Sportsman Console - Side or Center?

[messerd]

I purchased a left over Sportsman set up for tiller steering and then purchased a side console from Dick Merritt. The console is a sit-down console and can be installed on the side like the original model, or possible in the center like a flats boat. In a side configuration the battery, console and driver will be on the same side. Power is a 75hp Optimax.

Question - Does the side console version present a significant balance (listing to one side) problem?

Although the side console provides a more open layout, it would be worth setting the boat up as a center console if it corrects a balance issue.

[Fischer53]

I would mount it on the starboard side. It would balance the motor torque while under way. The 170 CC is tight trying to pass the center console and a side mount would help that problem if your console is comparable. Would be less of an issue if the console is the one on the 170 Cools.

[messerd]

Fischer53 - The console is like the one on the 170 Cools so its probably not as wide. Since the console hasn't been installed I can check the clearance and arrangement. What got me thinking is that I noticed a Sportsman photo in a Boat Trader ad (appears to have come from a brochure) where an external gas tank is placed opposite from the driver who is at a starboard console. Since the boat has an internal gas tank it made me wonder if the external tank was being used to balance the boat.

Your comment on prop torque is interesting as well. Trim tabs could solve any balance problem at speed, and might be required with a heavy 75hp anyway, but that is an expense I would like to avoid.

I imagine a 17 Cool with a driver at the helm and no other passengers would behave about like the Sportsman. Maybe I will get a response from a Cool owner.

Thanks

[Fischer53]

My prop torque is not serious, but I do notice a bit of a list to port while running by myself. If I have anyone on board I have them to the right of center and it takes care of it. I agree with the desire to avoid the cost of tabs.

By the way I am running with a 70 HP Yamaha 2S. Not as much weight as the Merc, but more than the standard issue 60 hp.