dual console to single side or center??

[Okiebo]

I was contemplating on either removing my passenger console or ditching them both for a center console. 1973 18' supersport starcraft. I know with one side console I will open up more room for angling gear and people. Center console limits that a bit I would think? I know thw value of having a passenger console for windblock on those cold mornings. But I want the best function. Fishing is my main goal for this boat even tho I could pull a skier. Ideas and opinions?

 

[ondarvr]

Re: dual console to single side or center??

We need more info to give a good answer.

How and what do you fish for?

What part of the country do you live in?

Do you have a family that will be on the boat with you?

 

[Okiebo]

Re: dual console to single side or center??

We need more info to give a good answer.

How and what do you fish for?

What part of the country do you live in?

Do you have a family that will be on the boat with you?

1: I target what is mostly available to me which is black bass, catfish, crappie and stripers.
All are rod and reel mostly but a few times a year I jug fish for catfish. This is usually for the fish frys.

2: I live in Oklahoma and target most of the state.

3:yes I have a large family that fishes the jug trips but other than that it is limited to just meand a few friends or my 2 older boys.

I know it all leans back to my own preference. I just didn't know if I found someone out there that has already been threw this decision.

 

[Okiebo]

Re: dual console to single side or center??

I do admit I am a bit indecisive! I am planning on looking at newer boats after the first of the year. I am looking for a bass/ duck boat tho. I don't know if I plan to keep this or not but it would be handy for those windy days. The only reason I purchased it was for the rough water ride.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: dual console to single side or center??

1. What do you see other people using in the same fishery you target, is it a CC?

2. Do you fish year round? A CC is very cold in anything but very good weather and although there normally is a windshield, it really only helps the driver and not all that much.

3. Families tend to not like CC's, the seating is reduced, getting around in a small CC can be a hassle, there is typically less storage area, and again they can't get out of the wind and weather.


I've purchased 2 CC's, one I knew I was going to gut and change the layout, it went from tight for two people as a CC, to great with 3 after the rebuild.

The second one (19') I have left as is so far, but I do dislike the layout for how and where I fish, plus the family hates it for any water sports.

CC's have their place, typically warm coastal areas and targeting certain types of fishing, as you move inland and/or to cooler conditions they tend to be less popular, throw in a family and they become even less desirable.

A duel console with an open bow gives you the most room, more storage and the happiest family.

 

[Azonic]

Re: dual console to single side or center??

I am going with a Center Consol personally..

I have a 16' Starcraft Mariner...

Your Super Sport is a littler wider and deeper than mine, so you will have more room...

I fish mostly with one other person..
Mainly one of my kids or both..

The center console for me provides a good place for 2 of us to fish from and good path for me to get around to the kids when they need help....

The storage issue is something I am trying to address...

I am going this direction after having the boat setup as a dual console this past year..
It provided the same seating difficulties as the center console, as it did not have back to back seats, and one of the kids had to sit on the back bench or what ussualy happened was both of them would be back there...

Your best bet would be to gut the boat, and try a few things out from a layout stand point...

Try to walk around in the boat with something representing a CC, then as duals...then as a single... put in a cooler and some gear, see which is easiest to get your gear and such in... invite the family to a picnic in the boat in each layout and see if it works for you...

Better than building one way with the time and money, and hating it withing the first couple of trips out...

 

[Okiebo]

Re: dual console to single side or center??

Azonic, that is some good advice! I didn't even think about putting the whole family in and seeing how people sit. I have already gutted the boat. I have a restore thread under 1973 supersport. Its not gonna be high class restore but will have function first. I am a person that likes to be prepared so lots of storage is a must!

 

[vegasphotoman]

Re: dual console to single side or center??

Single side would be easier...since it sounds like you dont want to invest too much tim in this project ...might as well make it easy on yourself!

There are ALOT of starcraft owner builders in the iboats forums......watch out you might get hooked on those starcrafts!

ps POST SOME PICS lets see what ya got!

and also visit starcrafts website for some ideas on the new layout.......they still make boats!

 

[Azonic]

Re: dual console to single side or center??

... I didn't even think about putting the whole family in and seeing how people sit. ...

If you look and find my rebuild thread you will see I am doing a layout in cardboard prior to making a final decision though...

I hope to have some models built this weekend..

And I have actually been watching your thread...keep up the good work..