Sculpin
Well-Known Member
Ok. I sold my big rig and I am looking to go to a hardcore tiller set up. I haven't run a tiller since my youth and the odd time with friends boats of late. I need to get some input from the serious tiller men out there. I want to get back to the basics and the wind in my face for fishing.
I am looking at a nice 18.5 foot plan from Cope boats. Self bailing decks and high sides. I will probably be powering it with a 60 hp Mercury 25" shaft SeaPro with the hydraulic Big Tiller set up. I have read that this motor is the same as the 70 hp Yammie. The Yammie guy's lied about the output and the Mercury put's out more than listed. Going with the Merc. I hate liar's.
Here is the link to the plans....
https://www.aluminumboatdesigns.com/stock/openboats/Cope18ft6in12degOpenSkiff_046.html
Please not that the plans show a 20" mount for the motor but the Mercury is available with a 25" shaft length. That will increase the shown transom mount height by 5".
Looking for thoughts on layout, gps puck location, screen location, etc.
I have scrounged the internet big time for all the cookie cutter boats out there and the awesome Aussie and Kiwi boat builders that build great tiller model sea boats. They have some good idea's but I am just researching real world idea's. This boat won't be built until this winter so I have lot's of time to keep researching.
This is going to be used for crabbing, prawning, salmon fishing, and near shore bottom fishing.
The big question really is about the Mercury Big Tiller and people's experience with it.
I am looking at a nice 18.5 foot plan from Cope boats. Self bailing decks and high sides. I will probably be powering it with a 60 hp Mercury 25" shaft SeaPro with the hydraulic Big Tiller set up. I have read that this motor is the same as the 70 hp Yammie. The Yammie guy's lied about the output and the Mercury put's out more than listed. Going with the Merc. I hate liar's.
Here is the link to the plans....
https://www.aluminumboatdesigns.com/stock/openboats/Cope18ft6in12degOpenSkiff_046.html
Please not that the plans show a 20" mount for the motor but the Mercury is available with a 25" shaft length. That will increase the shown transom mount height by 5".
Looking for thoughts on layout, gps puck location, screen location, etc.
I have scrounged the internet big time for all the cookie cutter boats out there and the awesome Aussie and Kiwi boat builders that build great tiller model sea boats. They have some good idea's but I am just researching real world idea's. This boat won't be built until this winter so I have lot's of time to keep researching.
This is going to be used for crabbing, prawning, salmon fishing, and near shore bottom fishing.
The big question really is about the Mercury Big Tiller and people's experience with it.
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