Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by salmonboy on 12/22/15 - 10:11 PM

Happy holidays everyone!

I have a 1986 Outrage 18' and am starting (winter project) to make changes to my RPS and console. In addition to adding storage I want to raise both. I think I am going up about 3-4 inches on the RPS but not sure how high on the console yet. I think I am going up at least 12-15 inches, mostly adding to the bottom but also adding a switch panel and glove box to the top section. Currently the steering wheel center is about 33" off the deck. I may be going as high as 40-42". Anybody have thoughts on the steering wheel height? Suggestions?

Posted by Finnegan on 12/22/15 - 11:31 PM

I have a 25 Outrage with the same console you do. I have raised it 6", and it is perfect for all functions - wheel hight, control height, and grab rail height. You also gain valuable wind protection. I would not go higher than that. The RPS is also raised 6", which I highly recommend. See photos on personal website.

Posted by tedious on 12/23/15 - 2:11 AM

I'd be inclined to raise the RPS first, then try it and see how the current wheel height feels to you. My sense is that you're going to want it a bit lower - a wheel centered at 40-42 inches is going to feel like it's at chest level, even for a fairly tall person.

I am 6'3" and frequently drive an 18, with the stock, standard console and RPS. The RPS feels low to me, but the wheel does not.

Tim

Edited by tedious on 12/23/15 - 5:56 AM

Posted by trionfale on 12/26/15 - 11:21 AM

Initially I raised my RPS of 4cm.
Then I doubled up to 8cm.
With a TELEFLEX steering pump, rudder wheel is now about 4cm higher.
This set is perfect for me and I am 1.90m tall.

Posted by Phil T on 12/26/15 - 2:11 PM

For those who are not fluent in the metric system:

4 cm = 1.57 inches
8 cm = 3.15 inches

1.90m = 6' 2 1/2"

Edited by Phil T on 12/26/15 - 2:12 PM

Posted by salmonboy on 12/28/15 - 9:35 AM

Thanks for the input. I think I am going with 3" on the RPS and 8" on the console? That puts the center of the wheel about 41" off the deck. In addition I may add a radio box to the top which will raise my instruments another 4-8"? That puts my fish finder and plotter about 14" up from the current height. I'll post some pictures when I get the project completed. Meanwhile if anyone has any other input, please feel free.