Tiller steer?

I got back into fishing just a few months ago and I bought a 16' Carolina Skiff. The boat fishes OK, but that huge flip flop seat and center console makes maneuvering around the boat cumbersome and floor space is very limited. When rods are in the vertical holders I have to lean out over the gunnels to go up front and return.

I'm thinking a more open cockpit may be easier and safer for me. I love sinkermaker's walleye layout and micorps deep V side console Alumacraft looks very fishable and solid (we've exchanged PMs about this). To me, it doesn't get more open than a tiller steer. I know you sacrifice HP and speed, and weight distribution might be an issue. Wind at cruising speed I see as problematic on cold winter days; but having everything either at your finger tips or only steps up the centerline is real appealing. The ability to put a bait tank up front is also very appealing. I'm thinking a deep V aluminum tiller steer might better suit me. Any of y'all have this type boat? Recommendations? Drawbacks? Ideas? Would solo launch be any more difficult than with a wide bow like I have now?

Thanks in advance.

I solo launch a 24 ft pontoon. It's doable. Just gotta figure different ways to do something. I know wind is a challenge but I love the space I have.


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Originally Posted by Lloakley930

I solo launch a 24 ft pontoon. It's doable. Just gotta figure different ways to do something. I know wind is a challenge but I love the space I have.


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I've shopped those as well. Don't have the tow vehicle for that but I'd imagine a pontoon is the ultimate open deck.

Inkdabber has a really nice tiller steer and he seldom leaves his seat if he is single pole jigging. Big open floor plan too for moving around if pulling jigs. He will have to tell you the make as I can't remember, but it is a neat layout.

I am debating that also if i were to buy a new boat, i recommend watching walleye central or the fb group walleye boats for sale. You will need to make a roa trip though. Lund and alumacraft make nice aluminum tillers, i like larson fx as far as a glass boat tiller that are more affordable. You can also put a 200hp on the 20-21 ft models if your concerned about being undrpowered. I fished twice from a 20-21 ft lund proguide with a 200hp tiller. I will say i was looking for something to hold onto.

Launching or loading a deep v tiller is just as easy as my boat by myself as long as you can lock the throttle when loadig until you latch the rope.

This is the larson deep v tiller for example. I have never seen used ones even for this price btw. This is the 20' but they make a 17 and 18' this is glass btw.
New 2016 Larson Fx 2020 Tl, Crosslake, Mn - 56442 - BoatTrader.com