I have a 98 alumaweld with a 115 mariner jet. I have been toying with the idea of switching from the center console to a tiller. Removing the console would give me room for one more seat and more fishing room. The conversion kit is about $550. I was just wondering if anyone else had done this and what problems they encoutered. I will have to do some floor modifications, and move all my guages. Other than that it seems pretty straight forward.

Shouldn't be much trouble, I did it years back. Not the same boat but much the same situation. You'll never regret it. You might consider not adding the extra seat and leaving your boat open. We went with a wide open boat, no storage boxes (just bow storage, and tackle trays for the rods). We use plastic lawn chairs as needed depending on the type of fishing. The open fishing platfrom is the only way to go, move the chairs around (if you even take them, often we take just an ice chest to sit on) to ge the correct balance for the situation you are fishing that day. The only reason (for river fishing) someone has a center console is they have never spent enough time running or managing a boat with tiller and open space. Your gonna love it

I just coverted my wooldridge over to a tiller
the kit doesn`t come with everything you need. Had to do a little fabricating, but will never go back to a steering wheel.

After 9 years on my Willie Predator with steering I had the tiller installed for $500.00 and am glad I did it. Yamaha four stroke.

But, I miss the windshield that I had before when it's raining and cold.

Just made an aluminum patch to go over the hole that was left when I removed the control wires but I painted it and it has looked and worked good for me. It has plywood floor boards. Knotched the plywood and recessed the patch level with the floorboard and pop-riveted it there.

I also made a peice of aluminum that I mounted in one of the gunnel trays and cut a few holes for the tack and trim gauges.

Turned out lookin' good and I would do it again.

fp