I have been thinking about converting my tiller setup to a console setup. Right now I am running a stage 2 35GTR on an 1854 Gatortail extreme huntdeck.

I run a LOT of hard bottom and rocky rivers and have been thinking about placing the console centered half on and half off the front deck so that I get a better view of obstacles and don't have to deal with people and gear in my view. I was planning on moving the battery and fuel to the back of the boat to help balance the boat. It would also take up less floorspace than the usual console.

I have never seen a mudboat setup like this, and was wondering if there is a good reason? I see a ton of jetboats setup like this, and it seems like it would be a great idea, but wanted to ask the crew here why that is not a more popular setup. I hate being a guinea pig.

Thanks!

It's outside the box. Automatically means it's junk.

Some of the best driving outboard rigs I've ever run were stick or wheel driven from the front. No legitimate reason I've seen means the mm would be any different.

I have a dual rig with console in front. Might make it a lil slower because it runs flat bu with fuel b battety in back you should be ok. I like mine.

Or you could raise the deck like my old rig. I really liked the set up. Just not enough storage space. But I bet it could be configured to be better suited for you.

Thanks for the input guys. I want to still be able to hunt it, so the raised deck is kinda out.

The only real worry is if it will make the boat plow, but it seems to me like it shouldn't be a problem since I usually have a passenger sitting right where I am talking about and it doesn't hurt performance.

My rig was just switched from a frontward console drive to more centered in the middle of the boat. I moved my battery and gas tank from the back toward the back. To be honost even if I drift move my console is still move the battery and gas tank towards the front. Kee the wieght off the back end. Your weight will be in the back of the boat no matter what. Due to a 230- 265 lb motor and the boat is heavier in the back anyway. Good luck with what ever you choose. Finds what suits you best.

Don't see what the issue is. It would be nothing more that a front steer like the front steer skiffs running around. The floor plan is open behind them to give room for whatever.

I love the idea of the console mounted all the way forward. Makes a lot of sense to me.

I love watching them dumbasses with them forward in choppy water bouncing up and down