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Side console vs full windshield

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16K views 51 replies 40 participants last post by  Mdwelder  
#1 ·
I'm looking for a new boat. Right now I have a 14' tiller steer but would like a 16'-18' boat that can handle the bay on most days, but still fit in the Tit when the waters high. Until now, I've been looking at full windshield boats exclusively, but in my searches, I'm seeing a ton of side consoles and even some tiller steers ranging from 16'-20' telling me there's at least a few people who must think there is an advantage to the side consoles and tiller steers. Basically I'm looking for opinions on what you think is better? Tiller, side console, or full windshield for fishing inland waters and the bay? I know these will be opinion based answers. Just looking for why some people prefer one over the other.
 
#18 ·
I think you answered your own question....why do you think you see so many for sale? ;)... If plan on staying somewhat dry, fishing with a woman or kids at all, get a full windshield with canopy and side windows. Colder weather in spring and fall you will really thank me. Good luck on your search, go as big as you can, 18-22' aluminum unless you have a big truck, then go glass.
 
#7 ·
If you have kids, first crappy day you’ll wish you had a full windshield with Bimini and curtains. I had an 18 foot bass tracker we fished Lake Erie on, awesome for fishing the river. Had my boys on it and an unexpected rain shower with wind made me put that thing up for sale. Just my $.02.
 
#10 ·
Tillers and side consoles offer more floor space at the expense of comfort. As others have mentioned, the first day with any kind of walleye chop and your guests will wish you had a full windshield. On the bay I'd have nothing less. You mentioned you wanted a 16-18' boat that will handle the bay "most days". Having fished for years in a 16' boat, I wouldn't say it handled the bays most days. A lot, yes. Most? No. That is a minimum size and you will still need to be very choosy about your days. Also, a full windshield in a 16' boat will really cut into space in such a small footprint. Depending on budget, I'd look hard at an 18'.
 
#13 ·
I don't disagree with any of the other posts...but the side console does have some advantages other than just cost. Mine is a side console and it gives you much more room for jigging in the rivers and for moving around chasing snags or fighting/netting big fish. The advantages of a full windshield are obvious but you are giving up some mobility and fishing room. I would think a full windshield would be better for big water and trolling, but I think I would stick to a side console for jigging/casting rivers and smaller bodies of water.
 
#15 ·
Just an FYI but: Many of the side console models that you can find for sale are the exact same hull as a double bubble or a walk through. In fact, many of them you can order the correct left and right sides, the windshield, and everything.

I would do a little research but, if it is a big cost savings over buying a full windshield outright, you might be able to add those things after the fact at a huge savings.
 
#17 ·
I have a side console on a 16.9 Crestliner and it has a lot of room for that size boat (5 seats). It handles the bay pretty good but if your a weekend fisherman on the Bay like I am and have to depend on your weekend off to fish, I 100% agree for the Bay with a chop you would appreciate having at least a windshield and possibly a canvas cover and maybe even side curtains. I have looked at buying another boat for the Bay and when I do it will be between 18' - 21'. Good luck in your search.
 
#20 ·
I started out fishing the bay with a 16’ side console boat. It was ok on very nice calm days but any wind and it wasn’t pleasant running back to port. I upgraded to an Alumacraft Trophy 185 with a walk through windshield and Bimini top and it made a huge difference! My wife and kids feel much safer riding behind the windshield and it keeps them dry. There are days where I still wish I had the side curtains because you can still get a little wet with a strong cross wind in a good chop.


Sent from my iPhone using Michigan Sportsman
 
#25 ·
This is all about what you can afford or willing to spend imo. I wanted the side console for the extra room in a smaller package, I love it, my wife hates it! Getting harder every year to talk her into making the 2 hour drive each way to the bay. Unless you have sailors that are ready to fish when you are regardless of the weather buy the full windshield.
Love me some 40 degree water over the bow!
 
#26 ·
I remember my first ride in my buddies Lund pro V side console on Erie.
Mid-summer. So we are wearing shorts. He opens that thing up and next thing I know my pockets turn inside out and everything in them is blowing all over the boat. Lost most of it.
Felt like I was on a motorcycle.
 
#27 ·
go with a 18' if you can. I had a 16.5' then switched to a 18' and its a huge difference. both were walk through with full windshield. go with the extra length if you can you won't regret it.
18' still trailers great and can still fit in garage for most people if that's a desire.

good luck boat hunting!