Steering queery

[jack]

I would dearly love to fit steering and controls to my Zodiac,so as to improve the riding/driving position.Then I could sit farther foreward and give more control under way....

Problem. The boat is only 10' overall.

The floor is a hard inflated one,[hence no rigid structure]

I know I can get the wheel and mounting and push /pull controls etc,but can anyone suggest how I can anchor it all into place ?

I have seen gear advertised in the U,S,A. but its quite expensive ,and with shipping would be prohibitive.

I dont mind spending money,but I dont want to change to a bigger boat,as I can manage ,handling launching and transporting this one on my own. jack

[jack]

This type of thing would be great,but making use of the existing thwart/s rather than another seat

[duncan]

jack

 

 

I have seen a number of diy jobs revolving around 'wedged' solutions and one that utilised the tie down D for the remote fuel tank.

 

overall I would simply recomend a tiller extension on anything that doesn't have a rigid floor. the amount of time you can safely travel at more than 10 knots (and feel the need for a wheel in one hand and engine controls in the other) is so small - tiller and lean back for the engine gears after throttleing back works for me.

 

I have 2 seat fittings and can operate the extension sitting facing forwards on the front one if I choose (but it's a little twitchy on the steering!)

[jack]

Thanks Duncan.I have a tiller extension as you suggest.and you are correct it do'es make things a "little interesting"if using the foreward thwart.

One of my main objectives is firstly to fit a seat with a back rest to one of the thwarts[as a bad back man yourself,you can appreciate my motives.] but having done this,it makes the use of the tiller extension almost impossible,hence the thought toward a steering/control consul.

I fear really that I am trying to get 4 pints into a 2 pint jug.

I can't go for a Rib as I need to retain the "fold-up " facility,for transportation

My outfit cost

[duncan]

ones I have seen are designed to be held in place between the tubes rather than attaching as you illustrate. If it was just the steering it's relatively simple but then you need the controls..........

 

as a bad back man I would avoid any of this as 1. being hunched over and 2. bounced around whilst hunched over, are not high on my list. Sitting nicely upright on the seat with the tiller beside me does it for me!

[codless]

why not make up a ply base to the same size of the deck and protect the edges with foam pipe wrap.

[jack]

I am right there with you,on this one Clive.As whatever I plan,The vulnerability of the floor is of paramount concern.

 

I am opening a second line of thought [Thanks to all your suggestions ]

 

I may try to adapting the existing rear thwart,by constructing a "park Bench" type arrangement,With bracing bars to the transom. [because the seats are rubber mounted to the tubes ] which would allow the tiller arm to pass beneath the back rest and remain useable...If I could make the backrest a hinged one,even better.In this way,I can forget steering wheel and remote controls.

 

Keep adding those ideas chaps,They are all welcome,including fault finding

 

jack

[jack]

A bit like this,.....