Stick Steering

[geckogeo]

Does anyone have experience, good or bad, with a boat with stick steering? It seems like a good idea to sit, steer, control trolling, etc, from the front of the boat. But, I have read that bass tournaments don't allow them. Why? I'd appreciate any info about this.

 

[Ranger354]

Re: Stick Steering

Muddy,<br /><br />My father owned a boat in the early 70's that had stick steering. It worked ok till the winds got up and waves got rough. Always had trouble remembering which way was which.... Left push forward? Right push forward? I never did like the darn thing. We started fishing Bass turnaments in it, but that was way before you had to look good to fish. Heck fish don't care what you or your boat looks like.<br /><br />I heard that Ranger Boats didn't not like the way the B.A.S.S. turnaments are held now days with "Fishing" as one part and "Boating Course Manuvability" as the other.<br /><br />That is why you see B.A.S.S. promoting Triton boats.

 

[rkoenigsma]

Re: Stick Steering

i never liked the stick steering either. i always had a steering wheel. sometimes you will get confused which way to go and go the wrong way and hit something or go into shore.

 

[sawcat]

Re: Stick Steering

STICK STEERING IS USED MOST OFTEN BY COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN ITS INEXPENSIVE <br />& CAN BE RIGGED JUST ABOUT ANYWHERE FORE,AFT,<br />PORT,OR STARBOARD IVE USED IT IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT SETUPS OYSTERING,CRABBING,& GILLNETTING DONE ALOT OF WATERSKING W/ OYSTER BOAT IT CAN BE SET UP IN CENTER/AFT &STEER PUSH RIGHT GO RT. PUSH LEFT GO LFT. IF SETUP PORT OR STARBOARD EVERYONE WILL GET CONFUSED IN STEERING EXEPT YOU AFTER YOUR USED TO IT IM REFURBISHING A 17 JUNIPER SKIFF NOW & WILL PROBALY RIGG WITH STICK I HAVE NEAR UNLIMITED OPTION & WHEN DONE RIGHT IS VERY RESPONSIVE & ACCURATE DONT BE ASCARED OF IT <br /> (FISHTREMBLEATTHESOUNDOFMYNAME)<br />

 

[DJ]

Re: Stick Steering

There's nothing wrong with it. I can be confusing if one is panicked or not used to it.<br /><br />With the speed of bass boats today, I suspect that is why BASS doesn't allow them.

 

[DP]

Re: Stick Steering

The only stick steering I am aware of is made by EZY-GLIDE and it is only rated for 40HP. Great for slow speed trolling but dangerous at high speed.

 

[JB]

Re: Stick Steering

Ahoy, Muddy Shoes. I had stick steering on a 15' Fisher many years ago, with a 25 HP on it. <br /><br />Anytime the water wasn't FLAT it scared heck out of me. Nearly foundered more than once.<br /><br />I don't recommend it for even medium sized waters or any engine over 20HP.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[Ranger354]

Re: Stick Steering

I do not know if B.A.S.S. outlaws stick stearing in their turnaments.<br />I think if the stick is used properly it can be affective. Or it can get you in deep trouble!

 

[mac bass]

Re: Stick Steering

if you can"t remember which way to push the stick then you don't need to captain a boat anyway. They will get you wet in rough water. and yes they are only rated for 40hp motor

 

[Ranger354]

Re: Stick Steering

Mac Bass,<br /><br />I remember it like it was yesterday. I was running a river near my home town one evening looking for bull frogs. Yes we were frog gigging. At once the air in front of us was full of mullet jumping. They were spooked from the spot light we were using. We were not even 1/4 throttle and just putting along. After three big fish bounced off my chest I was in such a state of shock that I couldn't remember which was was left (back or forward). We had 16 mullet in the boat all between 1 and 3 pounds. That must have 25 years ago and no I didn't have a Captain's Lic. <br /><br />Never did like that darn boat!

 

[letsbarbq]

Re: Stick Steering

to wise boaters,<br /><br />I just purchased a v20 wellcraft. has 150 yamaha outboard. I was wondering if those expensive trim tab will do a good job on my boat. Do i even need them? What about those hydrfoil you screw onto your keg? its about 30 bucks. will it work too?<br /><br />can anyone give any advice regarding this matter.

 

[letsbarbq]

Re: Stick Steering

sorry, meant to post new post.

 

[geckogeo]

Re: Stick Steering

I think the best plan is to get in one for a try and see how it works for me.<br /><br />Thanks for the insights.

 

[mac bass]

Re: Stick Steering

stick steering is good on smaller boats that don't have room for consoles