Boat Helms & Consoles

When you’re shopping for a new or replacement boat console, there are a variety of important factors to consider. To deliver a helping hand and make your buying decisions hopefully a little easier, we are going to look at some of these key details of the console. Read More

Console Height

One of the first considerations when selecting a marine console should be height. The ideal console height depends on your height and whether you’ll stand, lean, or sit when driving. What’s most important is not actually the height of the console itself but the height of the steering wheel and throttle. Consider using cardboard to mock-up a console in the size you’re considering to test for comfort.

Console Width

Width is another very important consideration in selecting a marine center console and depends on the beam of your boat and the width of the gunwales. You’ll need a minimum of 16” between each side of the console and the gunwale. More room, 18” to 20” is preferred. If you plan to install rod rocks on the sides of your console, take them into account.

Steering

Your helm and steering wheel will be mounted on your console, so you’ll need to make ample space for the steering system and steering wheel diameter you’ve chosen. You’ll also need to make sure your steering wheel leaves room for your throttle controls, especially if you plan to mount your helm in the center of the console instead of on the port side. Steering helms take up a surprising amount of room on the back side of the console panel.

Throttle

When selecting a marine console, consider where you plan to mount your throttle(s). For stand-up driving, throttle controls are most comfortable when mounted on a relatively flat surface. Again, make sure you’ll have adequate space inside your console for the control mechanism itself, which can extend nearly a foot behind the console face.

Electronics

The number, size, and mounting style of electronics displays you plan on will dictate to a large degree your choice of console. Flush-mounting larger displays obviously require a relatively large flat surface at a good viewing angle for the driver. Alternatively, electronics can be bracket-mounted on the top of the console. Remember to plan for your gauges, key switch, VHF radio, audio controls, trim tab controls, etc.

Various places sell boating accessories and equipment. However, if you want to find the best deal on boat helms, boat consoles, or boat steering helm parts, there is only one place we would recommend. That place would be Boat Outfitters where you will find a wide range of helms and boat consoles.

Most helms and boat consoles are installed on the centerline of the boat. The best location front to back is largely determined by weight distribution, but a good starting point is two-thirds of the way back from the bow. Mounting a console too far forward yields a rough ride. Too far back makes a boat's stern heavy.

Depending on the materials used for the boat you are looking to replace or install a new console or helm onto, one of the best materials for the console itself is fiberglass. However, we have seen some made from King Starboard. If you wish to discuss this subject further or would like advice about alternative materials, contact the team at Boat Outfitters.

The real question you should be asking yourself is whether you have an existing helm and console on your boat that is in good condition and whether it needs to be changed. If it has seen better days and steering is not functioning the way it should or the material is worn out, it may be time to add a new helm to your boat.