I am thinking of getting a new boat. I have a side console now. My next boat will either have a dual console or full windshield. I do fish early and late in the season and some times foul weather.
Any comments from people that have used both would be appreciated. Does it get in your way,etc.
One more thing, thinking of going fiberglass also, any comments on going to glass would be appreciated.
I fished out of Fish and Ski fiberglass boats for about 10 years. When the second one was sold I vowed never to get a walk thru, or dual, windshield again.
Bought a Ranger last year. It is a dual console(it was hard to find alot of single console bassboats which tells you something right there)which I was very skeptical about because of the walk thru windshield experience. It is has been absolutely no problem having the extra console. In cool weather it is actually preferable. I have sat in a single console boat during a cool weather run down the river and it is no fun. The dual console definately helps your passenger stay warmer.
If the dual console has glove compartment storage that is a plus, especially for little things like extra spool of line, scale, and a whole bunch of stuff.
On deck rod storage is no problem, even with 7 ft rods or an 8.5 ft fly rod stapped down (19 ft Ranger).
Would definately recommend dual console. Some boats come with removable consoles that can be taken out during the warm weather months then reinstalled later. Just a few screws. Ask your dealer if that option exists.
I have a new 620 with dual console. I like the dual over the single for basically the same reasons as above. I do wish in a small way I got the full winshield for early sping and fall fishing. Summer time however its nice to have the lower winshield. If I were to do it over again I think I would get the 620 with a full winshield. I have been in them the winshield does not get in the way just dont forget to shut it or at 60mph it will shut it self 
I have a single console Triton TR20 and I really love it. Originally I wanted to get the 2nd console installed ($700) for the wife. Then I decided against it because the only time she even half way thinks about going on the river is when it’s hot and sunny.
Personally I kind of like the single console. It has a lot more room which comes in handy during tournaments. There is more space for my co-anglers to put their tackle bags and things of that nature (I also leave an empty compartment on the back deck for them). The single is also nice when swinging fish into the boat. I don’t have to worry about hitting the passenger side console.
Although I really like only having the single, if I get a new TR21X in the Spring it will likely be a dual console. I like to make long runs and my Co-anglers take more of a pounding without the windshield. I also like the idea of having a glove box for my keys, phone and my handheld GPS (spare). Plus I think my wife would like going more if she didn’t take the full force of the wind at 70+ mph (even though I tell her we are only going 45 lol).
JT Bagwell
I run with Stickboy and I would have to agree…we both have 620 Rangers and they are awesome boats. I like the dual console and the full windshield would be nice when it is really cold but you can fix that with a face mask and goggles….having the low windshields in summer is nice to get the breeze. If you are going to run in a lot of rough water or cold temps go with the full wind shield…warmer and dryer. I have been in some pretty nast stuff with my Ranger and stay fairly dry no matter what how rough it is. The boat does a great job pushing the spray away….now if they could figure out how to keep the wind from blowing it back in that would be sweet. 
LOL Buckshot, I know EXACTLY what you mean.
Last week on Pool 13 the wind kept blowing the water my boat was pushing, right back into my face. I looked like I had just got out of the shower before I even made it to the main channel.
JT Bagwell
Count me as one vote for a full console. I have a 19 1/2′ Starcraft with walkthrough windshield, and I love it! The boat is big enough to store a ton of equipment and still not be crowded with three or even four occupants.
I fished out of a lot of dual console boats while prefishing for the RCL championship here, and, while they are nice for moderate weather, do not block the wind near as well as a walk through. I run with my center windshield open in summer, making it, in effect, like a dual console for more air flow and stay comfortable on 90+ degree days, and can block off most airflow and be comfortable at 50mph in 30 degree weather. My center windshield is equipped with a latch to keep it from blowing or bouncing shut while running in even rough water, so I can keep it open in summer.
One thing I would recommend, if you buy a full console, look for a boat with the console at least mid boat or farther forward. Mine is mid boat and has a huge front casting deck, which is really not necessary as I am generally the only one fishing from the front. I would like the windshield a little farther forward to make a little more room when trolling with a few people, or for pleasure boating. The trend is for BIG casting decks, but there are boats available with windshields farther forward. The only drawback I can think of for a front windshield would be a little rougher ride possibly. My Starcraft has one of the smoothest rides of any boat I’ve ever been in, which is a plus for a guy with a gimped up back like me 
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I have a Ranger Reata which is their fish/ski model. I went with this option due to the fact that my wife and kids are going to be drier, warmer, etc and that would in theory allow me to fish longer. There is plenty of room up front, and a nice deck on the back. They only thing I would like is more storage for the rods, but I do have enough right now. It sure is nice to have the windshield when you’re fishing in the cold…
I had problems with the full windshield on a previous boat. Broke the swing door and glass 3 times in the 10 months I owned it. I’ll add that I am hard on my equipment and do push my boats to the limit.
Again, I’ll admit I’m tuff on boats. My current boat is glass and has held up to 3 full seasons of serious beating. I will never go back to tin again. I’ll even go one step further and say I can break ANY aluminum boat made in one weekend on Mille Lacs. 
I have a full windshield and can imagine nothing else. Sure the extra space would be nice but I like the wind block for cold days, bugs and rain.
I guess I’m just about opposite of everyone elese here. Of course when your budget is limited to a boat in the 17′ range, a dual consol just takes up too darn much room. I live my single console for the ease of movement throughout the boat. It’s not the warmest ride, but I tell my partner to turn around and shut up. 
When your fishing in January, it doesn’t matter what boat you are running, it’s cold. 
Have fun shopping for the new toy!!!
I see how it is Waterfowler…don’t care about the passenger….nice guy. I suppose though….by freezing me to death when I ride with you it just gives you one more advantage towards outfishing me and you need all the help you can get!!! 
I hate to agree with him but I have fished out of a 1775 Pro-V with a dual console….really cuts back on the amount of room. If you are looking for a full console/windshield boat I wouldn’t go smaller than 19 feet.
Just my 2 cents….and if it is worth hafl that….well I’d be shocked.
Quote:
If you are looking for a full console/windshield boat I wouldn’t go smaller than 19 feet.
I agree.
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