sconceptor Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 Hey, I've got new boats on my mind and am keeping my eye out for my next sweet ride. I've only driving and fished out of tillers, and have basically no experience with a side console. The only side consoles I've been on are 20some odd foot Lake Huron fishing boats, designed for down rigging. I'm in the believe that a tiller is the best bet for an all round boat. Precision trolling is the main advantange. Also, there's more room in the boat without a console and chair in the way. Can people give me reasons why they prefer one or the other? Does anybody know of marines that allow you to test drive a side console to see how it feels on the water? I like the Lund Rebels and Lunds of that nature. Mostly I find side consoles, but have hopes in a early 2000 model or 99 model tiller with a 40hp 4 stroke for 8-10grand. Lund or a Princecraft DLX series 16foot model.........those are my choices.....no Grumman again, no Sylvan, no Microcraft, no Legend, etc....... Thanks, Scott Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sinker Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 Tiller all the way Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greencoachdog Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 Consoles RULE!!! They provide better visibility and weight distribution... not to mention they just look sexier!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike the Pike Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 Now you you've just opened a can of worms. Yes me its Tiller for life .My last 3 boats have all been tillers. Now if I was to go over 90HP then I must admit I would go for a full wrap widsheild and that is not about to happen anytime soon. This is my first boat had a wheel trolled with the sterring wheel and did not like it. This is my current boat notice how the tiller has more floor space. Had this boat 4 years the motor is on my new boat. Had this one 5 years and it is the vessel that turned me on to tillers. Now don't be influenced by this OFC member from down south who spends most of his time still fishin where how your boat is steered should not matter. He was kidnapped by the Sabiki Aliens and brainwashed to drive his boat like a car Stay with a tiller boat control is done with an instant response when trolling. MTP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purekgw Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 consoles are good because you can hid behind the windsheild in the cold mornings and like Greencoachdog said they look sexy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jediangler Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 Paddle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike the Pike Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 consoles are good because you can hid behind the windsheild in the cold mornings and like Greencoachdog said they look sexy No need for a those useless sideconsole windshields that only change your hairstyle. This is a pic from November. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greencoachdog Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 (edited) I know all you tillerboys are asking yourselves "Do I look like that???"... and the answer is YES!!! Edited June 25, 2008 by Greencoachdog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huntervasili Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 I know all you tillerboys are asking yourselves "Do I look like that???"... and the answer is YES!!! Yes, you look like tweety bird Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sconceptor Posted June 25, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 Mike the pike, I've seen your new Lund tiller and it's super sweet......if I won a lottery it'd be one of the boats I'd buy.......what'd you pay for that....... I ask around and a new boat with the set up I'd like is about 17grand.....something that I can't really afford unless I like debt or eat KD for the next 10years. I should be able to find a 99 or 00 for under 10grand......my buddy just bought a 98 Lund Explorer tiller with a 98 40hp 4 stroke Honda for 7500$ .......I'd probably pay that no problem and be happy with it for 5-8years.....then get a few grand for it and upgrade again.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
banger Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 Tiller all the way. MUCH more room. Windshields are for wimps. I did have a Pike SS with the W/SH ....I have grown since. lol Shawn. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_paul Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 Scary similarity Mike (Sorry could not resist) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greencoachdog Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 Yes, you look like tweety bird ... on acid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cranks bait Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 I too am looking at boats. I am concentrating on side consol. Main reason is to be able to see a bit more and be in a straiter position for runnin' and gunnin'. I'm getting 45 mph right now and prefer the console. during the colder months it's nice to block the wind. Like you I am looking at the Lund Rebel or Explorer. I will also be putting on a small kicker for trolling because my 75 is just too much for trolling. I know there is a 2005 1600 Explorer (new)here in the area going for $8400 boat only set up as tiller, but the guy also has a console to add if prefered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roy Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 Glen says cosoles rule but does this pic look like the guy hates tillers? And he actually enjoyed it.....why I even think he's shoppin' around fer one as we speak! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modny Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 i've always preferred tiller myself. something about tiller screams SERIOUS FISHING. i dont know why. hahah thats how i feel. personally, its less parts to break or malfunction aswell. turning can be more responsive aswell. besides, whats more bad ass then a 90 hp 4 stroke tiller? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glen Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 Side console is alot more money. But i like it. It is more comfortable when driving. You can see better also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purekgw Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 it protects you to at night when you running across lake at 50mph with all the bugs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwl Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 I guess it all depends on what you are looking for as far as you personal boat usage goes. If it's primarily fishing, a tiller may be just what you are looking for and does offer a bit more room in the boat. Our boat was a "family type purchase" . It's laid out well for passenger space and fishing space for the size of the boat (I think some consoles are in a weird spot in the boat and hinder room and getting around in the boat) Although I am a fishing nut and quite content sitting in my smaller tinny fishing all day long,the bigger boat is better all around for family fun and comfy for the whole day to go on boat rides with the family,pulling a tube behind, and gotta admit for an all day fishing adventure it's a very comfy boat to sit in for the day and alot better for putting a few miles on in the quest.As for the protection of a windshield, mine isn't very practical for that, it's more for just a sporty type look, only way it's gonna really protect ya from anything is by crouching your head down about steering wheel level . I have to admit though, bombing down the Lower Niagara on the quest for big steelies in the middle of January with ice pellets bouncing off your forehead it does help a little When I upgrade down the road it will also be to a console model boat, but that's my prefference for what i want all around in a boat. I would just really think about what your all around boat usage would be . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy Bob Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 A properly set up side console is much more versatile than a tiller. With a 40-60 hp outboard side console and a foot control electric trolling motor you can do everything a tiller can and more. A side console has the benefits of jigging and RIGGING downriggers with Great Lakes planer boards at a much more easy and convenience. The windshield is the icing on the cake in cold, rain or buggy days. However, tillers are less expensive but who wants to skimp on fishing toys Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blarg Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 I find the console more comfortable, better visibility especially if i want to stand will driving looking for rocks etc, im sure the boat is better balanced without my fat ass all the way in back as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modny Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 i always thought having a fat ass on one side of the boat would make more of a difference in balance? especially drifting a jig in a nice walleye chop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Headhunter Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 I can't believe that this thread is actually quite civil! I'm impressed... now to topic... Console... just add a kicker and you've got the best of both worlds! HH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
addict Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 ive owned my tiller for over 10yrs its fast and responsive and its a blast to drive when its calm.but when i get a new rig im definatley cosidering a console and steering wheel sick of getting soaked especially when its cold. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 small lakes...tiller big lakes........console real slow trolling ..tiller lazy...console I have both Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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