Confused, tiller vs. console?

[Bill Ludwig]

After reading many of the threads on boats both current and archieves I thought I had made up my mind on a Lund 1700 Angler with 75 Merc. 4 stroke tiller. Being from Indiana we do not see many tiller boats in our area. I then kept thinking that although a tiller may be a little more manueverable, better suited for back trolling, then why do the supposed Pro Boats all use consoles. I am looking to purchase my first boat but now realize that boats are much like mpotorcycles, what you think may be the best for what you want to use it for may change after you've had one. With a console model I would probably lean toward the Mr. Pike, 1675 explore. I did look at the Crestliner and was impressed with the cosmetics, not afraid of a welded boat vs. rivits, and it eas less money. I did fell the Crestliner wasn't as solid as the Lund. What does everyone think, is a tiller model with a little more space vs. the console the route to go or not? I will be using the boat to fish crappie/bluegill in Indiana and 1-2 trips to Wisconsin or Canada each year if time permits. The boat will normally have 1-2 people in it. Probably won't tube behind it but that option would maybe bre nice, but not primary consideration. HELP?

[PJM]

Bill Ludwig

I am a lund owner but I will say this also, that Crestliner does make nice boats and there is nothing wrong with welded boats. Granted, people can have problems with any kind of boat welded or not. I have the console and there are day that turning the steering wheel to control the boat can wear you out. For the kind of fishing you do a tiller would be ideal. Lots of room and on the size boat your putting it on would perform nicely. You won't regret it........

[greg]

last year me and 2 buddies fished the pwt. and i can tell you that not all pro's use consoles. some have tillers. it's all in what is best for you. i won the boat for first place, which is a tiller. i still have not got used to it, but my buddies all say i will like it better than my console when i get use to it. good luck on your decision.

[stevefellegy]

Hey Bill,

On the circuit, Gary Roach and I kid that "if you have grey hair, you have to run a tiller". lol
I run a tiller for various reasons.
1. I like having the control with the BIG engine when it is too wavey for the bowmount. Although kickers work, it is more of a fight than the big engine/prop in the waves, when hovering or backing into the waves. No conditions are TOO bad for the big tiller.
2. I like to have the room. Free reign in any direction is nice.
3. I like to 'see' the people with me and all that is going on in the boat, instead of having my back to them from the bow all the time.

The tiller is a wetter boat for the driver....BUT.....in many conditons, the wheel boat guy is just as wet, no doubt.
The tiller is slower, since it is rated lower. The "boys" say tillers can't compete. Well....'nuff said about that! lol
Yes, you can pull skiers and tubers with a tiller. So.........that's my two cents worth.

You gotta have a Lund!

[The Ambler]

The Ambler
I have been running a 1660 Pro-V tiller for six years, and I just sold it and moved up to the 1800 Pro-V tiller model. Absolutely an incredible amount of space, my old boat would fit inside this new 1800! I have many friends who question the lack of speed I live with compared to their console models. But if the truth be told, on the big water I fish (Green Bay, Little and Big Bay de Noc, Lake of the Woods and Rainy lake) there are days when hopping wave to wave their big console model are only able to go 15-20 mph. And at those speeds, I typically sit in the back where my ride is smoother, just as wet, and we both get where we are going at the same time. I will take a tiler anytime under those conditions. As a side note, I run a Yamaha t80 and with a SSprop at 16 pitch I am getting 38mph. On flat water the 50mph crowd will beat me to a spot or two, but once I get there the boat control I have is unmatched compared to their rigs. After all, the last time I checked, it is not about how fast you get there, but how many fish you catch once you are there.....
I hope this helps.
The Ambler

[AquaMan]

Bill, the reason most of the Pros run console is based on their style of fishing and the lakes they fish. Most tourneys are on big lakes and require long runs to and from "spots" and the weigh in. Console boats can handle larger motors, thus faster, and typically handle rougher waters. Most of the time, large distances must be coverd in a short time. Their win may depend on it. Additioianlly, trolling with downriggers, boards, etc is easier in a console since you need to be "hands free" at times.

If you typically fish large waters and make longer runs or troll a lot with riggers and boards, then a console is you choice for sure.

If most of the lakes are small to medium and you typically keep your runs under a a 5 miles at a time, then a tiller will work. There is no doubt you will have more room and better control in the tiller, but it all depends on what style of fishing you do the most. Will you ever want to pull kids on tubes and skis? Console. Are you making lots of trips to those remote lakes? Tiller. Are you on Lake Erie, Michigan, Huron, Onterio? Console. Do you run out to the middle of a 500 acre lake a drift? Tiller. You get the idea....

As far as which boat, all the ones you are looking at are great and you should go for the one that gives you the features and comfort you need.

Good luck and enjoy.

AquaMan~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Just add water

[bernie]

living in the rockies and fishin intodecember in -10 degree temps on occasion the windshield does keep you warmer but the idea of boat control is a big plus i am having the same dillema...Thanks Bernie

[pAUL h]

I have a 1890 tiller w/ a 75. While I do love the boat - I would replace it w/ a console (if a could). I know this is a walleye board - but I primarily bass fish - or crapie or saugeye - you get the picture.

Space is great. Comfort is great - sometimes vision is a problem - but not bad.

If I lived and fished primarily walleye - I'd probably lean more towards a tiler.

For fishing from the rear it is superb - but since adding the pinpoint I find that I even troll more from the front.
Steering is NO problem - My arthritis and others pains are more trouble w/ a tiller - on erie it often just hurts. Comfort on long cold runs would be better with a console.

Previous was a 16' Smokercraft 35 tiller - for a smaller boat I would definately go with tiller.


Don't discount a tiller - jut because it's a tiller.

[ANXIOUS]

i think the reason many pro's use console boats is because that is what the sponsor gives them!! i just dont understand how people can follow a break line back trolling in a console boat! i've been running my own boat since i was 5 and they have all been tiller boats,once you see how it is to run a tiller,to follow a break line,to let the waves do the work for you while you slide down the break, you will see... theres nothing like it. slower yes,and on windy days you get wet,but hey,what do they make guide wear for? it's just water!

[dave]

Guide wear on a sunny day sucks.

[GregMc]

I just bought a Lund 1675 Explorer that is a tiller. I looked at a console model but like the many here stated the room is awesome not to mension the control. It takes both hands to work the wheel and throttle on a console but only one with a tiller leaving on hand to hold a rod while trolling.
The other reason I got a tiller was the size of the lakes I fish and that most are 18hp or electric only. I did see the need for a console to control the mighty hp of an 18horse. I have 2 littleones and room is everything I can fish 4 adults out of mine with no problem. With a console 3 would be cramped. Its luxury vs. space for me.

Weather its a Crestliner, Lund, Alumacraft, no one makes a bad boat anymore. Research all options! The web is the best place to start.

Good Luck

My 2 cents

GregMc