HAINES HUNTER PROJECT BOAT (PT 8): A 445R runabout conversion to a centre console

The last instalment in HAINES HUNTER PROJECT BOAT (PT 7): A 445R runabout conversion to a centre console showed the new trailer going under the hull — time was fast running out before the "Christmas crush" to get the rest of the boat completed.

This crucial chapter and stage of my rebuild is when it all comes together: the engine fit up, fuel system, steering, electrical fit-up (including the electronics), winch and deck hardware… basically getting the boat "water ready. The challenge was on!

THE ENGINE
The engine had been remounted to the hull prior to the Wrap being installed back in Chapter 6. It was just bolted on and that was it. It now needed to be hooked up.

We cut in and installed an inspection hatch over the transom well, which would give us access to the bilge for the pumps and other installation of fittings. Then we started the installation steps, which all would eventually migrate toward the engine area one way or another, covering steering, engine control box, power and fuel.

HYDRAULIC STEERING
The steering cables ran internally down the console and ran to the back of the boat via the one of two sets of PVC pipes running under the floor, which would see all the cables fed through a cable grommet mount in the engine well.

The first set of pipes starboard side would run the battery power, steering and control cables; the second set port side would run the transducer cable, cabling for the pumps and anything else which may be needed to be run to the back.

A Baystar hydraulic system was installed, which is the junior system to the Seastar product. This unit is recommended for engines up to 150hp, with narrower engine wells and boats typically not running at high performance speed.

The steering wheel was mounted on top of the console. We installed a wedge kit at the base of the steering wheel to give it a slight tilt to make the driving position relaxed and balanced.

We also cut out the GPS hole in the dash so we could see where the wheel would sit height wise in relation to the unit as to not obstruct view of the unit when fishing at the back.

CONTROL BOX
The next job was mounting the control box to the console, running the throttle shift cables and engine loom again through the console via the pipes underfloor to the back of the boat.

The mounting of the control box required it to be reversed because it had been installed as side console when the boat was a runabout previously. It also needed to be positioned so it was easy to reach and comfortable to use when driving.

With steering and engine controls all rigged in, a quick connection to a spare battery and a test resulted in the motor tilt engaging up/down so the first part was out of the way!

*Note to others contemplating a rebuild like this: Because a T-top was to be installed later, I needed to ensure that the anchor points for the T-top fabrication would not be impeded with the positioning of the control box. So again, mapping the job out and planning is important and talking to the marine trades on positioning upfront is critical to get the set out right.

ELECTRICAL FIT UP
On a project like this (on any boat for that matter) you want the electrical fit up to be neat and effective, especially as space is an issue in a small boat. In my case I needed someone who could "work in with me" as the boat was done in stages and the marine trades needed to work in with other trades.

I asked Matt Davey from Hooked up Marine to assist me on the project for this reason. Matt is a mobile marine technician and was able to fit in and around the project plan as required.

On the centre consoles dash layout, Matt needed to know my preference for lay out and then proceeded to challenge my ideas and suggest alternatives and this was really constructive as it ensured that anything I had not considered was up for discussion - it also ensured we were aligned on the functionality/placement on the overall set out.

Matt was also able to suggest alternative ideas that were either adopted or dismissed. These discussions proved just as valuable as the specialist installation work that he executed.

Matt covered the console with tape to preserve the area from bumps/nicks (insert pic) and template mapped all placements for what was to be installed, then set about getting cutting holes and installing the gear, GME radio's, Garmin 10" GPS, winch switch, 2 x switch panels, gauges, bait tank timer and ran wiring down inside the console to the switch area.

Due to the spotter and spreader lights being mounted on the T-top and the navigation lights on the "to be" installed bow rail, provision was made for these accessories to be added later post the stainless fabricator doing his bit.

BATTERIES
For power, dual batteries were housed inside the bottom section of the centre console, above the floor on slightly raised sections/beds away from the risk of moisture. The winch circuit breaker was also included here.

In the top section of the console (directly above) the fuse panel board, battery isolator would be set out, all the wiring coming in from the accessories of the boat made their way into this area.

When you need to make use of the limited space available in a small boat it is really important to think through the volume of cabling due to radio's, lights, GPS, pumps, and other accessories - all the connections soon add up and they need to all connect at a junction area.

A quality neatly wired boat helps pinpoint issues if they arise later, it also results in a safer boat than a shambles wiring set up…

ANCHOR WINCH
A Lonestar GX1 winch was mounted and a winch loom fed back via another PVV pipe running under deck to the bow from the console, purposely installed when the hull was rebuilt not only for the winch, but wiring space provisioned to solve for an electric motor switch if one is to be added down the track.

The winch was installed and the bow roller fixed into the deck with the anchor added, a hatch lid was made cut out, it would be hinged later and now the bow profile of the boat now also took shape.

BILGE, PLUMBING & FUEL
Manual and automatic bilge pumps were installed, plus a water intake pump for the three live wells at the back required a plumbing solution, water pick up, overflows, switches/valves, pump selection ensuring pressure and distribution optionality for the scenarios that might present.

The reality was that the main live well would be utilised more often than not and the other tanks in the stern quarters are back-ups if when wanting certain baits separated, i.e. squid from slimies.

I haven't seen any other boats this size with this configuration, so it was important to get the plumbing and water flow effective because if it isn't, you can't keep baits alive, then the tanks are redundant and relegated to mere storage compartments.

A system was devised that from the water pick up (controlled by a valve switch) water feeds into a three-piece pipe section, where each section was controlled by its own valve which could distribute water equally or isolate flow to just one tank.

An aerator timer control was installed on the console so that you can set the water to pump automatically at intervals replenishing water (air) levels as needed, which is a fail-safe if you forget or don't want to run the motor full time.

For the fuel system, the fuel filter was mounted above the deck floor tucked away behind the transom. The breather poked out the back of the transom over the engine well with the fuel filler installed on the transom gunnel. - Danny Wright.

THREE TOP FIT-UP TIPS
1. Coordinate the marine trades with your plans and staging of the build and identify issues that require aligned discussion
2. Map out the electrical set up and configuration upfront so everything is laid out to achieve clarity
3. Space is a premium so carefully list out priority must-haves V what you can live without.

FURTHER READING:
>> Haines Hunter Project Boat Pt 1
>> Haines Hunter Project Boat Pt 2
>> Haines Hunter Project Boat Pt 3
>> Haines Hunter Project Boat Part 4
>> Haines Hunter Project Boat Part 5
>> Haines Hunter Project Boat Part 6
>> Haines Hunter Project Boat Part 7

The next article Chapter 9 will see the stainless work finished and remaining accessories and hardware added completing the project build before hitting the water!