console location

[southeye]

I have always wondered why most, if not all, of the deep V "walleye" boats are side console jobs instead of center console. Does the side console make some types of trolling easier, or are there safety concerns with a center console? Thanks.

[Hans]

Space utilization. The single side console leaves a nice open floor plan.

Hans

[SeaCat]

Ranger now offers their Walleye hull with a center console and many of the "bay" boat designs of the traditional center console manuf are real similar to the walleye hull. Triton uses the same hull for their bay boat and their walleye boat (per a company rep at a show a couple years ago).

Console location really is dependent on how you plan to use the boat. I have a center console with a T-top and think it is great. Offers 360 degree fishability with a sun/rain sheild above. Also have "rocket launcher" rod holders above that gets extra rods out of the way while fishing but much more available than in a rod box. I specifically didn't want a side or dual console because the only foul weather top offered on most (a bimini or variation) would make it nearly impossible to go from one end of the boat to the other with a fish -- something I have done many times now in 2 years with the CC fighting big salmon and steelhead by myself. The bimini style top is also a pain to store on board when you don't want it up.

Weather protection is just as good (better I think) in my CC as a side console and for trolling, my pair of swivel helm chairs are in the perfect position for watching rods and controling the baits. The CC itself also offers a great deal of storage space for batteries, tackle, and a porta potty -- most of which would not fit or be on the deck in a traditional walleye boat console
layout.

Although I have seen a big increase in the numbers of CC's on Lk Michigan and Erie in the last year or two, I really don't understand why there are not more.

Ryan

[mlc]

SeaCat could not have said it better. I have a 17' CC and enjoy the unrestricted access to all gunnels.

One unmentioned benefit is the ability to stand or sit when making a long run out to your fishing spot.

The biggest drawback of a CC is the lack of cover options that you can get with a double console. The T Top works well for rain that is falling straight down but offers marginal protection when running at cruise in a downpour. Some T Tops can have drop curtains suspended from them which creates a "pilot house" effect. This is a nice feature.

IMHO, the CC is the most fishable design if you are not interested in a tiller layout. That said, let me also say that other peoples opinions are sometimes like belly buttons-everyone has one and they are useless!!!

Take care,
mlc