Looking at a new boat, not sure what is gained by going full windshield? The Mrs. likes the idea but really does not fish very often. Seems like the extra space on the side consule would be nice. Anyone have a thumbs up or down either way?
Looking at a new boat, not sure what is gained by going full windshield? The Mrs. likes the idea but really does not fish very often. Seems like the extra space on the side consule would be nice. Anyone have a thumbs up or down either way?
How big of a boat are you looking at? If you fish any sort of big water (i.e. Superior, Michigan, LOTW, Mille Lacs to name a few), when the weather/waves come up and you need to make a several mile run back to the landing, a full windshield is definitely preferred and will keep you dry. If you just fish small lakes/rivers, a full windshield isn’t as much of a benefit in my opinion.
Another benefit of the full windshield is if you do any sort of anchored fishing (sturgeon or catfish). If you are fishing on a really windy day, you can anchor with the bow into the wind and be mostly out of the wind with the full wind shield. You wont be completely out of the wind but it will make a big enough difference to at least make it tolerable in heavy winds.
Also, the full windshield gives you the option of adding a bimini top for those days when you want to get out of the sun/rain/snow.
If it gets you into a boat, do whatever your wife prefers. You will both be happier. 
Age also makes a difference as one gets older and wiser you tend to want creature comforts more. My last two boats have full windshield and I would never have one without. My age is 72 and three weeks a year I fish Rainy Lake (big) and also known for windy days. In my younger days boats were smaller less money and I didn’t mind getting wet or cold. Not so much these days.
If you fish early and late season (just after ice off and all the way until ice up) the full windshield is very nice when its cold and you are the driver. I went from a single counsel to full windshield and will never go back
This isn’t even close…full windshield.
Let me put this another way. Ask your wife or fishing buddy to stick their head out the car window while you drive to the lake…just to get them ready for what they are about to experience. I don’t care how nice it is outside, for you to be protected and your wife/fishing partner not protected is, well, not very nice.
Brian
Full windshields are not a guarantee to keep you dry in big waves. But they are great to be behind when traveling in cold weather.
I have a double, buddy has a single. Agree with above comments on double. Major advantage of single is more room easier to fish a third person.
Full Windshield
Are you asking me or the FW?
The answer will change depending. At 60 years old I’m too tired to argue with her. 
Depends a lot on your fishing style and where you fish. I have a full windshield, and it is very nice when fishing bigger bodies of water, rivers, etc., getting from point A to point B quickly while staying as warm and dry as possible.
My grandpa has a single, and he only fishes smaller northern MN lakes, and has no interest in going extremely fast (60hp) or fishing in wind/rain (retired, there’s always tomorrow to head out). I love how open his boat is and easy to move around the boat.
Positives to both, depends on your style of fishing. In all honesty, I like the single better but need the full.
Tiller! All jokes aside…The way I see it, if you are wanting any sort of boat with a windshield, get a full windshield. I have never owned one, (went from a CS to tiller) but have fished from them and I prefer them over a CS. Once you’re used to one windshield, it isn’t hard to get used to a full. Plus your passenger will really enjoy going with you more. I feel like keeping the passenger happy is more important to us married guys than a little more fish-able area.
If you fish early and late season (just after ice off and all the way until ice up) the full windshield is very nice when its cold and you are the driver. I went from a single counsel to full windshield and will never go back
X2
I switched 4 years ago and won’t go back. Biggest reason cold season river fishing it makes the elements manageable and big water is so much nicer with a full windshield won’t ever go back.
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