Home Forums Fishing Freshwater Console vs tiller??

I've got an Alumacraft Lunker V16 LTD console. It's 'ok', but wonder about something a bit wider. I see boats offered as a console model and some as a tiller model. Last two I've had were consoles, but I've noticed a couple times when I've hired a guide they use tiller models.

What's the pros/cons with each and why do you prefer one over the other?

I think if you do a lot of trolling or back trolling a tiller model is better since it is easier to control the boat and fish at the same time. If you are driving distances and then fishing, a console is nice. Also if you are going by yourself, a console is good since it moves the weight forward in the boat and helps to prevent "porpoising". The tillers give you a little more floor space and are usually cheaper. That's likely why the guides use them.


SS

Good point. I thought of the space issue re: guides.. Kinda figured that..

Guess Ill stay with the console although sometimes the aisle can get a bit narrow when there's two of us and one is chasing a fish from one end to the other.. LOL..

I'm keeping an eye out for a somewhat wider boat than this one. Some of the deck boats are pretty neat, but then I'm getting into bigger bux.. BTDT..

Thanks much for the info.

Tillers are popular with guides because of the space they free up, but also because they are safer. The guide has access to and control over the main motor and the kicker without having to move. My 19'6" Wooldridge is a console, and that trip from the kicker to the console can be the longest 2 1/2 seconds of your life sometimes! That would be especially true with a boat full of clients who don't have a clue about boating. Tillers are also popular with guides and other advanced fishermen because they are far more responsive than a console. You can do quicker steering and use the main motor to get you in and out of places quicker than using the kicker.

IMO: Consoles are better for cruising, while tillers are better for fishing. Tillers offer much more precise control and convenience while backtrolling, which is, without a doubt, the way to catch walleyes. Yum, yum. (You do live in walleye country, I see.)

Consoles are a nuisance to navigate around while playing a fish, and they waste too much space, especially on smaller boats. If motor trolling wasn't a consideration, I might consider a console on a fishing boat that is 18 feet or longer, but still not on a 16 footer.

A few years ago, I bought a nice, simple, 16' aluminum boat that I'm pretty happy with, ........ the Lund 1600 Alaskan .
It's about 5" wider than your Alumacraft, with a wide-open, flat, vinyl-covered floor. (Clean-up is a snap.)

I opted for the 40 hp Suzuki 4-stroke (with fuel-injection and electronic ignition) and a bow-mounted, pedal controlled trolling motor. Will probably add the "Auto Pilot" feature to the Minn Kota this year. The 1800 Alaskan tiller model might could make me even a little happier, but still, life is pretty good. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Waders nailed it.

I am in the market for another boat, a sled. It will be a tiller boat, no question. A pure fishing boat.

Waders, do you have an outboard on your wooldridge? I am looking at possibly getting a tunnel hull and I know wooldridge makes them. Is your boat a tunnel hull jet?

Redneck, ya say you want a wide boat. I have a 1650 crestliner and it is as wide as they come. I dont recall the spread, but it juuust barely fits trought the garage door (single door)

Ya cant go wrong with a Crestliner either IMO. They are built like a brick schithouse. Stand next to one on a trailer and try to flex the side of your leg of hip into it. Note the lack of flex compared to others.

As others said, the tiller has perhaps more fishing advantages, but I can fish outta my console just fine. Plus those 20 mile boat trips on Canadien lakes are so comfy. Do that in a tiller and you arm will feel like jelly after awhile.
good luck

One other advantage to a console...it gets you a little farther away from the noise. For guys like me with hearing problems, that's a big plus. For guys with no hearing problems, it will help keep you that way.

Dick

Wow.. So much good info to digest.. I like the console, like some have said, for the trips across the lake but I've done 10-15 miles with a tiller across Lake Perrault in Ontario a few times. 'Course, I was YOUNG then. LOL...

I hate the console when fishing. It IS in the way and can be a PITA at times. The motor I have is an '03 Merc 40 hp. Really quiet and does a good job without gulping fuel.

I can sure see the point about the guides needing to have good control and safety issues. I'm sure they get a bunch of clients who've not seen a boat in decades.. LOL..

The guide doesn't have to worry much about me. I spent a few years in the Navy on submarines, been fishing in little boats all my life and for five+ years owned a 25' Carver Montego w/twin 180hp Merc I/O's on the Mississippi.. THAT was a sweet setup... Glad I sold that before gas got over $1.50 at the marinas.. LOL...



Decisions, decisions.. I may have to take a drive to the dealer and see what's in stock.

Sincere thanks to you all. You've given excellent advice and great insight into what I may need.

Very best to you..

My grandfather (who is rather ingenious) rigged up his tiller Honda 4 stroke with a steering wheel that was parallel to the side of the boat, rather then perpendicular, and was in the rear of the boat. He did it using a cable, some pulleys in the corners of the boat, and a drum that the steering wheel was attached too. It works well for when you are cruising across the lake. You can sit facing forward and use the steering wheel beside you. It a throttle lock on it, so you set your speed and go. When you are trolling you use the tiller from the same seat. It works well for him since he doesn't have to sit twisted when he's driving long distances. It also doesn't take up any floor space. I have to admit that it isn't the prettiest thing in the world, but pretty is as pretty does in a utilitarian Northern Saskatchewan fishing boat! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />


SS

I prefer the tillers for their fishability,(read boat handling) open floor plan and simplicity. It is about the only way to run your boat with one hand and fish with the other.The consoles win for comfort in running down the lake and allow the use of bigger outboards for higher speeds. Normally I won't make 20 mile runs to a fishing spot, but in touraments they are often necessary.
For those that prefer glass boats there aren't a lot of tillers to pick from. Mine is an older Stratos 217 tiller with an 85HP Evinrude backtroller. I personally wouldn't want to one- hand anything bigger with my injured left arm, but my ten year old can handle it. There are power assists available for the big motors, but if I really decide that speed is that important I'll just have to make the switch.
Model70guy