Consuls, Single or Dual. Your choice and why?

[Deadeye]

Which do you have and which do you prefer?

If you were buying a new boat, which would you order and why?

I had one dual consul years ago and at the time I thought I would never have another. But now after not having the second consul for quite some time (and having my wife start to fish more often now) I am considering buying my next boat with a Dual Consul.

I would like to know if you have one or not and why you if you do, do you like having one. Also if you do not, why and why do you not like having one.

All the Pros and Cons you can give are welcome.

[Creel Limit Zero]

Never had a dual console, but have fished as the rider in them. 

Pro's -
Extra dry storage for keys, wallet, registration, insurance, phone, etc... 
Cuts down wind for rider

Con's
Extra weight
Leg room for rider is cut down
Real tight, especially if you have an extra rider
Can get in the way of your rods on the front deck on certain boats, even seen broke tips because of the way they had to let them hang over the side because of not enough room.
Can get in the way for the riders rods

The extra storage is nice and cutting down the wind, but for me I like the extra space so my boats will be single console.  I'm sure if my wife fished with me more, I might consider a Dual. 

[oldjim]

Once  you have run down a lake at 35d at 40mph or more you know why to get a dual console,
Oldjim

[Princeton_Man]

Never owned a dual but fish out of a few. Seems to be more confining and limits mobility when trying to net a fish. They look good. Just my opinion. -Jim

[Craig314]

Once  you have run down a lake at 35d at 40mph or more you know why to get a dual console,
Oldjim

+10 here, I really hate the cold and with this winter being so nasty love the dual.

[Bigwrench]

I have a single now but the next boat will be dual console for my fishing partner Schlich . She gets awful cold over there while running. . I will probably lose space on the port side where I lay my rods but am hoping a new 21' Ranger will work in that situation lol.

[Donald Garner]

My Stratos has a dual console.   If I was ever to buy another boat it would have a dual console in it also.  I like the dual console having fished team events back in the 80's all the guys ran single consoles.  I froze, was cold, bug beaten and wet from sitting in the pax's side.  I told myself that if I ever bought a bass boat it would have a dual console.  My fishing partner wouldn't suffer the way I did.

Pro's: 
Storage for key, phone, wallet, sunglasses etc
Blocks the weather & other elements from partner
Looks cool

Con's
Personally I don't have any issues with it.

Here's mine 

[coldfront]

I have a single now but the next boat will be dual console for my fishing partner Schlich . She gets awful cold over there while running. . I will probably lose space on the port side where I lay my rods but am hoping a new 21' Ranger will work in that situation lol.

new rangers leave room between the gunwale and the console for the rod tips. 

have a single.  but it's a short boat.  space is at a premium.  and it doesn't go that fast.  although at below 40°F, even 30mph is plenty fast...

[Deadeye]

Thanks for the feedback so far guys. I was/am leaning towards the dual but wanted to see what others thought if they already had them.

Anything we get will be better than what my wife has now. In my current boat she has to sit on a throw cushion that in on the dry storage box on the port side. Not very comfortable.

I will use it more alone, of that I'm sure, but I want her to be as comfortable as possible when we go together.

[Polaris425]

Once  you have run down a lake at 35d at 40mph or more you know why to get a dual console,
Oldjim

Yep. Or 75mph. Lol

[BOATS]

Makes no difference to me, however my co might have a different opinion, first boat was dual console current boat single.

[bluebonnet2]

good morning.

dually al the way... comfort for your passenger on cold morning....

I fish with a couple of buds that have single consoles and its damn cold at 6.30 in the morning...

here's mine...

charger 181.....

good luck,
PURA VIDA,
bluebonnet2

[fishinfranklin]

If I was looking at a new boat I would want a boat that had a removable passenger console. Myself I do not like a dual console it gets in my way. But in the cold months it would be nice for the passenger.

[bass1cpr]

   Dual console have better resale value.

[Nutt]

If I was looking at a new boat I would want a boat that had a removable passenger console. Myself I do not like a dual console it gets in my way. But in the cold months it would be nice for the passenger.

My new Nitro has the removable console.  Not sure if I will leave it on during the summer, but it will stay on this time of year.  I have always been partial to the single console because of having more space, but I think I will like the dual, also.

[Andrew]

I've had both. I can see how the dual works for the passenger to help block wind ect. I found with my dual consoles I've had is after awhile no matter how many times I say not to, people pull themselves up from the seat with my passenger windshield. It would always make it come loose after awhile. The glove compartment was always nice but it isn't a deal breaker. So I'm liking the single console I have at the moment.

[West6550]

I like my dual console. I like the storage for my keys, phone, gun.. it's just plan handy.

My boat has built in rod holders for the passenger so no problem on the rod thing. Also newer boats have cut outs (mine does and its a 2009) that move the consoles over a tad to give more on front deck rod space.

[Bobby Saffel]

I have a single console, but it's an 18' boat. I've been the passenger in the bigger boats with dual console and loved it from a passenger stand point. No harsh winds and if it's raining, it gives you something to hide behind. I can see where it gets in the way of the guy on the front deck. If you fish with a partner, I'd say go the dual and maybe look at the removable style console. If you solo fish most of the time the. I'd say go single console.

[DaveP63]

A duel because my wife would insist on it. Having had too many cold boat rides, i wouldn't argue the point.

[RedTop]

Dual for every reason mentioned....BUT!!!  If I was buying a new boat I'd get one with a removable passenger side....If it's just me fishing no need for it.

[Nelsonv1975]

I bought my boat with one specifically for my partner. Those rides in the morning in 30 degree tempts can be brutal. I don't have one complaint at all.  Here's mine.

[Deadeye]

Thanks for all the replys and thoughts guys. As my wife has just started to fish with me as of last year I think anything I can do to make her more comfortable and wanting to keep going will be worth it.

This is the model that I have been looking at, not this particular boat, but this model RT188 Ranger with the dual consul. Notice the consuls are set to allow the rods to pass by them. Seems like a nice lay-out.

Ranger Dual Consul

[fishinfranklin]

That is a good looking boat,,And I bet that console will come right off with just a few screws if you ever wanted it off the boat.

[Oldfart9999]

It's always better to keep Mama happy, for the sake of your fishing aspirations.
Rodney

[Donald Garner]

Thats a nice looking boat.  We have Ranger Dealer in Harker Heights and they had a couple sitting in the lot.  I was impressed with it.

Here the Link I made it hot for ya.


Ranger Boat