Alumacraft Tiller Question

[gunflint]

I've noticed in the 07 Alumacraft catalog that tiller models (no pictures of tillers anymore, just drawings ) That the two aft pedestal seats are both on the starboard side. Is there enough room for the fisherman in the seat forward of the operator to fish on the starboard side, or do both people in the back of the boat have to fish out of the same side? Thanks.

[uglystick007]

Which model? The lunker does have strange seating because it is narrow and has those tall side walls. The navigators show a seat on the port side. I have a 1998 magnum 165 with similar seating to the navigators and it works great. I did add a height adjustable seat post to the drivers seat so I can see over the passengers better when under way.

[gunflint]

I'm looking at the Lunker or the Yukon.

[JDM]

What kind of fishing do you mean? I had a Lunker and I drifted or backtrolled a lot and never had an issue with three guys in the boat. I actually could put four seats in, so I had the fourth one added just below the raised deck on the other side. It was a nice boat for the money, but we outgrew it. I do miss that tiller boat control though. A lot of Walleyes were pulled into that boat.

[Giant_Jackpot]

I ran my fish Hawk tiller the same way. I fished out of the left side since that is the way I was facing. The guy in the seat in front of me fished out of the right side. No problems. One nice thing about having the other guy right in front of you is that when you are running in rough water, he will take the brunt of the splashes!

[gunflint]

And you can run faster in a heavy rain.

[Fish On! Guide Service]

Hey Gunflint, I own an 04 tiller Yukon with a '04 40hp 2 stroke Yammy. Nice rig, less money then the Lunker (same boat, just a different paint job). Runs about 29mph WOT. Threw a set of Whitecap splash guards on it and then outfitted it fairly well. I love the vinyl decking...easy wash, no stains, pretty much maintenance free. An all around solid rig that fishes 3 extremely well. I fish off the left and have the middle person fish off of the right; the bow fisherman can fish off of either. I paid $6850 for this rig new in Oct. 04.

Stephen

[gunflint]

That's a great price. I'm limited to a 25hp. The Yukon used to be about 60 pounds heavier than the Lunker but now I see that it's the same boat. The floor plan on the Yukon shows the back 2 pedestals on the starboard side so I was thinking that if there are 4 of you in the boat, would the back 2 guys have to fish out of the same side. It sounds like it's not much of an issue.

[Fish On! Guide Service]

I just went to their HSOforum and the new models differ in floor plan design from the 04 model. Mine is set up for 3 anglers, not 4. What kind of money are they looking for now on these?

[gunflint]

06 Lunker, 07 25hp Honda, Tilt and Trim, Splash guards, Roller Trailer, 3rd Seat, $11,000

[JDM]

I had the 04 Lunker and if I could give you any advice at all, I would tell you that if you have the money, get a bigger motor. I had a Yamaha 30 HP 2 stroke on it and when I was alone I could get about 26 or 27 MPH GPS. Add one guy and it dropped to 18 MPH. Add a third guy and I couldn't get on plane and the best I could do was 12 MPH. It really needed a 40 or a 50 HP, which I believe was the maximum for the tiller. You won't regret the bigger motor, especially if you plan to fish with other people and if you see any bigger lakes. The Lunker is a pretty sea worthy boat for it's size.

[gunflint]

I would love to get a bigger motor. The problem is that the Forest Service restricts motors to 25hp in the BWCAW lakes where I fish.

[Fish On! Guide Service]

3 guys with gear...right around 25mph with the 40. Crack the throttle and she's on plane in no time. I was just at Cabelas yesterday and looked at the new layout and lemme tell ya Gunflint, that seat in front of the operator looks like it may be a pain in the keister. It does, however, look like they should be able to fish the starboard side without too much discomfort...or, you could fish out the back and have them fish Portside and still be comfortable.

I've been looking for a 25hp just for such occasions into the BWCA. For the money, I couldn't go wrong with my purchase.

Stephen