Large Tiller Outboard

[Jerkyourcroaker]

Anybody have any experience running a large (60hp +) tiller outboard with hydraulic steering? A lot of walleye fisherman up north run 18-20' boats with large tiller motors (60hp to 90hp) so they have an open cockpit and more room for fishing. I'm considering a 90hp tiller with hydraulic steering on a 19' poling skiff. I know it is unorthodox but I think it will work best for me. Comments welcome.

JYC

[kenny]

A friend in Belize runs twin tiller 60's standing up in his Panga. I don't really understand how hydraulic with a tiller works.

[Sisco Kid]

Im curious now

[WestEndAngler]

I run a 50 Tohatsu, Etec makes a 60HP

[Medfly]

Interesting concept, yes I could see a tiller opening up a huge amount of room...that said the 19' skiff is a large platform for a skiff. Suggest maybe get feedback from Scott Null and Thomas Barlow who run the same skiff mfg. Like you said really depends on where you will primarily fish. I would think making longer runs the center console or side console set up would be more comfortable. From my experience with the same skiff you are purchasing I have had no issues with room.

[mgstei1]

I guess I'm an ol fool and ol school but why do you really need a 90HP engine on the stern of a 19' boat ? Ive got a 30HP that the salesman swore up and down I needed on a 16' semi flat bottom with console steering. I wish now I had got the 20 or 25 at most with the tiller and been a little more hardheaded and could have saved some $$$. And kept things simple for Mx and repairs .
Most of the time I fish alone and can handle the boat easily on and off trailer. Its plenty fast for where I fish in the bay and any faster would be unsafe for my ol butt. It gets on plane easily enough also.
I guess you take entire family out and need the extra HP and enjoy the speed. Interesting on the hydraulic tiller. Never even heard of those.

[Cuda340]

Anybody have any experience running a large (60hp +) tiller outboard with hydraulic steering? A lot of walleye fisherman up north run 18-20' boats with large tiller motors (60hp to 90hp) so they have an open cockpit and more room for fishing. I'm considering a 90hp tiller with hydraulic steering on a 19' poling skiff. I know it is unorthodox but I think it will work best for me. Comments welcome.
JYC

...Mercury makes a very nice tiller model all the way up to "Get the Heck Outa Here" that you might want to take a look at. If ya don't believe me watch those guys on that popular gator hunting show on cable!! Think I saw a 150 tiller....but night have been doing the "retired" thing when I saw it.

[buoy37]

Anybody have any experience running a large (60hp +) tiller outboard with hydraulic steering? A lot of walleye fisherman up north run 18-20' boats with large tiller motors (60hp to 90hp) so they have an open cockpit and more room for fishing. I'm considering a 90hp tiller with hydraulic steering on a 19' poling skiff. I know it is unorthodox but I think it will work best for me. Comments welcome.

JYC

I don't think it is unorthodox at all. I see a lot of tillers used on poling skiffs in Florida (mostly 70hp or less). I would go with what the hull manufacturer suggest so it track right while poling.

[rtoler]

I had one for a while and it bothered my shoulder. I like a nice comfortable seat when driving my boat. But I am an old fart now.

[plugger]

Yes you are .

[coachlaw]

I too am interested to hear why and how and whatfor of hydraulic steering on a tiller. Would this be some sort of power assist? Something must have been lost in translation here.

[Jerkyourcroaker]

My original question dates back to early last year when I was thinking through design options on a new boat. I decided I wanted an East Cape Vantage because it seemed a good balance between big enough skiff to take my kids out in the open bay but still a nimble enough skiff to fish the back water.

A configuration I was contemplating is similar to the one shown below:



That is the 19'-2" VHP (Vantage High Performance) with a Mercury 175 XS and tiller handle. The hydraulic assist is to prevent fatigue and prop torque just like most helm steering systems (eg. Sea Star, etc.) The gent that had that boat built rigged a traditional teak deck seat amid ship and some other custom rigging that I discussed with him but never saw in photos. It was a very unique build Mercury provides hydraulic assist on their tillers as an option. It is very popular with walleye fisherman apparently.

Working with East Cape, we talked through a design idea with a Yeti cooler as a seat with aluminum backrest and armrests. Trim tab, jack plate, tilt/trim and other switches would be in the bulkhead as shown in the photo above. I discussed using the standard Vantage hull with a 90hp tiller (not the 175 shown). I was attracted to the open deck layout and simplicity. I also liked the light weight that might give me an inch or two better draft than the standard console layout in the VHP. I have to admit I also liked that weird, uniqueness factor.

Ultimately, I went with the standard Vantage console layout. I added some customization unique to my needs and took delivery in October. So far, the boat has been everything I asked for.

So......long story short. That is the root of the question.

JYC

[Curmudgeon]

Photos?

[H.Maier]

Looks real good!

[Jerkyourcroaker]

Photos?