I have the 1648 Duracraft Stick Steer with a 40 Yamaha and it is one of the nicer aluminum stick steer models, but if I could have afforded the Royal I would be in one now. They look like top of the line to me and I would think the ride would be smoother.
I really like the stick steer but they are not made for rough water. Took me about 30 years to switch from the console steer, but I really like not having to climb up and down the decks and a couple of my buddies have hip problems so this is much easier on them.
I have learned to trailer the boat across the lake rather than putting in at a close ramp and having to run a long way across open water. Still got wet a couple of times though!! LOL