Single Vs. Dual Console?

[jamescaird]

I fish alone alot and see the obvious fishing benefits of a single console...but I'm wondering how big of a difference it makes for the passenger or more importantly my wife and/or daughter when I take them out a few days a year. I've ridden as a passenger in a single console, and it was windy, but it's also windy in a dual console. Actually seemed just as windy to me in a dual console. What about in the winter?

My preference is a single console but don't want the passenger to be miserable....I fish in the winter alot.

[bryanw80]

If you fish with three or more people in the boat the passenger console just gets in the way. With the passenger console there is not much room to fish in the center of the boat.

[BFerris]

I bought a dual console and regret it! My next boat will definately be single console. I have a 21 ft. boat and the console still is constantly in the way...

[Hitman]

I have two small boys that fish with me all the time. Having them tucked behind a console definetly out weights any negatives of the consoles getting in the way of fishing. I'm sure your wife will love you a little bit more when you mention you bought a dual console to keep her protected.

my equation has always been FAMILY+BOAT=DUAL CONSOLES

Hitman

[Fishn Fighter]

Having been the passenger in both. I must say that in the winter it may stil be windy but it is MUCH warmer tucked behind that console.. In the summer it helps from getting pelted with the clouds of bugs on those early am late afternoon runs...

I own a DC and my son, niece, mom, girlfriends... all appreciate it more than the extra space anyday... and to be honest all I need is that front 2 or 3 feet anyway.... If I fish three I can fish two off the back deck or one can use theback part of the front deck.. Now if all three are chucking crank baits I do not care if you have a 30 foot boat...... there is still NOT enough room...

Any way... If it comes down to affording the DC or a decent trolling motor, or upgraded graphs or cool sparkles on the paint. GET THE DC you can always find a deal on the trolling motor. graphs or go to walmart and get some glitter glue.... ..

[kopper_bass]

James,
Instead of asking all us bass fisherman, you need to just do one thing - ask your wife!

Ask her this - " Honey, which is more important; me having all the confort and roominess to fish in my new boat, or you & our daughter being protected from flying bugs, cold weather, and the occasional raindrop smacking you in the forehead at 60 miles an hour?"

If a console wasnt important, helpful, or otherwise useful, why put one on the driver's side too?

I think you know the answer.

In all seriousness, if you really want your kids and your wife to also enjoy the pleasures of your new boat, whether its fishing, or just a joy ride on a nice day, get the 2nd console for their comfort and enjoyment. You can spare that extra little space, just for them. Otherwise, they will forever be negative about going out with you.

Something to consider.

Kopper_Bass

[tiki_man]

if you only take your family out a few times a year, get the single and keep your speeds down when you go with them. i have a dual but recently fished out a single and was amazed how much roomier a single feels, not to mention easier to get around.

[blkdog812]

well said kopper. best to keep the troops happy than to have them make life miserible

[CN]

The first thing my wife told me when I ordered my Ranger was it has to be a dual console.

I think with these 20' plus Bass Boat's as long as you get the full deck extension's the extra console is not a problam and I am glad I got the dual console.

[JustinD]

All depends on your needs. I myself regretably have a dual console and will make my next ride a single. My buddy actually took the console out of 520 and raves about the extra room. If your looking for a family boat then go for 2 if your looking at strickly a fishing boat then 1 is best espically if you like fishing alone.

[Terry Smith]

James DUAL CONSOLE FOR SURE!!! The wife and kids will love you for it. I find my neck is A little sore from trying to hold it against the wind in A single console boat and when its raining the console raly helps out.

Terry

[tunaman]

As a passenger I love a console... especially in the mornings, or in inclement weather, or when the bugs are thick, etc. I have a Z-20 DC just with the passengers in mind, the first of course being my wife. There is definitely more room without it, but as stated a 20' platform is roomy enough (for me) with the dual consoles in place.

As for the wife/girl friend/kids, I'm sure they feel more secure with the console in front of them... I know the first time I rode in a single it was a bit spooky. I've gotten used to it now, but certainly appreciate those Pro's that I've drawn who opted for the second console... nice to have it to tuck behind when you need to!

Roger

[andy collins]

I like rideing in a dual console, But love the fishing of a single console. 8 hours of fishing comfort verse 1 hour drive time. Its whats inportant to your needs. Kopper bass is right in line. ASK YOUR WIFE!!!!

[mike goodwin]

James,

I order a new boat every year and all my boats are DUEL counsel.
My co-anglers love a little protection from the elements. But most
of all its there for my wife. I think a single is great for small ponds
but not for the big water. Most pro's really don't care about the
co's well being but I do. Plus when I put my boats up for sale,
they sale quick.
Any questions feel free to call me 928-706-7519

[tunaman]

Most pro's really don't care about the
co's well being but I do.

Just another reason that you're a class act!

Roger

[mike goodwin]

Roger,

As you know I've been blessed winning alot of duckets doing what
we all love to do. But besides the $$$$$ i'm personally there to
make a great friendship with the guys that fish with me when the
dust settles.
Duel consels all the way.

Thanks for the kind words Roger....MG

[eddremax]

I've had duals on 4 boats since 1988. I recently took out the console on my ranger 521. What a big differance.My normal non -boater likes it out too.Luckily I can put it back in, takes about 15 minites. I did this for my dad on a 3 day clear lake trip. Got it home and took it out immediatly.
Ed

[Long Nguyen]

Did you sell the Scout Marcus?

Single console and slow down when your wife or daughter is riding shotgun.

Those 8' sticks won't be pushed up the console when you have a single console.

Think dual console for resale purposes.

[J.B.]

My 08' Nitro Z7 has dual console's. But the nice thing is the console's are easily removeable with a couple screws so you can run a single most the year and then just bolt it back on when its time for the Ladies or selling it.

[flippenfool]

Dual console no doubt, I fish on the front of my boat not the middle, your non boaters as well as your wife will appreciate your decision. I don't have any use for that space except to walk through. Good luck, all our going to get is everyones personal opinion,so there is no right or wrong. It also depends on the size of the boat you want and what you plan on doing with this newly gained space.
Good luck with your decision,
Mike

[upriverLMB]

(A) Fishability = single console
(B) Looks and resale = dual console

I choose (A) every time
My wife wouldn’t dare ask me to buy a dual console
I wouldn’t dare ask for a personalized shopper at Nordstrom


LMB

[Cooch]

I think the choice is a personal one. Each has it's own Pros & Cons that apply to the indivuduals needs, boating and fishing requirements, hence the reason boat manufacturers have made each style. There are many good points posted here for each choice.

You need to make that decision based on your life style, fishing style and future plans, that evolve around why yer buying that boat in the first place.

[leachman90]

Mike,As a co angler I could'nt agree with you more.Hopefully we will get drawn out together at an up-comming tournament some time.When I get my boat here in the near future I will be looking at a dual 1st.Thanks again Mike for thinking the way you do.GB...Jim

[Quantum_Kid]

I definately like the Duel Console better. Especially during the winter.

Plus, in some boats you can remove the second console.