Best Side Console Kits for Boats: Durable Jon Boat Mounts
Answering the search query directly: these side console kits are designed to upgrade Jon boats, skiffs, and small craft with compact, durable steering consoles. The best options suit buyers seeking low-profile or larger, rugged mounts that can handle aluminum or fiberglass hulls. This guide highlights five top choices and explains who each is best for, plus a practical buying guide to help you compare fit, materials, and installation considerations. The focus is on clear, buyer-friendly details to help you choose confidently.
| Product | Color Options | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| REVOLUTION RPD 1822 Side Console Kit | Green, Clay, White, Black, Tan, Gray | Medium-to-large Jon boats needing a full side console with sturdy poly construction |
| REVOLUTION RPD 1422 Side Console Kit | Black, Green, Clay, White, Black | Low-profile console for skiffs and lighter boats |
| REVOLUTION RPD 1019 Boat Console | Clay, White, Black, Tan, Gray, Green | Compact steering helm for small boats or RIBs |
| T-H Marine Steering Console Mount | Metallic aluminum look | Universal add-on for many boats requiring adjustable height |
| SFriding Steering Console Mount | Aluminum with plywood-reinforced face | Flexible mounting on aluminum or fiberglass hulls |
REVOLUTION RPD 1822 Side Console Kit for Jon Boat
Best for: Medium to larger Jon boats needing a robust, all-in-one side console. This complete kit emphasizes durability with poly construction reminiscent of top-tier coolers and kayaks, ensuring long-lasting performance in marine environments.
What to know: The 1822 kit is offered in multiple colors, including Clay, Gray, Green, White, Black, and Tan. It provides a full side-console solution, simplifying installation for builders or DIY hobbyists who want a cohesive look and strong structural integrity.
Why chosen: It combines a complete kit with a high-strength polymer build, which can resist cracking and warping in sun and spray. Choose this if you want a larger, more substantial console with broad compatibility for Jon boats and similar craft.
Caution: Availability of color options may vary by supplier. Confirm color choice before ordering to ensure on-hull match.
REVOLUTION RPD 1422 Side Console Kit for Jon Boat
Best for: Light to mid-weight boats that benefit from a low-profile console. The 1422 model is designed with a lower silhouette while delivering a complete console kit for streamlined mounting on smaller hulls.
What to know: This kit emphasizes a low-profile design with similar super-tough poly construction as other REVOLUTION kits, and includes color options like Clay and Gray to harmonize with boat finishes.
Why chosen: It’s a good balance between size, strength, and ease of installation. Choose this when you want a clean, unobtrusive console that still feels sturdy and reliable for everyday use.
Caution: The low-profile design may limit some accessory mounting space compared with larger consoles.
REVOLUTION RPD 1422 Side Console Kit for Jon Boat (Green)
Best for: Boats with a preference for a bold green hue plus a low-profile structure. This kit mirrors the 1422 features with a distinct green option for styling.
What to know: It mirrors the low-profile, durable design and is compatible with a range of Jon boats and skiffs, making it suitable for anglers who want a unified, rugged console.
Why chosen: For buyers who want a rugged, space-efficient console with a color that matches green hulls or accents, this option offers both function and aesthetic alignment.
Caution: Availability of color hues can vary by stock; verify color before purchase.
REVOLUTION RPD 1822 Side Console Kit (Green)
Best for: Builders seeking a vivid green console that stands out on the water while delivering robust construction.
What to know: This is the green variant of the 1822 full-console kit, offering the same complete assembly in a color that may complement green hulls or accents.
Why chosen: If color coordination matters to you and you want a high-strength console, this option provides the same durability with a distinctive finish.
Caution: Color lighting in product photos can misrepresent exact shade; confirm the exact green hue prior to ordering.
REVOLUTION RPD 1422 Side Console Kit (Black)
Best for: Boats that require a dark, low-profile console that blends with black hull accents or accessories.
What to know: The Black variant belongs to the 1422 line, maintaining a low-profile design and the same durable poly construction as other REVOLUTION kits.
Why chosen: Choose this if you prioritize a sleek, uniform look with practical console height and mounting space for skiff or Jon boat projects.
Caution: Subtle color variations may occur; verify shade consistency with other boat components before purchase.
