FFing in a Dual Console

[SamRiley]

For a number of reasons, I am looking into buying an offshore capable dual console. Has anyone out there flyfished out of one and if so what were the pros and cons.
Many thanks:)

[gf2020]

I have not, but I am also curious as to the responses.

It seems like the bow area of most dual consoles would be sufficiently roomy for casting, my concern would be the windshield getting in the way.

Any specific models that you are considering?

[cragganmor]

i would think that the floor is too low on most dual consoles, putting the gunwhales around your waist. while you can do it, it seems far from optimal when you include the windshield problem. flyfishing off the back seems like a better proposition, unless you get very creative, perhaps a removable foredeck.

[Ltack18]

I'm just curious, what is the benefit of a dual console for any purpose? It always seemed to me that it was a bad compromise between a center console and a cuddy cabin, that is, it interferes with fishing and doesn't offer much more protection from the elements. I have to admit though that I haven't spent much time on one. I once had a walkaround cabin (Grady) and it was comfortable but IMO not real flyfishing friendly.

[iluvgear]

It can be done but it is not an ideal situation. Center consoles are the best layout but dual consoles or bowriders are a dime a dozen and offer more seating for passengers when not out fishing. I have been fly fishing out of a bowrider for the past frour years. There is usually plenty of room in the rear offering plenty of floor space for line. In the front the only way to utilize this space is to remove the seating pads and cut a piece of wood to lay on the seat bases to give a level surface to cast from. Make sure it is a tight fit so fly line cannot get stuck along the edge of the platform. Use marine ply wood and coat it with epoxy, do it right or you will do it over. I mounted mine permenantly but you can just as easily make it removeable. The other major concern is trying to remove anything that could snag a flyline. The single biggest pain in the ass about using a DC fo fly fishing is walking through the windshield to get from end to end.

[SamRiley]

Thanks for all the replies folks :)
DCs interest me for a couple of reasons. First, they are available in deep V (Grady, Whaler, Seaswirl, HS, etc). Second, there is a reasonable amount of room for FFing in the bow and stern, essential if I'm going to bring friends from RT out. Third, full canvas and extending bunk seat allows for sleeping on the boat from time to time.

Does anyone have recommendations as to specific models to look to or away from?

Thanks again

[Nauti Buoy]

SamRiley have I got an earful for you! First of all, I'm going to premise my remarks based on a rig I purchased this past fall for fly fishing for stripers, blues, and small tuna. I also intend to use it for bottom fishing for cod and haddock in the future.

I fish Joppa Flats in Newburyport, MA as well as the Merrimack River, the Isles of Shoals, Portsmouth, and along the NH/MA shoreline to about 5-6 miles out depending on the weather and water conditions.

My rig is a 2001 Seaswirl 1851 (18' 6" OAL) Dual Console powered by an Evinrude Ram Ficht 115 HP. The boat has a 20 degree deadrise for a smooth ride; has a self bailing cockpit good freeboard (32" amidship), yet comes to above the knees (21") inboard in the stern area; has a nice bow flare for a dry ride and a good entry angle (56-58 degrees) for cutting into waves; and a full transom integrated with a motor well. Now, I do not consider this to be an offshore rig. It is however, a smaller version of what Seaswirl offers, including offshore rigs. It is a finished boat, inside and out, and is very well made to high quality standards. It serves my purposes nicely and I am very pleased with my rig.

The dual console does provide extra protection from quartering spray in rough water and from weather (wind and rain) for both the helmsman and passenger.

Although it is not as convenient for walking a fish around the boat, it is still easy to do so in the dual console. No problems with this at all. However, if my antenna were 8' instead of 3', I would probably have to lay the antenna down.

The bow area is easily made into a super casting platform by adding a casting deck, either purchased or home made. I made mine out of marine plywood and covered it with marine carpeting. It is semicircular in shape and is held in place with several heavy duty Velcro strips. This allows me to remove it when taking the family out, yet is very secure when in use. Works great for fishing!

The dual console does not get in the way when fishing up front. In fact, when casting in choppy waters, it provides a sturdy support for the legs when bracing against wave motion. And, as for cleats fouling the cast, they are located pretty much out of the casting arena and haven't caused any problems.

Now the good part: I've noticed that center consoles generally tend to have more casting room for the guest up front in the bow area, leaving little room for the captain in the cockpit area. However, in my dual console (and most DCs) there is more cockpit room for the captain (about a 50/50 split), yet still leaving plenty of room for the guest up front. To me, this makes it much more enjoyable for the captain to fly fish, store equipment, or do anything else captains do in their boats.

