Center Console Boat

[Captain Kirk]

I am considering a center console boat. Has anyone on here fished out of one lately. They make some flats boats that draw very little water and set up for trolling motors and front decks, etc. Like the mako brand.

Also, please describe upper taney for me. Where does the deeper water end generally on low flows where a larger boat cannot go up any more. I see ppl upstream in flat bottom boats and jets on a 705 lake elevation etc. Just line me out with what you think and know.

Mainly, I want to fish fall creek to powersite and will wade flyfish the upper end.

Then will be on Table Rock too. So wanted the deeper boat, etc.

Please tell me also about boat traffice on TableRock in season. I have heard lots of horror stories and want to be prepared?

k

[MIZZOU]

I have fished out of 929 nitro center console i personally did not like it. Regardless of where you lay your rods either you or your partner are always dodging the rod tips to get up on the front deck. that was my problem with if rode nice.jmho

[Captain Kirk]

LET me qualify this. Center Console as in Mako or Kenner. Open floor, stand up driving, no carpet, rod holders around console. Used for stripers up to now inland and for offshore fishing etc.

They are great on big water so wondering if that is a needed option on Table Rock due to traffic?

k

[rps]

I have owned and fished an Xpress 18' center console on Table Rock for two years. Very stable, dry boat with much room. It has a lining similar to the Rhino truck bed liner and hoses clean. Nothing but good to say about the boat, but there are several things I would change as far as setting it up. If you want to take a drive, I will show you how mine is rigged and what I would change. I live and store my boat at Holiday Island.

G3 also makes a high quality aluminum center console.

Either will cost you less than a Mako and give you more value.

I would suggest you visit a dealer for each and ask about setup tips.

[Stevan]

I'll try to help you out a little, and if I'm in error, hopefully more knowlegable people on the site will help us both.

If you're heading upstream toward the dam, stay on the left side past Fall Creek. There is a pile of rocks under water at the mouth of fall creek that make it pretty shallow during no, or low, generation. After you have passed Fall Creek you will see a white house on the left. When you see the house, cut an angle across stream toward the boat ramp. When you reach the ramp area stick to that side past the condos and look for a rusty set of metal stairs in the weeds on the right bank. When you see the stairs, cut an angle toward the left bank and look for a log that kind of looks like an alligator with its mouth open. Head straigt for that log. When you get over to that side you're pretty safe to motor up to lookout. From there to the dam stay pretty much in the middle.

If there's no generation, or only one or two, be very careful. I've dinged more than one prop by not keeping a close eye on the bottom.

Hope this helps.

[Whack'emGood]

They are great on big water so wondering if that is a needed option on Table Rock due to traffic?

Traffic on Table Rock is not really that big of a deal. You have probably heard horror stories that were largely exaggerated. Don't get me wrong-- I wouldn't get on Table Rock with a jon boat or a pond prowler or something, but as long as you use a 15ft or longer boat you shouldn't have a problem. I have fished Table Rock in a 16ft aluminum Bass Tracker before, and never thought for a minute that I wasn't safe.

Just watch out for wakes made by big sea going type boats (those huge boats, by the way, should only be allowed on the ocean). Also, keep in mind that most of the guys who own those type of big rediculous boats don't care if they sink and drown you or not-- they will do things that you wouldn't believe anybody would do, so keep your eye on them.

The bottom line is, as long as you keep your head up and watch where you are going and watch those around you, you will be fine.

Enjoy the new boat (when you get it).

Whack'em

[Mr. Ed]

I love center console boats…. use them fishing in Florida whenever I’m fortunate enough to do it. If you’re talking about something like a bay boat 18 foot or better they’re great. Something about sitting center up high or at a lean post that just makes for a great ride. The only down fall is casting around a taller center consol… like if your LM bass fishing. Other then that as far as the big water ride goes they really can’t be beat. That’s about all you see in smaller type boats all over the coasts and bays 18’ to over 35’. I personally think they are a great choice for a lake like TR.

Now if your talking a flats type SC for skinny water fishing… maybe not so great for TR but would be neat for Tanycomo. Having said that I think a flats skiff would be way overkill for Tany… there just not that much water there to justify the cost of one. So here’s what you need. A nice 18’,20’, 22’ SC for TR (I really like the Blue Wave’s) and a 16’ Jon Boat with appropriate HP to bang around Tanycomo. Or run your SC there and just make sure there is plenty of water under you. My $.02.

[FRENZEL]

I have owned both a 20 xpress center console and now a Mako 22 tunnel. I really like the Mako on Table rock.. That aluminum boat would beat your kidneys out. On taneycomo I really liked my xpress. It was a jet and would draft next to nothing. That Mako drafts a lot less than you might think though being a tunnel hull. It rides a lot nicer too. Both are easily cleaned. The other thing about that xpress was the wind was a bigger factor. It was like a pontoon on table rock. The smaller sizes might not be as bad. So depends on which lake you will fish more and how much $$ you have to blow. Also that xpress was a lot better getting up those creeks in the spring. Also Mako is a lot more comfortable in rough water.

[Danoinark]

I would also take a look at Carolina Skiff.

http://www.carolinaskiff.com/

I love those boats and would love to have one of their flats boats for Taney...(4 years to retirement).

They make them froms flats to off shore.

Dano

[Captain Kirk]

I really appreciate the input. ANY other mako or kenner owners out there?

I can get a Z-7 for the same price. It just seems the older I get, the more I like the stand up or easy drivers seating on the Mako, etc.

Crawling in and out from behind the wheels on bass boats not that easy. Not much leg room.

So wondering. This boat will be the one to take me to the end I spose as I make em last for 20 years of more.

So wanting to make a good choice, etc.

Will NOT take it above fall creek ever. I can wade and fly fish up there and enjoy that more anyway. Prob going to be down lower looking for hidey holes and big drop offs in lower taney. Convinced there has to be some big fish down there.

Thank you all. Going to need some partners once I get the boat. Anyone interested.

NOW also how bout Horsepower. With a 21 foot mako, they weigh 2200 pounds. Come wiht 150 two stroke. Will a 115 4 stroke be enough for this boat. Think I want to get away from the two stroke.

INPUT ON TWO VERSUS FOUR STROKE>>

thank you guys