CG RYAN Posted January 7, 2016 Report Share Posted January 7, 2016 I know it has been done before, just looking for some options and opinions. I am looking to add a tackle center to the front of my console and was wondering who on here has done it. I would like somewhere to keep my tackle as well as have access to inside the console for wiring etc. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imsnookyrd Posted January 7, 2016 Report Share Posted January 7, 2016 You might want to PM chief5130, he did a real nice job and I know he has pics. I did mine with the one that Cabela's has but I made a new door so I could use a better lock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobVan Posted January 8, 2016 Report Share Posted January 8, 2016 Ryan, I mounted an SSI tackle storage unit on the front of the console on my 22V. http://ssicustomplastics.com/products/?route=product/category&path=59_61 I had to move the backrest cushion up a few inches to get it to fit between the top of the cooler cushion and the bottom of the backrest cushion but was an easy DIY. The SSI unit held the same Plano boxes that fit in my tackle bag (3600 IIRC) so was easy to swap back and forth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCFD rtrd. Posted January 8, 2016 Report Share Posted January 8, 2016 I added a tackle drawer to my old bay boat. It's been so long, I don't remember who I bought it from. The doors open different ways (some open up, some down and some sideways), so you have to decide which door swing you want. Also you want a tackle drawer that will be hidden by the back-rest, so you got to take measurements. You'll have to remove the back rest and install hinges and a locking mechanism on the top. I made my back rest to fold down and lay on the cooler cushion. This takes the pressure off the hinges and gives you a place to sit the trays. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief5130 Posted January 9, 2016 Report Share Posted January 9, 2016 I bought mine from Cabbalas. The door was 1/4" thick, so after a while I made a door that is 1/2" thick. Then I wanted a cushion on it so I had to get it to swing the other way. This is what I evolved from and to: [image]http://www.mbcforum.com/fbbuploads/1452306166-FrontConsole.jpg[/image] [image]http://www.mbcforum.com/fbbuploads/1452306179-DSC_0009.jpg[/image] [image]http://www.mbcforum.com/fbbuploads/1452306189-DSC_0011.jpg[/image] [image]http://www.mbcforum.com/fbbuploads/1452306206-DSC_0003.jpg[/image] [image]http://www.mbcforum.com/fbbuploads/1452306198-DSC_0001__1_.jpg[/image] It also makes access into the console much better. I added starboard strips that I drilled and taped so the mounting screws hold well and are easy to reinstall. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CG RYAN Posted January 9, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 9, 2016 Thanks so much for the help guys. Chief, do you like the swing door vs the drop down? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Posted January 9, 2016 Report Share Posted January 9, 2016 [image]http://www.mbcforum.com/fbbuploads/1452306198-DSC_0001__1_.jpg[/image] Nobody does it better...! You and Hobo have the vision. M-1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief5130 Posted January 9, 2016 Report Share Posted January 9, 2016 Thanks so much for the help guys. Chief, do you like the swing door vs the drop down? I thought I might, but it has not made any difference to me. The only thing different to me is the pliers are now not quite as handy as they were, but the rider in that seat complained that they were uncomfortable in spite of me calling him a wuss. The only change I have made since the last photo is adding a wire that will not let the door swing all the way open against the cushion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPBass Posted January 9, 2016 Report Share Posted January 9, 2016 I pretty much copied Chief's work.... Minus some skill and ambition.... Works ok. His modifications are well advised. My hatch has a tendency to pop open and it could be more comfortable for the p***enger in front.... Also leaks a little. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCFD rtrd. Posted January 9, 2016 Report Share Posted January 9, 2016 What about something like this. It's the factory installed tackle station. The back rest cushion is part of the station and opens to rest on the cooler cushion. I installed some non-skid shelf liner on the top so the tackle trays would stay put when working out of the trays. Anyone with a table saw can build this and maybe install on the original cushion. This version of a tackle station has two advantages over the semi-permanent mounted ones. The hinges are designed so that the whole station slides off the hinges and completely removes. This allows lots of ***s to the console. The other advantage is that it provides a convenient place to sit the trays when accessing the tackle. Otherwise, you have to move the tray to another location in the boat to open and access the contents. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CG RYAN Posted January 9, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 9, 2016 I really like that idea. My boat has the smaller rectangular cushion though so I would have to find a bigger cushion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPBass Posted January 10, 2016 Report Share Posted January 10, 2016 I think I like Chief's design better. It holds an extra tray and keeps them horizontal at all times...Less mess... I don't think I would like all that weight attached to the hatch every time I open it either. As for a place to put the tray when accessing tackle, the front cooler seems more convenient than the factory version. The factory install is more convenient for access to the console but how often do you really need to get in there? With Chief's design it's only a few screws to gain access on those seldom occasions when you need to work on the wiring. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief5130 Posted January 10, 2016 Report Share Posted January 10, 2016 The design that comes with the boat now from MHP is very nice, but being ADD and as JP B*** says, I like to keep the trays horizontal. I can have mine out in less than a minute when I need to, even on the water, but I do have to take it out to get any access from the front. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bernieNC Posted January 10, 2016 Report Share Posted January 10, 2016 The factory design holds a lot more. I use Plano boxes with latches and have no problem with them in the slots ON END. It will hold 6 ea. 3600's and 2 ea. 3601's (thin) boxes. No problems with the weight but I do not keep my lead in there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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