My suggestion would be for you to sea trial some DCs before you buy. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. Good luck. ;)

[SamRiley]

Nauti Buoy -
Now that's what I call a reply :) Sounds like you and I think along the same lines when it comes to boats. If I may pick your brain a little more....

What are the roughest conditions you feel your DC could handle?

Did you get the full canvas? Like it?

Any drawbacks to the Seaswirl at all?

Many thanks,
Sam

[SAGE9]

I have an AquaSport DC 22 footer - Deep V Hull. It is very sea worthy and the best configuration for fishing rough waters. I've had this baby out in 12 foot swells off of Chatham without any problems. The gunwales up front rise at close to a 90° angle and come up to about mid thigh and provide incredible bracing/leaning support. If you stay close to the gunwales and lean you are very stable. Most CC's have lower gunwale height and rise at an annoying ~75° angle making it difficult to lean into it - seems that your feet are constantly bumping into that gunwale where it meets the floor. The windshield has never ever presented a problem or obstacle except when working a fish around the boat - this can be a pain in the ass. In calmer waters you do lose a bit of the hieght advantage but can stand up on the bow. Also, as stated previously - once the windshield is closed off, only biggest of spray hits you and the occassional duck will help to keep you dry.

Never mentioned the back with is equally good with same gunwale characteristic. Also a good configuration for seating.

The DC - at least AquaSport version I refer to is a strong competitot to the CC. Can't speak for other DCs. Also, don't know if Aquasport makes this model anymore. Its a 1986.

Hope that is helpful.

Best regards,

[Nauti Buoy]

Sam,

To described the roughest conditions I think my Seaswirl could handle is a bit tricky. First of all, any and all boats are only as capable as their skipper. Boats can generally handle good water for their size, providing the person at the helm knows what he/she is doing.

As for my rig, I'll say that "we" (boat and me) can reasonably and safely handle 4' waves, or 6' - 8' swells, depending on the period (time between crests or troughs). Riding larger swells is not a problem when that is all there is to contend with. However, much depends on the wind conditions and the direction of the boat relative to the waves, head seas or following, etc.

I didn't get full canvas because I prefer to stand up when handling a boat. Instead, I got the Bimini top which I like because of its stand-up height and the protection it provides against the sun and rain. However, I take the Bimini along only when I use the boat for family outings. I do not bring it on a fishig trip. It gets in the way as I prefer a clean boat to avoid tangles when fishing. I also have a cockpit cover and a bow cover for long term storage in my garage, or if I should have to moor it. By the way, I can store this rig in my garage because I purchased an EZ Loader trailer with a "Swing Tongue". This is great for garage storage as it reduces the OAL by 4'.

The only drawbacks I can think of regarding the Seaswirl are: 1) the location of the nearest dealer to me, Thurston's Marine, which is 60 miles away. If you are from the Boston area, the 3A Marine in Hingham(?), or Edwards Boatyard in Falmouth may be your closest dealers. This distance is an inconvenience for me at my age (60) and I didn't give it enough thought when I bought it; guess I was caught up in boat lust. 2) Also, because there may be fewer Seaswirl dealers (with larger territories) than for other boat manufacturers, they may tend to be more independent. I have found my dealer to be costly in terms of service, parts, (historical reputation for this dealer) and is too independent for my tastes when trying to seal a deal. I think, however, this latter aspect may be a function of personality (his) rather than the dealership. The guy I dealt with is simply too much of a salesman with enough BS to impress himself. Unfortunately, I have gotten myself in an unpleasant situation with him because I have taken him to task on a Seaswirl Customer Satisfaction Surveyon. They sent my response to him to let this dealer know that Seaswirl wasn't happy with my survey response. 3) I would have preferred that Seaswirl add storage capacity under the port console, in the same manner as the starboard console storage. As it is, there is a tackle storage compartment on the port side, but I am about to add a new access hatch to the inboard bulkhead that will allow me to use the interior of that console for storage. I will carpet the interior first and then store little used items (spare props, tools, medical kit, spare anchor, drogue, extra PFDs, etc.) there to avoid overfilling the starboard console storage area. Other than these issues, I find that the Seaswirl is well designed, has ample room for its size, and handles the waters very well.

It sounds to me like you are more interested in a "somewhat offshore", or "nearshore" fishing, in which case I would recommend a larger Seaswirl Striper model, perhaps the 21' DC or the 23' WA. However, if you intend to stay within the limits I described above, the 1851DC should serve you well. They have their 2003 line-up on www.seaswirl.com.

Hope this helps. ;)