Thread: Stick steer or side console?

Just my opinion:
I have both stick steering and side console. I far more prefer the stick steering because the console takes up my ice chest space, and a lot of room in general. The stick steering is nice because once you get in the boat, you don't have to move around and risk stepping on a rod, etc. It's also nice to just pull up to your spot and start fishing.
My vote is for the stick steering......
There are some awesome deals on old fiberglass "hawg troughs" as my dad calls them, if you know how to work on outboards. I bought a whole rig for $425 bucks with a 65 merc on it that just needed rewiring, and a whole stick steer rig for $100 that required a used crankshaft, piston, and connecting rod for $20 off ebay, along with a NOS ebay steering system that I got for $75 (a steal!!--wish I could find another steering system for that price). Look for good transoms and solid floors, though, or you will have a nightmare. Also, make sure that the floor isn't full of water----if it is, you don't want it.
GOod luck,
JBJ

I debated that question when I bought my last boat. The stick steering is no doubt the handiest since you don't have to move from the seat to fish or run the outboard.
I have had both in the past and I now own a console steer. My reason is I am more comfortable in it in rough water. I have gotten caught a few time in really bad blows and it is hard to run a stick steer boat through a rough high chop and you will get soaked. I also find it more confortable to make long runs (which I try to avoid) with the console.
My wife is a non-fisher but she occassionaly likes to go our for a boat ride and it is more comfortable with the 2 of us seated side by side on the bench seat behind the console.
If all I did was short runs and only used it for fishing, the stick steer is a fishing machine.Since I can't afford 2 boats, I find the console more versatile.
Really depends on the type of fishing and the lakes you will be on.
SeaRay

hVE BOTH..AND FOR CRAPPIE...ITS THE STICK STEER FOR SURE...HERE ON BISTINEAU THE TIMBER IS SO THICK ITS MUCH EASIER TO GET IN AND OUT OF IN A STICK STEER RIG...IN OPEN WATER YOU MAY GET A LITTLE WET FROM THE SPLASH BUT FOR ME ITS STICK STEER INDEED../GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR CHOICE..ENJOY IT

Mo for where u fishing u will Probley be Better off with a side console and can Probley make a better deal on one. Go talk to ms laurette at boat city USA. And let her know what u are looking for. Or get on computer and loon on craiglist. If u wanna drive u can make a deal just had a buddy by a 21ft allision boat with motor. 7500 including fuel cost to drive 700 miles

The stick is the way to go,you never have to move once
you sit down and if and when you are older as I am that
mean a lot.

I've had both. The convenience when fishing is great. Rough water or passing oncoming boats is very rough and sitting in front is the roughest wettest ride. I have a console Ranger and wouldn't go back. It depends where you fish and what you want to enjoy most from your boat.

I've got a stick steer and really enjoy it for the same reasons others have mentioned already. One other reason, is the ability to see things in the water closer to me. Sitting right in the front gives you a little more advantage from that perspective. Whichever you get, hope you get years of enjoyment with it.
Scott

Stick steers, in my opinion, are also safer. Especially for kids. They are a lot less likely to fall out of a stick steer than they are with a boat that has gunwhale-level decks.