411 steering console

[SVPardonMyFrench]

Hi all

I don't understand why the steering console in the 411 is so big and bulky, taking so much of the cockpit. Having to reach through the wheel to access instruments seems quite cumbersome.

Does anyone know of any slimmer replacement? or have any suggestions to improve?

thanks
Frederick

 

[Davidasailor26]

You want the wheel to be big enough to reach when sitting on the sides of the cockpit, so you can get good visibility under sail. You could get a folding wheel to make more space when you're at anchor or the dock, but it won't help reaching the instruments under sail.

 

[SVPardonMyFrench]

thanks David. Yes completely agree with the wheel size I have no issue with that. I have more an issue with the size of the console behind the wheel.

 

[Gunni]

What instruments are you attempting to reach through the wheel?

 

[jon hansen]

reaching through the wheel, ever, is unsafe.

my $0.02

 

[SVPardonMyFrench]

reaching through the wheel, ever, is unsafe.

my $0.02

Yes of course Jon. And that precisely what I want to avoid. My current boat setup up has the plotter mounted high enough that I can see it and reach it above the wheel. Safe and convenient.

 

[Gunni]

The plotter should be mounted on a bar above the console in any case - enough space to fit an improved large display MFD. The rest of the console real estate will be taken with engine panel, fuel and other displays. The console also puts your throttle/transmission close at hand.

 

[SVPardonMyFrench]

The plotter should be mounted on a bar above the console in any case - enough space to fit an improved large display MFD. The rest of the console real estate will be taken with engine panel, fuel and other displays. The console also puts your throttle/transmission close at hand.
View attachment 161462

Exactly, thanks Gunni! I was wondering if anyone has replaced the console with a slimmer one. My current set-up is below.

 

[Davidasailor26]

Up higher to get it above the wheel is cartainly more accessible, but the trade-off is that it might be much harder to to see over if you want to sit behind the wheel. Judging from the pictures of the 411 it does look like the console is not the best setup. It does look like you could put the plotter on a bar above the console, higher or lower depending on how you feel about the accessibility/visibility trade-off.