[KCTim]

I believe Zika does.

 

[Gadaboutgaddis]

I have a Strike side console... So comparable. Pluses and minuses; console side rod holders are less than useless for fly rods, or for that matter anything longer than a zebco kids spin caster. Lots more room to get by the console. More use of trim tabs when going solo, due to my expanding physique.

 

[Zika]

Yes, I've owned a side console for two years. Love it. Wide open cockpit and I haven't had an issue with fly rods on the console side. Just takes a little guiding to get them in and out of the racks. I also rack a 7-foot bait caster on that side. I had Metal Fabrication of Tallahassee build me a custom "shelf" for my plotter/fishfinder with a rod and cup holder. Installed it to the face of the console. Works great.

Usually only require tabs when it's choppy. The skiff does lean a tad at idle, but once on plane it levels right out. The Mosquito likes to fly. I also move to the center of the boat when loading on the trailer to balance the hull.

I usually fish with my 120-pound dog and there's plenty of room for him to move around or lay down. Keep the Engel 25-quart on the port side up against the bulkhead.

Easy to pole and floats extremely shallow. The weight difference between a center and side console is a couple hundred pounds.

Buffalo Bob is about to take delivery of his side console Mosquito in a few weeks.

Shoot me a PM if you want more info.

 

[BA]

Thanks for the responses

 

[Gadaboutgaddis]

Zika. Can you post a pic of your “shelf” that sounds interesting and helpful. I do agree there is lots more room to move fore and aft.

thanks
Gad

 

[Zika]

Here you go, Gad. Buffalo Bob is having Metal Fab build a similar one for his side console and they are shipping it to BT to install. The interior base is 3/8" King Starboard, so if I change units I can easily adapt.

 

[Gadaboutgaddis]

Awesome! Thanks so much. That would clean up my console greatly (bigly lol) . I’ll be calling Metal Fab about one for my skiff.

 

[Zika]

Here's the close-up shot I was looking for earlier.

 

[BA]

Here's the close-up shot I was looking for earlier.

View attachment 107646

That is a nice setup on the console.
Super clean

 

[7WT]

I have a 2008 B2 side console. Love it! So much more room than a cc.True the console side rod holders are not designed for fly rods but I can put 4 rods on the port side and use the console side for a spin rod and a spike. Everyone who I take out loves it and that includes Al White and Rex Gudgel, two area guides. In fact Al is looking to buy one. Fyi you can pick up a B2 for a lot less than a new skiff and it will almost certainly be a better hull design. I run a 60 merc with no jack and can get up in 1 foot, run in 6" and pole in 5 or 4. And it handles chop beautifully for a small skiff.

 

[dbs1515]

I know I'm a little late to the party seeing how other's have responded already, but I also have a 2019 Mosquito side console and can weigh-in. My $0.02 is that the side console works for me 100% better than the center console ever did. Pardon the overused movie quote, but "there's so much more room for activities". I fish alone or with one other person almost always, but what I appreciate about the side console is that on sandbar days I can throw one or two Ocean Tamer beanbag chairs on the floor and I can haul people to a fro all day long in comfort. I bring 3-4 rods with me almost everywhere I boat and the console still allows for easy access to the rods anytime without moving people or gear around.

The livewell is on the port side and the open design allows for easy access walking back and forth from the bow too, which is a bonus. I came from a slightly smaller skiff with a center console and jumpseat, so I really like that I don't have to maneuver around a console or worry about getting too close to one side and throwing the other passenger off balance. The mosquito is very stable at rest and you can walk all around the skiff and run the gunwales no problem, and without fear of sending your buddy toppling.

The only thing I do to offset the weight when running is load my cooler and gear on the port side of the skiff to counter my weight when alone, but running normally this isn't really necessary. only in super shallow water or if I am eating some chop will I really try to balance the skiff perfectly. The skiff runs great from day one the way they set it up and they really dial it all in for you. The jackplate and tabs are only necessary sometimes and just minor tweaks here and there for those running super shallow or with heavier loads in chop.

You will get a little wetter in a side console with these winds we've had on the gulf side lately, but you are only inches from the water so that's to be expected versus the center console design. The mosquito is not a wet boat and keeps you dry most times, but with the right wind and wave combo some days I will eat a little spray if I'm sitting down while running. Also, there is no jumpseat so your passenger will be seated beside you and if there is any of that pesky spray coming their way they may eat some of that as well. I just try to be conscious of that as I am running to make other person more comfortable, especially if they are not the rugged outdoorsy types haha. I will post some pics of my set up. I can take more or answer any other questions if you need.

 

[dbs1515]

Also I wanted to add that I had a brass seacock valve put in before the livewell so that I can use the livewell as dry storage when not using it for its intended purpose. Having the seacock valve in place and then the added petcock valve on the fill nozzle provides added protection from water intrusion when running. The way the livewell is set up some water would be forced into the livewell while running if you didn't have that extra feature. Eric at Beavertail suggested that to me during the build and I am so glad he did, because if I didn't do that the boat would lack some for storage with my two batteries up front and powerpole pump and misc. in the rear starboard side hatch. Some people don't like the side consoles because it reduces the storage space, but with that simple addition its a win win for minimalists like me. Okay, that was $0.04 but I'm done now.

 

[Zika]

Good-looking rig, dbs. I use my port live well for a fish cooler/garbage receptacle with a bag of ice. Good idea on the seacock, though. Even with the rubber plug cinched down tight mine will sometimes ooze just a bit of water. Doesn't matter in my case but that is a great suggestion for those contemplating a build and wanting more dry storage.

 

[timogleason]

with the way the mosquito cockpit pinches in towards the bow it is perfect for a side console. Even you strap a smaller cooler as a coffin box in, there is still so much more room than a center / jumpseat combo.

 

[Buffalo Bob]

As Zika replied, I have a Mosquito w/ side console due to finish for p/u mid-January. I checked out & was fortunate enough to get a "check-out ride" in a Strike & then decided the side console Mosquito was what i wanted over the CC build. I also have contracted w/ Metal Fab of Tallahassee for a similar "console shelf" as Zika's for my Simrad machine. I like the "clean look" it gives the console. Looking forward to P/U date!

 

[TIM WILMOT]

Zika. Can you post a pic of your “shelf” that sounds interesting and helpful. I do agree there is lots more room to move fore and aft.

thanks
Gad

Can you give the email address for the Shelf that was made for you.

Thanks TW

 

[TIM WILMOT]

Can you give the email address for the Shelf that was made for you.

Thanks TW

I own a BT mosquito and your custom shelf I like and to save some room I would have the email address to see what they can build for me.

Thanks TW

 

[Gadaboutgaddis]

I have to update my comments and opinion on my side console. I had not been in another cc skiff in some time, and so must have taken all the room I have for granted. Yesterday had the opportunity to go out in a friends cc Cayo. I was surprised at how little room there was in the cockpit. So despite my previous comments on rod holders on the console side being difficult to use; I would select a side console again. The grass is not always greener

 

[Zika]

I own a BT mosquito and your custom shelf I like and to save some room I would have the email address to see what they can build for me.

Thanks TW

Sorry Tim. I just saw your inquiry. Metal Fabrication of Tallahassee is who built mine.

Here's a link:
https://www.microskiff.com/threads/custom-casting-platforms-tarpon-cages.66678/