Last year I took out the center console on my 1998 17' alumaweld. I had to buy a tiller kit from mercury, which was not cheap (right at about $500). I put the kit on myself, the directions were o.k. This boat warranty expired long ago, so I did not feel bad gutting it. I cut out the rear upright floation boxes. I replaced the stock floor, as it now had a hole where the console, and boxes used to be. I bought 5/8" CCX plywood ($100), and had one side LINE-X ed. ($350). The other side I sealed with a sealer. I bought a used diamond plate battery box from Willieboats ($100). I replaced the stock Alumaweld seats, with tempress fish on seats, because one had broke already ( I think they were about $100 each). Since removing the floation boxes, I had some aluminum welding done to beef up the area the boxes had been. I also had some pieces welded into the hull to secure the new floor a little better. ($150). I took a piece of the old floation box and made a guage panel, which I mounted on the port side, near the tiller. I also mounted my X-75 near the panel. I had to cut and move the fuel filling nosel. Since removing the console gave me a lot more room, I traded a buddy some stuff for a 3 leg pedistal seat. It can be removed, or added according to passengers. I really liked the 3rd seat because you can have that guy move around to get the weight right, and the seat can be moved when fighting fish. The last thing I did was turn the live well into a fish box. I had the hole in the transom welded up. All the fitting holes in the box were welded up as well. I left one dain hole in the bottom of the box. I then ran the old live well pump hose from the box to drain plug area. This allows fish blood from the box to drian to the drain plug area. The blood easily rinses out during the washing of the boats interior.
I completed the project last year, and did my 2 week fall king trip on the Klamath. It took a little to get used to the tiller, but I now feel more comfortable. After a few days fishing I was really happy with the transfer. I could easily fish myself and 3 passengers, this was a pain in the butt before. With the floation boxes gone, back bouncing was a lot more comfortable. I also love this modification for this years springer fishing (anchoring with spinners). This project took a lot of time, and a considerable amount of money, but was cheaper that buying a new boat. When I posted a question last year about this project, a couple guys wanted to know how it turned out. All in all I am happy with the finished product, if I was better with a computer I would post some photos. If anyone has any questions, I would be happy to answer the best I can.

If you have any photos, send them my way. rwgav8@comcast.net Ill see what I can do, although it might not be till next week.