Was wondering if anybody used the center counsel boats for trolling out on Lake Michigan and Superior I like the idea of being able walk around and have a lot of room but concerned how well they can handle the waves out on the big water
While not common , yes, it certainly can and is done. I have 2 customers that use center console Skeeters for that.
I have a Bombardier Fish Hawk 200BF and use it quite a bit on Superior. In fact, probably 70% of my time on the water annually is out on Superior. I’ve battled 3-6’ waves out to Isle Royale and has never taken a wave over the bow or gunnel. The great thing about a center console is that they’re designed to stand while underway so it means your knees take all the shock from waves instead of you back from sitting in a chair. Far more comfortable than sitting in big waves.
Center consoles are definitely great fishing boats but they tend to have a little less room near the stern. That means less room where all the action is happening when trolling. They tend to have less storage including rod storage. I assume most have self bailing decks so that means a wave over the bow will inherently drain right out of the boat. But that comes at a cost because they will sit high in the water making them a little less stable.
Overall I love my boat because you get a lot of bang for your buck but you have to live with a few shortcomings.
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Had a Skeeter 20′ bay boat for 5 years when I had a winter house on the gulf intercoastal waters. Fantastic boat for there. A real pleasure to fish out of, but sold it when I moved back here full time. The 210 is a little bigger boat, but you will be severly hurting for rear room when trolling with that center seat, as it will always be in your way. Also not sure what the transom hieght is on the 210, but on mine it was 20′, and thats a no go for all but the calmest conditions on Lake michigan. Also keep in mind that the bay boats in that size range are built to run and float in shallow water that does not have much for waves, but not so good for Lake Michigan. Larger bay boats that were designed for the ocean, or the deeper waters of the East and west coast, would be a fantastic option for Lake Michigan and such. The self draining hull is a nice feature but might get questionable if mounting a kicker on the back, and especially if you used the livewell also. I used to have water enter in with a full livewell at times. I really miss that boat, was great to fish out of, but there are better options for what you are looking for.
The self draining hull is a nice feature but might get questionable if mounting a kicker on the back, and especially if you used the livewell also. I used to have water enter in with a full livewell at times.
My boat lists because of my kicker. I haven’t been able to find any way to level it out. Also my live well does fill when underway most times.
My boat lists because of my kicker. I haven’t been able to find any way to level it out. Also my live well does fill when underway most times.
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Trim Tabs ?
Hi- speed freshwater pick ups ?
Might be solutions for you.
May have to change my thinking a bit. Just watched a You Tube of a couple of guys on Lake Michigan, out trolling for salmon off southern Wi, in a 17′ Boston Whaler. The owner loved his boat, and thats all that matteres I guess, you just need to pick your days. If they can do it in a 17′, I say go for it in a 21′. I would go with tabs though. When I mentioned water comming in with a full live well, that was water comming ii through the self drain holes because of the extra weight in the rear. If mounting a kicker, pay attention to where you mount your main battery, or you may want to consider just having a spare prop of lower pitch for salmon trolling, and not adding a kicker. While not ideal for trolling, they are really a fantastic fishing boat, with alot of pluses.
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