Hey guys. I'm looking into getting my first cat fishing rig and would like any opinions on tiller style boats. What are the advantages and disadvantages of tiller style boats. Any more or less maintenance to them over side by side drive boats. Any input is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

One advantage to a tiller steer set up is extra space in the boat.

Disadvantage is that you have a higher risk of loosing control with a tiller. To me, I don't like riding side saddle. Puts the body in an awkard position.

They're not the most comfortable or the easiest to drive but man, tiller steer motors are CHEAP to maintain and run. No worrying about needing to replace steering cables or trim and tilt problems, etx... etx...

My first brand new boat was a basscat/200 merc. I spent a TON of money on that boat in the first two years for various reasons... (don't even ask). My next boat was a '14 jon with a 15 hp nissan and I ran the snot out of that boat for more than 5 years and spent only pennies on it during that time. And that's prob with hitting 5,000 stumps and submerged trees, etx with that thing...

That's the huge advantage of tiller steer motors - prob the biggest one in my book - you can run those boats near WOT in timber fields or really shallow water without worrying too much. If you hit something - the motor will just kick up and that tremendously reduces the chances of you needing expensive prop or lower unit repairs, etx... etx... as opposed to a boat with t/t that locks the motor in place.

Right now, I'm running a '16 all welded lowe jon with a 40 hp tiller steer motor and I get 32 mph (gps) out of it. Not too bad. It costs me only around $12 or so to run 40 miles (r/t). My previous boat was a basscat (yes, another one) with a 175 hp carb and to make the same run would usually cost me around $40+.

An important tip: if you do get a tiller motor, do NOT depend on the clamp on screws to hold the motor on. I came very close to losing a 25 hp overboard when I hit a submerged stup. The motor jump clear off the transom. It was saved by the safety chain I had enough sense to install. First thing after that near disaster, I bolted it on.

Ditto on the safety chain.
I would venture to say that most of us learned to drive a boat with a tiller, as kids. I kind of like them because they remind me of my Dad and his 7.5 hp Evinrude on the back of a wooden boat he'd rent for $2 a day when I caught my first fish. He prouder of that new outboard than one could imagine.

I spent many a night on the lake as a teen with a 12 foot alum. boat and a tiller engine catching catfish. Just gotta' be careful with it.

If you troll, tiller is the way to go. If you need space, tiller is the way to go. If you want comfort, tiller is not the way to go . . . except in rough water. Because tiller places you so far aft, the front of the boat takes the beating and dissipates most of the energy before it reaches you.