|
|
Posts: 2089
| I know this has been debated several times, but I had an epiphany this weekend and am now leaning to a tiller with power steering.Any opinions?I've run both on big water, but I think the Mertens Power Steering can be the difference maker.Haven't run a big tiller with it yet. Steve |
|
| |
|
Posts: 2427
Location: Ft. Wayne Indiana | You know me, I love big tillers. I would go with that 620T in a heartbeat.
Order that #*^@ thing today! Don't wait, you know you want it!!!!! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1936
Location: Eau Claire, WI | Steve,
There are many days I honestly miss my old tillers. If what you are considering is either the 618 Tiller or 620 Tiller with a 150 and power steering I really don't think you would be sorry. I had the opportunity to be in a 620T last season and there was so...... much room. And the way they have them layed out with rod storage, etc. is very nice in my opinion.
From a guiding perspective I had my old tillers set up for my own space in the back. I would control everything from the back of the boat and actually got so comfortable back there that I even fished in the back when I was alone in many cases. What was nice is that on clear lakes I was 16-18 feet behind the trolling motor so there was little chance to spook the fish with the troller, gave a guy a chance with get'n them on the 8.
Good luck... |
|
| |
|
Location: Des Moines IA | Hey Steve,
I don't have alot of experience on either, but the console takes up alot of room. Being net man on my buddy Dave's Nitro with 2 consoles there isn't much room for tackle. My Lakewood has been banned from his boat. His boat is 17ft. My boat is 14 with front and rear deck a middle bench seat. I still have room for both of us to have a lakewood. IMHO,I have to go with the tiller. Especially with the new power steering modules ,no reason to have a console anymore, they just get in the way! By the way the Leaders worked out great this weekend out at Shelbyville. Threw that DDD too! Thanks again! Going to pleasent creek in mid april can't wait!
MuskieMike
|
|
| |
|
| Steve, think of all that extra room you would have for your clients this summer! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 3918
| get the tiller. tiller is best for trolling. save the room on the deck for more important things. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 32953
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | We're installing a Merten's on a 2060 Osprey T Monday. I think it will be a kick fanny rig with the 150 HP motor. That said, once used to a console, it's tough going back to sitting out there in the breeze. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 34
| For you Tiller people, where do you cast from in the rear of the boat? Do you have custom built casting platforms or do you just stand in the bottom of the boat??
One of the benefits I see to consoles is the front AND rear casting platforms.
I've seen many nice used tillers for sale that I would really like to pick up, but am skeptical about how my fishing partners will like it (I get the front no matter what in my boat!!).
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 1335
Location: Chicago, Beverly | I have a Tuffy Rampage 160XT with both front and rear casting decks and its a tiller. I like the room I get with a Tiller. I prefer fishing from the back of mine(rear casting deck), but have trouble finding friends to work the trolling motor for me..lol.. guess I shoulda got a power drive instead of a allterrain.. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 34
| Kevin,
Do you have any pictures of your rear casting deck?? Is it custom built??
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 1335
Location: Chicago, Beverly | I'll take some pics this weekend and post them. I think it was done by Tuffy, but it looks as if it can be easily copied.. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 19
Location: Slinger Wisconsin | I have a 2003 Esox Magnum tiller with the rear deck. The drivers seat is mounted to the side of the deck and a base is in the center. I often put my stand up seat in the rear and power my boat with my rear mounted trolling motor. It works great for slipping the wind when it's really blowing. I have trolling motors on both the front and rear. It makes it very versatile to fish under most conditions. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1536
Location: God's Country......USA..... Western Wisconsin | Both are great ways to go. We sell more wheel boats here but most of the full time guides go with the tiller. If you are going to do a lot of trolling go with a slightly smaller 4 stroke such as a 140 Suzuki. It will troll down much better than any 150 we sell. Virtually no need for a Kicker or a Vantage at the rear. If you feel the need for speed, go with a console and put some real power on the back a Duece or a Duece and a Quarter will do nicely. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1438
| Uh Oh, Mike's been sellin' boats too long. He's getting that boat slang going on.
Actually Mike, haven't talked to you for a while. Hope everthing is going well with the new job and all.
Take care,
Scott |
|
| |
|
Posts: 32953
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | The Merten's System went into the new 2060 Esox Deep V easily, and the rig is expected to be on the water very soon for it's maiden run. Bill, the owner, lives up by you Steve, and would be happy to give you a ride. |
|
| |
|
| Tillers are great. The only time I don't like them is when its COLD and or rainy. Thats when that console is nice. Otherwise yes the tiller has more room and I believe is for the purest of fisherman. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1916
Location: Greenfield, WI | I have had consoles in my both Tuffys. The console in my Esox Magnum has NEVER gotten in the way and you can walk right around it if need be. |
|
| |
|
Location: Munster, IN | If you like getting cold and wet go with the tiller, otherwise choose the console.
