What Is a Center Console Boat?
Center consoles are popular vessels often used for offshore fishing and family-fun activities. They are fuel-efficient powerboats, built with rugged lines and sea-worthy hull designs. These vessels have a steering station on a console in the center of the boat, and open deck space or bow seating in the front and the back (the “stern”). This fishing boat can offer a smooth ride for all those aboard. Some boat models come with standard features such as a stereo system, and some can even come with a head compartment. Some offshore center console boats come with walkaround decks, that give way to 360-degree fishability, which is a great help when enjoying some saltwater fishing.
Center console fishing boats can reach speeds of 65-70 mph and are relatively easy to store. In the 35 to 40-foot range, these family friendly boats come with additional features for a better experience on the water, such as air conditioning and berths. For avid lovers of recreational fishing, an offshore center console provides plenty of room for live baiting and space to fish on the bow, on the sides, and in the cockpit. The center console fishing boats may also come with amenities such as rod holders and baitwells. These additions make the thrill of fishing even more exciting and are helpful to the angler seeking that next great catch when offshore fishing.
Some popular brands of center console fishing boats include boat building companies, Grady White, HCB Yachts, Pursuit Boats and SeaVee boats. All of them offer stellar reputations in the center console world of fishing boats. They are popular for freshwater fishing or going out to sea, as they can handle rough waters with agility and speed. Similar to the center console boat is the bay boat, which offers elevated casting decks and shallow drafts. These bay boats have had a great impact on fishing, as much as center consoles.
What Are the Different Types of Center Console Hulls?
Center console fishing boats are typically built in fiberglass. Many large boat types have steel and aluminum hulls and superstructures, while classic center consoles were built out of wood. Fiberglass is a lighter, stronger boat building material that helps decrease drag and improve speed, which is something that the avid angler seeks when going out to sea. Offshore center console hulls are typically deeper, but generally, the different center console boat hulls are not that different from each other. They tend to have a V bottom so they can run fast on open water and get to the destination quicker.
How Much do Center Consoles Cost?
Center consoles come in a wide variety of popular choices and price ranges, catering to different budgets and boating needs. Depending on the size of the center console boat for sale and the boat building company, your starting price could be as low as $20,000 for a smaller, basic model, and it can easily grow into the hundreds of thousands of dollars for high-end, feature-rich options. Some luxury models, especially those equipped with advanced technology, premium materials, and powerful engines, can even exceed a million dollars.
Several factors influence the cost of a used center console boat:
- Size: Larger boats typically cost more due to increased materials, larger engines, and more spacious layouts.
- Year: Newer models often come with the latest technology, features, and design improvements, which can significantly drive up the price.
- Build: The quality of craftsmanship, materials used (is it a fiberglass boat, aluminum hull, etc., and customization options from the manufacturer will directly impact the cost.
- Model: High-performance or luxury models often come with additional features like enhanced electronics, plush seating, and extra amenities such as livewells, T-tops, or cabins.
Additional considerations, such as add-ons, warranties, and delivery fees, may also affect the total cost of owning a center console. If you’re buying pre-owned, factors like condition, mileage (engine hours), and maintenance history will play a role in determining the price.
Are Center Console Boats Only for Fishing?
While center console boats are a popular choice for saltwater fishing boats, they are not used solely by the fishing community. These versatile vessels are designed to excel in a wide range of activities beyond fishing. Center console boats also make excellent offshore vessels, capable of handling rough waters with ease, thanks to their sturdy construction and balanced design. They are ideal for gathering with family and friends for a day on the water, offering a smooth ride and additional bow seating to accommodate everyone comfortably.
Many center console boats for sale come equipped with features that cater to leisure and recreation, such as built-in coolers, swim platforms, sunshades, and upgraded sound systems, making them perfect for cruising, swimming, or simply relaxing. For water sports enthusiasts, some models are equipped to tow wakeboarders or water skiers. Their open deck layout and ample storage space make them well-suited for transporting gear for activities like snorkeling or diving.
Additionally, center console boats are great for exploring coastal areas, island hopping, or even enjoying sunset cruises. Their adaptability ensures that they can seamlessly transition from a fishing trip in the morning to a family outing or party on the water in the afternoon.
Are Center Console Boats Good for the Ocean?
