Cabo red

Has anyone ever converted a Mckee Classic 14 to a center console? I found a few pics on the net of a couple older ones which may have been converted, but most have the "classic" side console set up. Anyone know why that set up seems to be the preference? questions: where would the optimal placing of the console be?(same distance fore/aft as the side console?) After a quick search, I'm looking at the Todd Center Console Shell Dimensions 41 3/4" x 33" x 39 1/2"? any idea how much these weigh? any advice for relocated steering, controls, gages etc.? What about the "rigging tunnel" doesn't that make perfect sense to run everything thru? What is usually run thru the rigging tunnel anyway? why doesn't the dealer/manufacturer utilize this...sure would look nicer? Any other things to consider?

deviljohn

I converted a southporter to a CC...and yes all my rigging is thru the bilge channel.....see the whole process at my website below. It was a true pain in the culo, but worth it in the long haul. As far as CC placement and weight distribution, you may have to tinker around w/ it. I found an older "Offshoreman" and pulled tape to locate my CC. Tank is underneath and planning on adding double batteries there as well, my boat tends to bow up when rear baitwell is full, but I got a 150 on her, so doesn't stay that way long.....

Cabo red

Nice project Deviljohn! and wesite... awesome! informative and entertaining. Pictures and ideas are very helpful right down to the PVC pipe chase, and importance of having the "required tools of the trade" within reach! Still searching for a console (at a reasonable cost) To test placement, looking at strapping it in place and taking her to the lake to test run and make adjustments, and hopefully not accidentally make an anchor of the CC! Haven't found any "science" to the placement, sounds more like a trial and error thing? The steering cable needs to make a tight radius bend to run thru the channel (on this small boat anyway) how'd the rigging on yours go?
I've had good luck with hydrofoils minimizing the 'bow up', just have to get past drilling thru the cavatation plate.

deviljohn

You may want to get in touch w/ the guy in this post:

http://www.thehulltruth.com/mckee-cr...storation.html

I saw it a while back, same gig as yers to the tee....good luck. I ran hydraulic steering so the radius issue wasn't the same as w/ a mechanical cable (teleflex)...

DJ

Cabo red

Excellent! nothing like pictures, what a help. Can even see shots of the steering cable making the bend, I was hoping to utilize my existing one, but probably not long enough $$$ Between these photos and yours, looking very doable. appreciate it DJ.