Console vs. Windshield

[Native]

Which do you think is the best in a boat option?
Windshield or Dual Console?

[cisco]

I went with walk-thru windsheild on my present boat to lengthen the season of relative comfort. It is really appreciated in April at the Baileys Harbor Brown Trout tourney (Door County). Some years we've had sleet and snow for that one. A side console would give more space, but I have plenty as is -- four pedestal seats if I keep them all on board. More often than not, there are no more than two of us fishing at a time. It was an easy choice for me.

[Gunga Din]

Cisco's right. I chose a walk-thru windshield too because I needed a boat that my family (four young kids) could fish comfortably and safely out of. But my buddy's 1750 single console has almost as much fishing room as my 1950.

[Phil T.]

Walk-through. Even if you don't fish early or late in the season, that top provides welcome shade in July and August. Hey, all windshields are in the way for fishing. You may as well have an inconvenience that's provides some side benefits.

[John N]

Never had a double console, but sure enjoy the walk-through on my 17' Lund ProSport. If you're going to have something that's in the way anyway, might as well have something big enough to do some good. It's real nice and dry behind that windshield while underway, not to mention the topset a guy can use if you wish. Also very nice for those cool days or evenings when you make the run across the lake. With only 2 guys in the boat, it's hardly an inconvenience factor at all. Good fishing, John.

[Stormsearch]

Walk-thru from the numerous positive notes above. The only time that I wish we didn't have one was after we ran to our spot and tried to troll a breakline, the windshield can be a big wind balloon in heavier winds.

[Ristorapper]

Single console owner here. If I know what I know now and had to do it over again it would be a walk through windshield.

Bought the single console for the room expecting to have the family (5) in it at times all fishing. That happens on average once a year. Now that I don't need the room wish I'd have bought the comforts for early spring and late fall walleye runs: that being the ability to cover up/get out of the wind on those cool breezy days. Windshield with full enclosure capabilities are nice and we have used such on my buddies boat. Not able to do that with a console boat. My poor wife has sat on the other side of me while running to and fro in the spring and wouldn't want to trade her places so we will spring for another console this spring unfortunately not a new boat. If that is the only mistake I make in my life Great huh!!

BW (ND)

[fisherman]

I have a Fisher FXDV 18 with a walk-thru windshield and would be hard pressed to buy another counsole boat without one. I thought it would only be a big pain in the behind; but after the first tournament last April {45 mph. winds out of the N.W.} I was sold. Does not bother that much and will make you smile when the other guys you pass have frost on they're beards. Stay dry when you have cross winds; don't really have to wear a rain suit unless it's raining. Can run full throttle when it's raining and still be able to see. You won't be sorry...

[John N]

After reading all the subsequent posts, have to add that in Canada last summer, 8 of us in 4 boats ran perhaps 20 to 25 miles from camp to fish (no fish by the dock, of course). It was hard not to be smug in my shorts and a t-shirt behind my windshield while the rest of those guys were wrapped up in Gore Tex and eating spray and wind. Good fishing, John.

[sdwalleye]

I have owned both. I switched from Windshield to single console for the added room. Sure it's nice to tuck under the windshield when it's cold and wind out but for me I'd rather hav ethe extra room and dress in layers. I also go out all year, here in Southdakota you can most always fish below the Dams in open water. I've been out when it was 18 degrees and snowing like heck and I don't think it mattered that day what boat you had. I really think it comes down to your own personal pref., if you have the family go with you I can see the windshield model, if you fish with the guys and want extra room then go for the side console model. If you want more room again you can go with a tiller but then you'll get a little wetter. All in all it's your choice.

Keith

[Gizmo]

For what all that Goretex costs you can get a full windshield. Another downer for consoles is that you should remove the plexiglass before putting a tarp on the boat.