Many will take their center console boats out on the ocean for some offshore fishing, so they are in fact seaworthy enough for the ocean. It is recommended to take yachts over 35ft out onto the open ocean, to ensure the safety of all on board and enhanced ability to weather any rough seas or higher waves. So as long as your center console meets this requirement, they can be a popular choice to enjoy time on the ocean with your boat.
Why do People Love Center Consoles?
There are a variety of reasons people love center console boats, from saltwater fishing, to heading out to sea, and from anglers to families that enjoy a smooth ride, center consoles are a popular boat to consider. Some other reasons people love center consoles include:
Deck space
Offering greater accessibility to water with increased deck space on the fore, aft and sides, people who want direct access to water love this feature of a center console boat. Larger deck space allows for plenty of bow seating to enjoy the views while underway.
Visibility
With a large center console to navigate the boat from, operators can enjoy mostly unobstructed views, offering greater visibility, safety and navigation.
Speed
Usually lighter than other yachts of similar sizes, center consoles can approach speeds at a faster and more sustainable rate than other yachts in their class.
Storage
If saltwater fishing is important to you, you’ll usually find plenty of storage and rod holders in a center console boat.
How Fast Can a Center Console Boat Go?
The speed a center console boat can go will depend on the size of the vessel and the engines onboard. Most center consoles will be powered by two to four outboard motors, and able to reach a top speed of 65 – 70mph, while offering a comfortable and smooth ride.
How Far Can a Center Console Boat Go?
How far a center console boat can go depends on the size of the boat, the engine, the fuel capacity and even the boat building technology and materials used. Larger center console boats with extra space for fuel storage will be able to continue their journey for up to 1,000 miles while refueling on the go. If long range cruising is important to you, be sure to speak to your broker so they can help guide you on the right center console boat for you.
What are the Benefits of Center Console Boats?
There are many benefits to center console boats. Many love the 365-degree fishability, the large decks and sides allow for easy saltwater fishing; while others enjoy the speed and smooth ride of a center console boat for enjoying days on the water with family and friends. Plenty of bow seating is available for guests while the speed and stability of center consoles make offshore fishing a breeze.
What are the Popular Center Console Boat Brands?
There are many popular choices when it comes to center console boats for sale. These boat builders are known for their quality, performance, and innovation:
1. Boston Whaler
Boston Whaler is renowned for its “unsinkable” design and exceptional durability. Their center consoles are versatile, family-friendly, and ideal for both fishing and spending time on the water with families and friends. Boston Whalers are made with a patented Unibond hull construction that uses two thin layers of fiberglass with liquid foam in between. The foam expands to create a strong, lightweight, and durable boat.
2. Grady-White
Grady-White offers premium center consoles with excellent craftsmanship, seaworthiness, and comfort. Grady-White boats are made from woven fiberglass that’s handmade, knitted, and formed into the hulls and decks. The stringer systems are encapsulated in resin and glassed to the hull before foam flotation is sprayed into cavities. You’ll see users from sport anglers to families looking to enjoy time onboard a Grady-White boat.
3. Sea Hunt
Sea Hunt boats are known for offering great value without compromising on quality. They’re popular for their well-thought-out features and reliable performance.
4. Scout Boats
Scout Boats are well known for their sleek designs, innovative technology, and luxurious features, making them perfect for both fishing and leisure.
5. Everglades Boats
Everglades Boats are known for their rugged durability and innovative features, such as their patented RAMCAP construction process, which enhances safety and stability. Everglades Boats are a popular choice for anglers everywhere who are into comfort and high-performance offshore – and more leisurely inshore – fishing.
6. Contender
Contender boats are highly regarded for their high-performance capabilities and are popular among serious anglers who require speed, range, and customization. Contender Boats manufactures about 350 boats a year are their shipyard in Florida, ranging in size from 25 to 44 feet.
7. Regulator Marine
Regulator Marine is known for building top-notch offshore fishing boats with exceptional performance, smooth rides, and premium finishes.
8. Yellowfin
Yellowfin boats are synonymous with high-end fishing performance, speed, and customization options. They have been made famous for their fast, sturdy center-console offshore fishing boats.
9. Robalo
Robalo produces center consoles that offer a balance of affordability and quality, making them a great choice for family outings and fishing.
12. Bayliner
Bayliner’s center consoles are affordable, entry-level options that provide great value for those new to boating or seeking recreational fun.
These brands cater to various needs and budgets, from entry-level recreational boats to high-performance fishing vessels making them a popular choice for casual boaters and sport anglers as well.
