

Mine was orgiginally a center console, with 2 seats.

It's an '86 model.

During the rebuild it went to a right side console. To make the additional seating flow better.


-bb

I pushed mine forward a little bit during the rebuild. But not far, was cost prohibitive for throttle/control cables, wiring harness, steering cables.