? tiller vs console steering

Just bought my first console steer and I'm 42. I won't go back unless i have to. I don't like the sitting sideways to tiller. Running lines its much easier to keep your eyes on the line and keep it slack while baiting with one hand on the wheel and other on fw/rv.

I think it depends on the length and width of the boat. If you have a boat that is less than 1548 (15 ft long and 48 inches wide at the floor) then you are sacrificing a LOT of room for the console. Just walking from the back of the boat to the front becomes an excercise in agility. That is the whole reason many small boats are stick steer.

Personally, in a small boat I'd gladly give up a little comfort of having to sit sideways and hold the tiller if it means keeping the boat open. In a bigger boat, then no doubt - go console.

I agree . my war eagle has pods/tiller steer . 1542 . size is everything .

The last tiller steered boat I had, I mounted the motor about an inch off center to the left. That way, I could sit just a little off center to the right and steer with my left hand while sitting straight forward.

Yep, that is what I was wondering - thanks for the input so far.

I bought a 1648 Tracker last year with fully open floor, and opted for a 25hp tiller steer to keep the floor open. Glad I did, the console would have taken up too much room for my application. Wish I would have got a 30 hp motor though!

If your running for more than 10 minutes per time, your forearm and wrist will get very tired.

I have a 16' Alumnacraft welded mod v that I run a 40hp tiller on. I live on the coast so the boat prob sees more salt water than fresh. I chose a tiller steer because I didn't want to have to worry with corrosion on the controls. I bought the setup in '97 and no regrets. I can run in shallow water cat fishing in the winter and in the bays also. Plenty fast and good handling.

blong said:

If your running for more than 10 minutes per time, your forearm and wrist will get very tired.

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There are a few things you can do to minimize that. Like I said earlier - offsetting the motor to the left will help. Also, make sure the anti-torque fin is in good shape and set correctly (if it is adjustable - not all are). Lastly, some motors have a way to adjust the spring-back tension in the twist trottle. Too much spring-back will definately make your wrist sore.

There is another option that is often overlooked. Stick steer! Have had mine about four years and do not want anything else. Lots of floor space and and great when fishing alone. And for people who may have trouble moving around in a boat you can do everything without ever leaving your seat.

That reminds me sawman, I still need to make a fishing
Trip with you.[smile]

Hey B&B, hadn't seen you on in so long I thought you had gone the big fishing hole in the sky[smile]. I'm ready when you are.

Naw I'm still around. Just do not say much.