torn between which motor

[imgonnamissher]

If you are comfortable with both prices, don't care whether or not it has a tiller or console (keep in mind this is more money by the time you buy steering wheel/cable, console, start switch, controls (if the motor doesn't come with it)), then I'd say decide based only on which motor is in better running condition. If money is an issue, go with the 40. If comfort for long rides is a concern (it is for me), go with the 50. Personnally, I am spending the extra money to put a console in my boat as I build it because I like the comfort and I like to have better weight distribution for better handling (IMO). You just have to lay out the facts and make the logical choice for your preference and your situation. Hope I haven't caused you more confusion. BTW, that's a good looking boat. I hope to see it in the mod forum soon for you're personal customizations. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

 

[MrSimon]

I really like consoles, but your boat is set up really nice for a tiller. Those rear boxes will make it much easier to drive the tiller than if it had a straight rear bench.

There is something to be said for the simplicity of a pull start tiller. No battery, no cables, no console, no throttle controls, no wiring, no ignition system. Just pull and go.

You sound like you are leaning toward the 40. It will push the boat just fine and you'll be happy with it. It certainly wouldn't be a bad decision.

 

[fish2keel]

Im not leaning towards either really. Im really stuck in the middle.

Like said though it seems like a perfect hull for a tiller and just to keep the boat simple since im fishing alone most of the time.

Although a console would be more work it would be nice as well

So its hard to go either way there both great motors!

The 40hp is a johnson and the 50hp is a mariner if that makes it any different

 

[Zum]

I have had a couple tillers, 2 side consoles and, 1 center Console. None of them over 16ft boats. I will take a console any day over a tiller.

If the boat is 1548 or bigger I would take a Center Console hands down!

The Tiller guys always talk about more room????? Fishing is done from the front and rear decks. I don't understand what you wanna do in the center of the boat that you need that much room???

If a tiller was that great it would b an option on bass boats and offshore boats too.

Man,you got me right defensive now
They do make some large tillers 250+ with power steering.

I fish by myself mostly and from the bow.
Alot of the what I call nicier fish are landed from the stern.I'm lower to the water makes it easier to net them.
A console does take up some room,plus the controls etc., so there will be more maintaince.
I like the way a tiller feels in my hands,water sometimes splashing me a bit.
If I were going on hour long runs in a chop maybe I'd switch to a console but for the smaller runs I do,I'm happy with a tiller.
Seeing as there both used outboards I'd be looking at the one thats been the best cared for.

 

[Lil' Blue Rude]

The 40hp is a johnson and the 50hp is a mariner if that makes it any different[/quote]
That's easy get the Johnson. If you decide later that you want more power youcan buy 50hp carbs for it and it's an easy swap same goes for turning it into a steering it's an easy swap. It's not brain surgery to change carbs and a tiller out. The carb swap is 4 nuts and the tiller would only be 2 bolts and a plug or 2 and the throttle linkage. If you don't want to take up space and you want steering you moght look at a suicide stick, I don't knw what there actually called but instead of a steering wheel it's just a stick that you push forward to turn one way and backwards to go the other way. They say there weird to get use to but people that have them love them.

 

[fish2keel]

They call those stick steering down here.....

I hate those so much! I have never gotten the hang of using them

I will never be running even close to an hour for any where I wish so theres no need to do that.

The johnson tiller is in better shape it looks great and it starts up on one pull after sitting cold for a week and a half. Seems to be a good deal there!

Anyone no where I can find some johnson oem parts like the rubber tiller handle piece and the pull cord?

 

[fish2keel]

I got a question for you guys.

You see the picture on the first page of my boat. Its completely open and I want a place for storage or maybe even a live well. I know ive seen these in person and i always see them on swamp people but do you guys have any pictures of those half boxes that are usually on the side of the boat? I see them on mud boats all the time!

I thought about putting atleast one of these in on one of the sides of the hull and maybe run a live well on it. The half benches in the back are full of foam and I dont want to cut into these so I dont mind having someone build me a box.

Anyway have anything to say? I fish fresh water and wont be fishing salt at all. Im not going with anymore of a deck since i love where it all sits now.

Thanks

f2k

p.s. if anyone fishes in central florida let me know if you ever fish hell n blazes, lake washington, stick marsh maybe we can get a group or a few boats and fish plus you always got a ride on my boat

 

[dyeguy1212]

search "pods"

https://www.explorebeavertail.com/flotationpods.html

 

[fish2keel]

I knew when I wrote that post that someone would thing I was talking about pods.

Im talking about a box thats inside the hull. There usually storage on mud boats like the gator trax and go devils.

I was thinking of putting on in the boat. Didn't know if anyone had set up a boat this way

Thanks

f2k

 

[dyeguy1212]

I knew when I wrote that post that someone would thing I was talking about pods.

Im talking about a box thats inside the hull. There usually storage on mud boats like the gator trax and go devils.

I was thinking of putting on in the boat. Didn't know if anyone had set up a boat this way

Thanks

f2k

Yeah the "side of boat" and reference to mud boats made me thing that was what youre talking about.


Sounds like you need to find a picture and show us. From this end, it sounds like youre talking about a plain storage box. Not much to see there :?

 

[fish2keel]

The non painted aluminum box's are what im talking about just like that. What do you guys think of those?

Maybe not two but possibly

Thanks

 

[imgonnamissher]

Box looks simple enough - if it's what you want, I'd say go for it - should work just right for a live well. As for the motor - definitely the Johnson - much better quality motor and (as already stated) will puch the boat nicely and change overto a console easily later if you like. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[fish2keel]

I called the guy regarding the johnson tiller and will be picking it up on friday morning

I contacted a local marine welder today and they are going to build me a storage box/live well such as these

What do you guys think of this console? Saw it on swamp people and have always loved it!

I usually will fish alone and it sure would be nice to keep the wind off of me when running down the lakes and rivers

 

[imgonnamissher]

Now that's a console!!!! :LOL2: :LOL2:

 

[bAcKpAiN]

Bolt the tiller on and go fishing. Don't look I switched to a console because of my back or I would have gladly kept the tiller.

 

[fish2keel]

Yeah I love that the tiller just lets me pull the cord and go!

That console is growing on me more and more I see it!

Did some renderings of my boat with it and it should look great....different....but great!

Now to find some plexi glass to use!

 

[reedjj]

www.akmccallum.com

Sells all sorts of storage box's, consoles, gun box's, and live wells for jon boats.

Scroll down to the accessories tab and click whichever one you want. If you know someone with aluminum welding skill you can use this page as an example to show them what you want built and compare the cost of these to the ones you may get custom built.

 

[fish2keel]

There seaark alaskan console looks awesome! I could cut out the steering bracket and it would almost perfect. Guess I need to take a tape measure and figure heights since the lowe center console with a 30" height might actually so good too. That sea ark seems to be alot of money compared to the lowe. Wonder what the welders price will come up with