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The benefits of Tiller, Console or Sport
SPORT, CONSOLE OR TILLER LEVER?
The possibilities are endless, and they all have benefits.
When it comes to selecting a fishing boat, the choice between fibreglass or aluminium boat is only the beginning of the choices a buyer must consider. Today's boats have a dizzying array of choices in terms of interior layouts with side consoles, twin consoles and all competing with traditional tiller controls for the buyer's attention. So how do you decide what is best for you?
SIDE COOL
Side consoles are most often seen on 16- to 20-foot boats powered by outboard motors of 40 to 200 horsepower. The advantage of a side console - normally positioned roughly mid-ship on the starboard side - is that it provides a familiar car-style steering wheel that is more comfortable to use with higher-powered outboards, especially when combined with a nonfeedback or hydraulic steering system.
The disadvantages of a side console are that it limits a certain amount of free space in the boat, and steering and throttle control require two hands.
DOUBLE CONSOLE (SPORTS VERSION)
By adding a second passenger console along the port side, dual console (sport version) boats take advantage of all the benefits of a side console model and make it that much better by adding secure storage for valuables like purses, cell phones and the keys while protecting the driver and passenger from the wind and elements as they cruise from place to place, allowing owners to comfortably extend their season earlier and later in the year.
The trade-off is that where one console takes up a certain amount of deck space, twin consoles gobble up even more. That's why they're most often seen on larger boats over 5 feet in length, and especially on boats with wide hulls that can afford to give up some space for more comfort.
TILLER MODELS
For those concerned about losing floor space to one or more consoles, the answer is to eliminate them altogether and opt for traditional tiller steering. Once limited to smaller boats and low-powered engines, tiller steering is now available with outboards up to 150 horsepower, making it a viable option for even large and heavy boats with big water.
The tiller steering is immensely popular with serious anglers in particular, who appreciate the ability to control the direction and speed of the boat with just one hand, while leaving the other free to hold the rod and feel sensitive bites. The tiller steering also offers unparalleled control when trolling.
High-end tiller trade boats now have compact 'consoles' that extend along the aft end of the port side of the boat with engine gauges, space to mount electronics. With the midship and bow floor completely open, Tiller trade boats offer a huge amount of usable space for their size, often including extra-large pitching decks that make full use of the space that would otherwise be taken up by the consoles. The downside of open space is that the driver sits far in the back of the boat, where visibility can be limited by fellow passengers.
SO WHAT'S IT GOING TO BE?
The good news is that buyers have never had so much choice, so finding just the right boat is a matter of looking closely at your needs. Of course we, Alumacraft Europe, are here to help you with your choice. Get in touch with us today!