T-H Marine Steering Console Mount
Best for: Boats that need a flexible steering console addition with adjustable height. This is a strong fit for aluminum or fiberglass hulls seeking a modular setup.
What to know: The mount supports height adjustments from 16″ to 26″ and offers under-console space from 10″ to 20″ for practical installation flexibility. It uses sturdy aluminum construction.
Why chosen: It’s a versatile option for users who want to tailor console height to seating, helm position, or reach, especially where existing dashboards differ in height.
Caution: It’s a mount rather than a full console; plan to pair it with a compatible dash and controls for a complete system.
SFriding Aluminum Boat Steering Console Mount
Best for: Boat owners seeking a mount with plywood-reinforced mounting surface for added wheel and control support on aluminum or fiberglass hulls.
What to know: This model emphasizes a reinforced face and adjustable height, making it suitable for mounting a depth finder or wheel with extra stability.
Why chosen: When you need dependable mounting strength and a solid surface for steering controls, this choice provides a sturdy foundation along with practical adjustability.
Caution: Ensure compatibility with your depth finder or control hardware; reinforced mounting requires proper alignment during installation.
REVOLUTION RPD 1019 Boat Console
Best for: Small boats or RIBs needing a compact, indestructible steering helm. This option emphasizes rugged rotational poly construction with practical features like cup holders and grab rail compatibility.
What to know: It’s offered in Clay, Gray, Green, and other colors, aligned with the brand’s durable design philosophy. The shell is designed to withstand harsh marine conditions without cracking or yellowing.
Why chosen: For owners seeking a compact, all-in-one helm with durable material and compatibility for side-mount or binnacle control options, this is a solid choice.
Caution: The compact size may limit large accessory mounting; verify control layout fits your preferred configuration.
Buying Guide
What should I consider when choosing a side console kit?
Assess hull type (aluminum vs. fiberglass), boat size, and how much space you want behind the helm. Full-side consoles offer more storage and mounting area, while low-profile variants save deck space on smaller boats.
Material matters: Poly versus metal
Rotationally molded poly construction provides impact resistance and longevity in sun and spray. Aluminum consoles offer strong, lightweight frames with easy mounting but may require more maintenance to prevent corrosion in saltwater.
Height and reach: How high should my console be?
Height should align with your seating position and throttle controls. Adjustable-mount options or low-profile designs are better when seating height varies or when you need quick access to controls.
Color and aesthetics: Does color matter?
Color options help match hulls and accessories. While color is cosmetic, it can improve visibility and integration with boat styling. Confirm color availability before purchase, as stock may vary.
Installation and compatibility
Check for compatibility with your boat’s deck and mounting patterns. Some kits are complete with all hardware, while others require separate brackets or controls. Ensure you have space for any depth finders, throttles, or wheel assemblies you plan to add.
Budget and value
Consider whether you want a complete kit or a modular mount. Complete kits simplify installation and offer a cohesive look, while individual mounts can be tailored to specific needs and existing hardware.
Installation tips
- Plan wiring routes for throttles and electronics before mounting.
- Use marine-grade sealant and proper fasteners to prevent water intrusion.
- Verify clearance for steering wheel travel, dash controls, and seating.
- Test fit parts before final assembly to avoid rework.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a side console kit, and who should buy one?
Answer: A side console kit provides a ready-made helm and display area on the boat’s side, ideal for anglers, small-boat owners, and DIY builders who want a durable, integrated control hub. - Are these consoles suitable for aluminum and fiberglass boats?
Answer: Yes, most kits are designed for both materials, but always verify mounting requirements and weight support for your hull type. - Do these kits include mounting hardware?
Answer: Many complete kits include hardware, while some options require additional brackets or controls to finish the setup. - Can I install a depth finder or other electronics with these consoles?
Answer: Yes, models with flat tops and adequate mounting surfaces support accessories like depth finders, gauges, and mount brackets. - Which console is best for limited deck space?
Answer: Low-profile 1422 models are typically better for boats with restricted space, while the larger 1822 kits suit bigger consoles and more mounting options. - What should I do to ensure color consistency with my boat?
Answer: Match the console color to hull details, and confirm current color availability since stock may change.