Posted 7/29/2017 3:48 PM (#872071) Subject: Opinions needed on a 17-18' tiller
Posts: 49
I have a 165 Alumacraft Classic currently and I want to step up to a slightly larger boat. I tow with a Toyota Tacoma so I was thinking of staying aluminum to keep the weight down. What I don't like about the 165 is the front deck is too small for two guys an the rear is tough to stand on for anyone not used to it. I tend to fish in the back when I have a guest but have a tougher time controlling the boat from the back, so I'd rather be in front. I do prefer a tiller, but if I can't get a bigger rear deck I may not have a choice.
Posted 7/29/2017 4:37 PM (#872074 - in reply to #872071) Subject: Re: Opinions needed on a 17-18" tiller
Posts: 16632
Location: The desert
You should have no issues stepping into fiberglass with a Tacoma to tow with. 18-19 foot will get you a nice sized front deck. I tow a 1890 Tuffy with a Jeep, it works good enough.
Posted 7/30/2017 8:52 AM (#872125 - in reply to #872071) Subject: Re: Opinions needed on a 17-18' tiller
Posts: 386
You're going to have a difficult time casting two people on the front deck in most sub-20' tillers. However, the Backtroller Avid seems to fit the requirements with regards to casting deck size. You can add a removable front and rear casting deck which really increases the deck size. That's probably the best option for you and the boat will beat the pants off any 18 foot aluminum tiller.
Posted 7/30/2017 9:48 AM (#872130 - in reply to #872125) Subject: Re: Opinions needed on a 17-18' tiller
Posts: 296
A tuffy 1890gt is a great 3 person musky boat. Front deck is huge and I fish 2 off the front regularly. I had a 1760gt before and that worked for 2 up front but a lot more crowded. The extra width at the bow really helps. The 185 competitor alumacraft looks to have a big deck also for casting two.
Posted 7/30/2017 11:17 AM (#872142 - in reply to #872130) Subject: Re: Opinions needed on a 17-18' tiller
Posts: 32882
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin
NickD - 7/30/2017 9:48 AM
A tuffy 1890gt is a great 3 person musky boat. Front deck is huge and I fish 2 off the front regularly. I had a 1760gt before and that worked for 2 up front but a lot more crowded. The extra width at the bow really helps. The 185 competitor alumacraft looks to have a big front deck also for casting two.
Look at the Tuffy Esox Deep V for a big casting deck up front and a removable casting deck/storage box in the back with gull wing lids.
Opinions needed on a 17-18' tiller