I have DC and it's the only way to go. Then again I am 50 and I am looking for comfort. Did my share of tillers of the years and have wussed out for the console. Not sure if wisdom comes with age but I am happy with my choice. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 2427
Location: Ft. Wayne Indiana | The Ranger 620T might be one of the driest boats I have ever been in.
Gregg Thomas and Herbie fishes out of them, and I have been in both. They are simply awesome boats and very dry. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1335
Location: Chicago, Beverly | here's the pics
Attachments
----------------
 Copy of P4030030.JPG (53KB - 278 downloads)
Copy of P4030034.JPG (46KB - 252 downloads)
Copy of P4030037.JPG (59KB - 275 downloads)
Copy of P4030038.JPG (46KB - 296 downloads)
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 17
| i have a 2025 pro-v le. i think that it is the best of both worlds. i have the t-8 mounted on the starboard side, so when trolling, all of my dash mounted electronics are right there and i don't have to change chairs. the console doesn't take up any room on the front casting deck. i think i get 2 more compartments over the se model. a buddy of mine has a 2003 esox mag, the console is set back. i haven't seen a new 2060 yet, but on the tuffy web page, it looks like they moved the console foward a few feet. living on mille lacs lake, a glass boat was my first choice, but the layout and set back console of the pro-v le prevailed and i don't regret my decision at all. thats why there are so many makes and models out there, everybody has a different opinion on what works the best for them.........tom f |
|
| |
|
Posts: 32953
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | The 2060 Consoles are 4" further forward than the 1990 were. The boat is almost 6" longer, so no real difference in cockpit room. Watch next week for pictures of the 2060 T with an Engine Steer system installed and a 150 Yamaha. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 670
Location: Otsego, MN | I really like the new tillers like the 620T ranger and the big warrior. What kind of a price difference are there between the 620 console and the tiller 620 T. Was looking and the new 620 consoles and the prices are insane! How much cheaper are the tillers?? Anyone know???? |
|
| |
|
Posts: 2089
| Jeff,
The '05 620T with a 150 Yamaha 4-stk and the Mertens(Enginesteer) power steering system installed retails around 38K.Used are much less and leftover '04's can be had for under 30K.The power steering option is about 2G's.Won't find any used with the 150, as it's new. I looked hard at wheel boats too, but the difference between owning it and making payments was too great.Rigged, difference was 10-13K.I grew up running tillers.The Ancient Mariner thing.A little nuts in November, but that's what Filson and Gore -Tex are made to handle.Have to be prepared.Through the store, we'e just ordered special facemasks designed for anglers running at high speed or in inclement weather.Can't wait to try it out during hatches this summer. Steve |
|
| |
|
Posts: 656
Location: Forest Lake, Mn. | Steve:
You've got mail |
|
| |
|
Posts: 34
| Steve,
Where did you get these special facemasks for anglers running at high speeds??
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 2089
| We just got them in over the weekend.They are called Fish Hedz(I think that's right).They come in tons of colors and custom patterns.Kinda cool.I don't know the exact material, but it's hard like a helmet.The most important part is that the field of vision is still large.Clear lens.No more cold forehead either!Will come in handy this summer during hatches and when running fast in the rain.Sweeeet! Worth the $100, if you fish a lot. Steve |
|
| |
|
Posts: 34
| Like this??
http://www.fishhedz.net/
Looks like something out of Star Wars. Is there a back to it or just some straps to hold it on you head?? |
|
| |
|
Posts: 432
Location: mpls | The company that makes the mask for Fishheadz is the same company that makes V-force goggles for paintball. They are very light weight and will not fog up. I play piantball profesionally and am on a V-force sponsored team. I have used there goggles for years with no complaints. Everything that they make is HIGH quality! I would not hesitate spending the money for a set.
Joe |
|
| |
|
Posts: 364
Location: in the white boat | Owned nothing but tillers all my life, and a few years ago my wife told me she wanted a boat that would be more "family friendly" for boating and such. Traded in my tiller on a side console rig, and after one season I sold it. Got a Ranger tiller now and all is well.
Not sure I can give you solid reasons why the tiller is better than all the wheel boats my friends are running, I can only say that once a tiller-man, always a tiller-man. Seems to me that a boat with a wheel compared to a tiller is like comparing a car to a motorcycle. Sure, the car is more practical in some situations, but the bike feels a lot better.
EJ |
|
| |
