Tiller vs console?

[Red]

I like a boat with alot of fishing room. Sometimes I feel the console on my current boat gets in the way. I fish mainly bass though (some walleye and muskie). I saw the review of the tiller model (Alumacraft) in the new Bass & Walleye boats magazine and it looks very nice. Any pointers for buying my next boat? The only tiller models I've fished from were up to 14' in length with small motors. A windshield is nice in nasty weather but in a tiller I'm sure that good quality cold weather rain gear is not an option but a must. Are Tillers that much more responsive than steering wheel set ups? Speed isn't really a big deal to me either. Thanks in advance. Red

[GJS]

First of I am a tiller guy, I wouldn't even consider a "wheel" boat. I too have young kids that are along a lot, with four people in the boat the extra room a must. When I was shopping for my last boat one dealer really tried to talk me into a side counsel, I tried to tell him that I won't buy one but he wouldn't let up. He said he sold only about 10% tillers and used ones are getting harder to move, resale he claimed is much better in a SC model. I didn't buy my last boat from him either. As far as boat control, all I have ever used is a tiller.

[Orange Whip]

I've had tillers most of my life with the exception of a Lund Pro Guide with a Yamaha 90HP with a steering console. I thought my wife would drive the boat more if it had a wheel. She didn't. That boat was not even 11 months old when I sold it. I went back to a tiller.

My most recent boat for three years was a Lund Alaskan 20 ft with a 70 HP Four Stroke Suzuki. Tiller. That boat by far was the most impressive as far as room and control. Minnkota Auto Pilot up front and a Vantage in the rear. My new Lund that I am picking up next week is a Lund Pro V 2025 with steering. The only reason I got that boat is because I fish Superior and have longer distances to travel. I need the speed. If I had to choose a new boat again something smaller I would be looking at the Lund Alaskans. Maybe the 18ft with a tiller control. 60 hp Suzuki. Vinyl flooring of course. Lot's of storage, easy to trailer, low maintenence and also capable of bigger waters at times. That't just my opinion. My dream tiller for BIG water would be the Warrior, Ranger or Lund. In that order.

Best of luck! Most important have fun in your search.

[GJS]

Very good info. Just a follow up from my post above, my boat now is a Warrior V177BT with a 70 Suzuki 4-stroke. Can't wait to get it on the water!

[Slayer]

I love the open concept of a tiller boat. Long days fishing makes me want to move around a bit to stretch the legs. Tiller is out of the way and combined with a bow mount lets you move and fish without restrictions.

This my third, would only consider change if I went on bigger water. I wish mostly LOTW.

"The Slayer"

[Orange Whip]

GJS have you ever owned or driven a 70HP Suzuki 4 ? Your in for the biggest treat of your life!

[GJS]

No this will be my first time with a Suzuki, I have heard good things about them. For the last ten years I have had a Yami 2 stroke, it has been bullet proof so I am a hopeful that the Suzi is as reliable. Thanks!

[Dave G]

Every boat has pros & cons. I also prefer tillers but comfort & convenience are my main concerns. I have some pictures that made my boat much more usable (see below link). Maybe they will help you decide what you want for your next rig.

http://www.walleyesearchers.com/comfortsboat.htm

Dave Gulczisnki

[Orange Whip]

I've had 3 Yamaha's over the years. The 90HP two stoke, a 60HP two stroke and a 50 HP four stroke. As nice as the 50 was the Suzuki was nicer. The fuel injection was the ticket. Sitting in middle of the boat with the engine running the only thing you will hear is the stream of water coming out of the pee hole hitting the water.

And talk about power. More than enough. I wish I was there to see the smile on your face with that engine and boat combo when you hit the water. Enjoy and please get back to us with your thoughts!

[Orange Whip]

Verrry nice job Dave. You know how to work with wood. I'm jealous.

[Red]

Very nice set up and great comments from everyone. I got a quote for an Alumacraft Tournament Pro 175 w/ a 90 4-stroke Honda today. I might become a member of the tiller club.
Red

[Orange Whip]

That is something you will never regret Red. I guarantee you will love the additional room. Keep us advised.

Best of luck!

[SnellTier]

>My new Lund
>that I am picking up next week is a Lund Pro V 2025 with
>steering. The only reason I got that boat is because I fish
>Superior and have longer distances to travel.

Let me emphasize something Orange Whip pointed out. I ran tillers for 4 years. I travel some 30 to 40 minutes to spots on Lake of the Woods. That got really old after a few times. I now buy console boats.

If you are not going to do that much boat driving, a tiller is fine. As others have pointed out, a tiller provides much more room.

I have friends who all said they would only own tiller boats. When I started fishing with them, that is what they owned. Some of them are guides and said they needed the room a tiller gave them. They now spend time on the same spots I do on Lake of the Woods, Lake Superior, etc. They now all own consoles. None of them are running tillers.

It all boils down to how much driving you are going to do, in what kind of weather, and with whom as a partner. I just bought a new boat so I could get a SECOND console ... my wife is my fishing partner and I got sick of seeing her get out of our single console boat looking like someone turned a fire hose on her.

Good luck with your choice.

[80's Pike]

Just bought a 16' Sylvan Explorer Tiller boat. I pick it up 4-7.
It has a 40 4-stroke Merc. Hope I like it as much as you guys like your tiller boats.

[Orange Whip]

80's Pike if it is your fist 4-stroke motor you will thought you died and went to heaven. Enjoy yourself. Nice rig!