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I'm thinking about a stick steer boat like a tracker panfish or something similar . I broke my hip in 1981 so I'm 1 1/2 in shorter on one side add old age 61 over weight and it's getting to be a pain in the dupa to step over the middle seat on my boat . Most fishing will be on Lake Wateree so anyone have or had stick steer and your opinion ? Thanks
Welcome to the site.:welcome
Stick steering makes it really comfortable and convenient because you never have to move to fish or run the boat. I have toyed with getting one myself. the main drawback is rough water. If you have to beat out a storm and waves it will beat you to death and wet you too.
The other issue I had when I drove one was I never felt like I was in total control in the front, planed out at 30 MPH. Felt more like I was hanging on, but I guess you would get used to it.
Like I said, especially if you fish by yourself, it is really nice to have everything up front and not have to walk back and forth in the boat.
Bought an express stick steer last year and really like it. Most of all it depends on what type fishing you want to do. If you want to troll with two people up front this is not the right boat. I bought one with the livewell on the side and really like having the open floor plan. Best I can tell you is to look at all the different boats and make you a list of all the things you like and want on yours and then find someone who makes it like you want. If you like the express you may want to contact BRM on the Arkansas or Mississippi board he had the best price by far and may make it worth your drive.
I fish out of an 88 Bass Tracker pf16 stick steer and have been for almost 27 years. That should tell you what I think about them. Like SeaRay said, the only drawback is riding in rough water, it will beat you and it will wet you. However, I put up with that because I love the convenience of being upfront with all the controls, trolling motor, depth finder and not having to move around in the boat.
The express stick steer has a good v bottom and you do not get wet in rough water. It can get a little rough when the wind gets up but I just slow down a little and it's no big deal. I had a bass tracker with console and it was just as bad in rough water. Most of the new stick steer boats have come a long ways in the last few years.
I fished out of a 96 Panfisher for 6 years. Heck of a good boat for crappie fishing. The only draw back it going across big water when the lake is rough. I would still be using it if I didn't have a 80 pound dog that likes to fish also, wasn't enough room for both of us in one seat at a time so he wouldn't let me fish where I wanted to :biggrin.
You will be happy with one with the problems you said you have.
Welcome to Crappie.com, glad to have you join us here.
Hey TB I just saw this tonight and believe me I am tempted to go get it myself. If you get it you owe me a trip in it. This is a really nice package at a good price. What y'all think??
https://myrtlebeach.craigslist.org/boa/4846407732.html
That looks like a good deal Ray!
My dad bought a Tracker Panfish this past spring and he loves it. The biggest reason he went with the Tracker was the non-painted aluminum hull. He leaves his boat in the water and the non-painted hull is a breeze to clean with aluminum brighter when it gets stained. He went with a 40 HP 4-stroke Mercury and has been completely satisfied. It is a little tough to fish in the wind, but he's been fishing all year in these blustery conditions and catching fish! I don't believe he has regretted his decision one bit and I sneak off in it after work from time to time. For 1-2 people you won't find a more more comfortable fishing rig in my opinion.
Thanks for the tip Ray:highfive but not ready to purchase anything yet . Thanks TB
Thank you for all your replies . I want aluminum and I like the Tracker Panfish but worry about the plastic seat pedestals I weight 255 last check .I believe the Lowe Stryker SS and others use aluminum seat pedestals . Like I said I'm still thinking this over after all this maybe the last boat I buy Mrs. TB will probably think the same .