Let’s Dive into Rig Rite 950 Shift And Throttle Control Mounting Board Single
The Rig Rite 950 Shift And Throttle Control Mounting Board Single isn’t the kind of gear that screams “adventure,” but trust me, if you’ve ever wrestled with mounting controls on a boat, this seemingly simple piece of marine-grade plastic can be a game-changer. It’s designed by Rig Rite to provide a solid, adaptable platform for your shift and throttle controls. Think of it as the unsung hero of your boat’s helm.
My own introduction to the need for a mounting board came after a particularly frustrating re-powering project on my old fishing boat. I struggled to find a clean, secure way to install the new controls. Everything felt flimsy and looked unprofessional. I needed a solution that provided a stable base and allowed for some flexibility in mounting.
The Rig Rite 950 Shift And Throttle Control Mounting Board Single arrives in a simple, card-wrapped package. Initially, I was impressed by the clean, white finish and the substantial feel of the King StarBoard plastic. It felt solid, like it could withstand the harsh marine environment.
I considered a few other options, including fabricating my own from plywood and fiberglass or using a universal aluminum mounting plate. The plywood route was messy and time-consuming. The aluminum plate lacked the flexibility I needed for precise placement. The Rig Rite board seemed like the best compromise between durability, ease of use, and adaptability.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It’s a simple product, but sometimes the simplest solutions are the best. I was hoping that it would live up to its promise of easy installation and rock-solid stability.
Real-World Testing: Putting Rig Rite 950 Shift And Throttle Control Mounting Board Single to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Rig Rite 950 Shift And Throttle Control Mounting Board Single during the final stages of my boat’s control system overhaul. The location was my garage (acting as a temporary boatyard), and the conditions were typical: dusty, cluttered, and demanding. The main task was to mount a single lever control for a new outboard motor.
The first challenge was adapting the board to fit the specific contours of my boat’s console. Using standard woodworking tools, as suggested by Rig Rite, I found that the board was surprisingly easy to cut and shape. A jigsaw made quick work of trimming the edges. The plastic didn’t chip or splinter, which was a pleasant surprise.
Installation was straightforward. After shaping the board, I used stainless steel screws and marine sealant to attach it securely to the console. Mounting the control lever to the board was also simple. The pre-existing holes in the control lined up almost perfectly, and the plastic provided a solid, vibration-resistant base.
There was a minor hiccup during installation when I realized that I needed to drill a larger hole for the control cables. However, the King StarBoard plastic drilled cleanly without cracking or splitting.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use on the water, the Rig Rite 950 Shift And Throttle Control Mounting Board Single has proven to be incredibly reliable. There are no signs of wear or tear. The plastic hasn’t faded or discolored, despite constant exposure to sun and saltwater.
Cleaning is a breeze. A quick wipe with soap and water is all it takes to remove grime and salt residue.
Compared to my previous mounting attempts (which involved makeshift plywood brackets), the Rig Rite board is a significant improvement. It provides a much more stable and professional-looking installation. I no longer worry about the control lever vibrating loose or the mounting surface deteriorating.
Breaking Down the Features of Rig Rite 950 Shift And Throttle Control Mounting Board Single
Specifications
- Dimensions: The board measures 12 x 12 x 1/2 inches. This size provides ample space for mounting most single-lever shift and throttle controls.
- Material: It is constructed from King StarBoard marine-grade plastic. This material is known for its durability, resistance to UV degradation, and imperviousness to water damage.
- Construction: The board is a solid, one-piece construction. This design enhances its strength and minimizes the risk of cracking or warping.
- Ease of Modification: It’s designed to be easily cut and drilled with standard woodworking tools. This adaptability allows for customization to fit specific boat consoles and control systems.
- Card Wrapped: Simple packaging provides adequate protection during shipping.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the board’s suitability for marine applications. The King StarBoard material ensures long-term durability and resistance to the harsh marine environment. The ease of modification allows for a custom fit.
Performance & Functionality
The Rig Rite 950 Shift And Throttle Control Mounting Board Single performs its job admirably. It provides a stable, vibration-resistant platform for mounting shift and throttle controls. The size is adequate for most single-lever control units, and the ease of modification allows for a customized fit.
Its strength lies in its simplicity and durability. The King StarBoard plastic is incredibly robust and holds up well under constant use.
The only area for potential improvement would be the addition of pre-drilled mounting holes for common control systems.
It definitely meets my expectations. It provides a solid foundation for my control system and enhances the overall look and feel of my boat’s helm.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is simple and functional. The clean, white finish is aesthetically pleasing and blends well with most boat consoles.
The King StarBoard material feels substantial and durable. The rounded edges prevent snagging on clothing or gear.
There is no learning curve. Installation is straightforward and requires only basic tools and skills.
Durability & Maintenance
The King StarBoard material is incredibly durable and resistant to wear and tear. It is impervious to water damage, UV degradation, and most chemicals.
Maintenance is minimal. A simple wash with soap and water is all that is required to keep the board looking its best.
Accessories and Customization Options
The board itself doesn’t come with any accessories. However, it is compatible with a wide range of shift and throttle controls from various brands.
The primary customization option is the ability to cut and shape the board to fit specific console contours. This adaptability is a major advantage. It’s also possible to paint the board to match the boat’s color scheme, although the white finish is generally considered neutral and appealing.
Pros and Cons of Rig Rite 950 Shift And Throttle Control Mounting Board Single
Pros
- Durable King StarBoard construction: Ensures long-lasting performance in harsh marine environments.
- Easy to modify: Can be cut and drilled with standard woodworking tools for a custom fit.
- Provides a stable mounting platform: Reduces vibration and ensures smooth control operation.
- Simple and functional design: Aesthetically pleasing and blends well with most boat consoles.
- Easy to clean and maintain: Requires minimal maintenance and is resistant to stains and chemicals.
Cons
- Lacks pre-drilled mounting holes: May require drilling to accommodate specific control systems.
- Basic packaging: Although adequate, does not provide any additional mounting hardware.
Who Should Buy Rig Rite 950 Shift And Throttle Control Mounting Board Single?
The Rig Rite 950 Shift And Throttle Control Mounting Board Single is perfect for boat owners, marine mechanics, and DIY enthusiasts who are installing or upgrading shift and throttle controls. It’s especially useful for those who need a durable and adaptable mounting solution for older boats or custom console configurations. Pro anglers looking to upgrade their boat’s controls will find this particularly useful.
Those who should skip this product are individuals who prefer pre-fabricated, all-in-one control systems. It is also not needed for those already satisfied with existing setups.
A must-have accessory would be a set of stainless steel mounting screws and marine sealant to ensure a secure and watertight installation.
Conclusion on Rig Rite 950 Shift And Throttle Control Mounting Board Single
The Rig Rite 950 Shift And Throttle Control Mounting Board Single is a simple but essential product for anyone working on boat control systems. Its durable construction, ease of modification, and stable mounting platform make it a worthwhile investment.
The price of $44.99 is justified by the quality of the materials and the long-term durability of the product.
I would definitely recommend this product to anyone in need of a reliable and adaptable mounting solution for their boat’s controls.
If you’re tired of flimsy mounting brackets and unreliable control systems, give the Rig Rite 950 Shift And Throttle Control Mounting Board Single a try. You might be surprised at how much of a difference it can make.