dual or single counsel

[eye guy]

I could some help of the great minds who frequent this site. I am looking for opinions on wether to go with a single or dual counsel boat. The single will give me more room, but my partner will be out in the open. If you have a single or dual please advice why you went that way and you likes and dislikes. GREATLY APPRECIATED.

[FROGMAN]

I have had the chance to fish out of both styles many, many times, and the dual console is the better way to go. Lot's of guy's on the circuit are starting to go with the full windshield as well, so use that as food for thought.

Keith Segar
NPAA #260

[FJH1]

I chose a single console on my Lund for more floor space and ease of moving around. My partner has a single on his Lund as well. So, I figure if I'm going to be out in the cold in his boat, he can be out in the cold in mine :-)

Best Regards,

FJH

[Scott D]

I used to have a single console boat and I loved the amount of room I had in it and it was only 17'-6". After I got married my wife said she did not like going on the boat because she did not have a windshield in front of her.

I now have a 20.5' boat with dual console. It is much nicer for my wife or other fishing partners but it seems like it only has a little more room over the smaller boat.

Go with the single console if you want more room or if you don't want your wife to go fishing with you. If you like your fishing partners and want them to stay warm, then go with a dual console. I think the dual consoles are a little easier to re-sell when the time comes.

[Hans]

I have a single console 16-1/2 footer, with front and rear fish platforms. I chose it over the same model with two consoles, primarily because of the much more open floor plan. It has more open "fishing room" than most 18 footers with two consoles.

When playing a fish, I can easily move from the front to the back of the boat, or vice versa, without clambering through the narrow pasage between consoles, or can quickly get from one end of the boat to the opposite to help my partner land a fish, or whatever.

A high percentage of my fishing is solo, so the "protection from the elements" is not a big deal (rain-gear is cheap). If my fishing partner (usually my wife) gets uncomfortable in the open due to wind, or is getting splashed from whitecaps when cruising between spots, I just let them take the helm and I sit out in the open seat.

If your boat is used more as a family "fish and ski" rig, then you might need to take some different input from the kitchen, but as a fishing rig, two consoles don't cut it with me.

Hans

[eyewinder]

When the weather gets rough and the "little woman" is fishing with me in my single console, she is geared up in her fetching red and black Bass Pro Shops two-piece rainsuit (that she picked out) and rubber boots. She then allows me to catch the occasional spray shower while huddling right behind me, using a cushioned cooler as her seat.

[waterfowler]

I also have the single counsel lund renegade. With only 16.5' of boat, it affords me a lot more fishing room. I tell my fishing partners to turn around and put your hood up if you don't want to get wet. I like the extra room!! It really depends on how guilty you feel?? Good luck with you decision.

[Hawgeye]

Where do you spend most of your time, fishing or commuting? If you do not have far to go between fishing spots, no question, single console. If you fish alot in harsh water conditions with a partner on bigger lakes, no question, dual console.

I am a single console guy myself, being a former tiller guy, the single console is a whole new experience in itself. Not 100% used to the less space already!

[EB]

My first Lund, an 1890 Pro V came factory with only the drivers console. The boat went fast enough that EVERYBODY who rode with me complained about not having a windscreen. So after a year I had the dealer install the port console, and yes all the *****ing stopped. I did miss the room though. If you fish solo alot or just don't care what others say I'd stick with the single console. But I know I sure got tired of the whining every time it was cold out and I was running across the lake.
It's your call...Good luck-Eric

[eye guy]

Thanks for the words of wisdom, this is good information. Unfortunatly it sounds like it depends on how guilty I will feel seeing a partner, or worse girlfriend sitting next to me getting drenched and giving you the "LOOK" (lol). That would be worth it, yeah maybe once!!!! The other thing is distance traveled I don't usually run more than 10 15 miles at a time so I have to think a little more I guess. Anyone else.

[Phil T.]

As repeatedly mentioned, a single console provides more room, less comfort. I wouldn't consider a dual console. All windshields are in the way, so if I buy two windshields, they will be of the walk-through style. That provides some real protection.

[fishin_fool]

I run a single console boat. I dont think that I have ever had anyone in the boat that didnt complain when we made a big run in inclement weather. I have thought about going with a dual console but I dont want to give up the extra space. When I fished the early season this year on the rivers my partner brought a snowmobile helmet and it seemed to help. I got to admitt thought, After sitting on the passenger side of my boat and going 60 I was really glad that I am normally the one on the drivers side...

[fisherman]

I happen to have a dual-console with a walk-thru windshield. When I first purchased it I was very negative about fishability and roominess. As it turned out I am spoiled rotten from sitting behind the windshield and everyone that has ridden it the boat just thinks it is great. The boat is and 18 footer so roominess is not a problem. I had two tiller boats before this one and still get the tiller urge once in a while-but my shoulder tells me differently. Crosswinds,raid,sleet,cold; bring em on. I love the walk-thru windshield..

[john mannerino]

I fish tourneys on the Miss river and for years I did it from a tiller.After one to many rides down river in cold weather I bought a dc with a walk thru windshield and will never go back.You just have to adjust your fishing ways.A frozen face stinks 1st thing in the morning plus my partner/wife loves it.
John

[Chris]

I have a 1775 Lund ProV Tiller, and I would not trade it for anything. It is completely open, and you get about 25% more space than with a single console. Not to metion a tiller is much more boat control friendly. I don't worry so much about the cold. If I raced, or drove the boat the whole time I was on the water, I would get a console, but seeming as 90% of the time I am fishing, I bought what would help me catch more fish, not enjoy the ride! Maybe as I get older I will want a console.

[RANGER]

I like dual consoles with the walk-through windshield for a number of reasons. Having fished tiller, SC and DC I bought DC. Here are my reasons:

1) Partner comfort

2) My own comfort.

3) More "dash" space and glovebox space. More places to mount electronics.

4) The BIGGEST reason - Top Covers! When the weather is foul, it is a nice place to hide. If it is cold I can fish all day without discomfort. Same when it rains. When it's HOT as blue blazes on that water I can throw up just the top (bimini) and not drink in all that melanoma-causing sun. The change in fishing technics was minor.

I like my creature comforts, I've paid my dues, and after having two suspecious "spots" and one seeding mole removed for the above threat - I chose this route. I want to be around to have my Granddaughter (and any others I may be blessed with) join me "On the water".


RANGER


"KEEP YOUR LINES WET, YOUR POWDER DRY and THE BEER COLD!"

[RK]

i have a full walkthru with the bimini top. i say the heck with single or dual. the fishing is always better in the foul weather. so personaly i would rather be more comfortable when i fish. its nice with the top to get out of the sun also. and when the water is cold and rough you don;t have to worry about getting wet.i have seen and been there with the guys getting soaked while we are nice and dry. there is plenty of room for my partner and I. no questions asked. good luck

[Eyecon]

I fish from a tiller and would'nt trade it for anything.My wife also fishs with me and never complains of not having a windshield.We both love the roominess the tiller provides,so my vote would be for the single console.Every now and then I get the urge to buy a wheel boat that will run 60 plus mph and I've asked myself the same question,single or dual.Then I ask myself,do I spend more time driving or fishing and fall in love with my tiller all over again.Buy your wife some Guide Wear and get the single,its the best of both worlds.

[Cunnard]

I prefer the single. I only use my boat for fishing.
I like the extra room.