Specifically side console.

I'm putting ideas on paper on how I want my hull built and can't decide which way to go. The boat will be used to hunt, fish, camp etc.. All year. I'll be making some long runs on lakes and rivers and would like the comfort of the console. Never been a fan of center consoles though, to me they take up so much of the middle of the boat. I've had several outboard boats with side consoles and liked them. The only tiller steer boats have been my current Longtail setup and a couple small outboards <30hp. Another reason for the consideration of a console is because my Left shoulder has been cut on and doesn't take the push/pull/vibration like it used to. I am afraid the tiller tq would put me in the hurt locker after some long, hard runs. The Longtail is rough on me after a day in the woods.

I understand there will be a pretty decent price difference but this is a boat that I plan on having for a long time to come so it's really not a factor. I know the tiller tq isn't as terrible on some motors as it is on others but it does make me apprehensive. Anyway, guys who have possibly owned both, give insight. Pro/cons welcome.

If u have long runs u can't beat a console, hands down way more comfortable

the PD stick steer looks pretty good too, looks very comfortable and visibility would be awesome, especially with other people in boat

I do like the stick steer setups.

The only thing I see being a disadvantage to me would be that it is fairly tall off the water. I'd ideally like everything to be shorter than the top of the motor. I run through some low hanging branches and such and I could see myself getting snatched out of the boat

I've only seen a few but I like this one. Pete built this one.




Sent from my beeper

That very picture is what got the wheels turning.....

Only thing I would change is level the 2 side boxes with the front and back deck. But that's just me.


Sent from my beeper

Try a crawfish skiff steering up front

Not a fan of a skiff, I've honestly never had a use for one.

And I agree NLA, I'd level all the decks and boxes on the same plane, probably an inch or less from the top of the sides. I like some of the flats boats where the decking goes all the way to the edges.

My new one slowly but surely working on it when I have time.

2048

8" cat walks

Off set console, not true side and not true center console, but will have the steering wheel on the left to where I'm still driving almost in the center of the boat.

Moveable / Removable rear bench/deck with room for 2 people to sit

I like that Pete!!

How much room is between the console and front deck? I'd shorten the console, move it forward almost to the back of the front deck (for a shorter boat) and make the rear deck bigger, but I do like that concept. The catwalks are great!

Got an offset console and love it. Leaves enough room to walk the catwalk down the stbd. side or use my popup blind with room for it to fold down next to the console.

Boat used to be tiller steer, would not go back.

I've never had a console only tillers and the more I drive the more I want a consol. Now that I got over blastin my motor everywhere I go its nice to just cruise and itd be real nice to do it without out having to hold the throttle and having your arm sticking behind you all the time.

If I wasn't frequently in situations where I need to completely pull my motor out of water to coast over sand bars to save my prop I would be spending the money quick for a consol.

With about 60 hours on the stick steer setup, I couldn't be happier. The visibility of running the marsh, comfort of the seat and facing forward, hot foot, and not getting beat up by the tiller when hitting logs and stumps is nice. A wheel is nice, but in the sticky situations, it's super easy and fast to maneuver like a tiller.

The stick steer on a pd is awesome, especially for bowfishing.
The side console is what i have on a gtr....i have no regrets.

IMAG0029.jpg

Haters are gonna hate but this is a damn good setup.
not the lightest, not the fastest, just tha all around bestest.lol.