When it comes to choosing the perfect boat, there are a variety of types to consider suiting many different needs. One popular option is a center console style boat, which offers unique advantages over other hull types. Center consoles have become increasingly popular over the years largely due to the variety of models and sizes that can fit most budgets and needs.
Center console boats are known for their versatility and functionality. They typically feature an open deck design with a single helm station in the center, providing easy access to all areas of the boat. This layout allows for maximum flexibility in terms of seating arrangements and storage options as well as high functionality for activities such as fishing. The visibility of a captain driving a center console is also unmatched as the open layout allows for clear views in all directions.
Compared to cruisers, center consoles stand out in a variety of ways. Cruisers are larger vessels more focused on comfort and amenities including a more spacious interior. Meanwhile, center consoles sacrifice the interior space by focusing on exterior convenience for fishing and generally moving about the boat. Center console boats excel in their ability to navigate shallow waters since they are most commonly configured with outboard engines that don’t draft very deep in the water maying the bottom of the hull the lowest point. Center consoles also handle choppy conditions with ease using their speed to stay on top of the water and cut through the waves. Fishing enthusiast often gravitate to center consoles because of their convenience when fishing as well as being able to get to the fishing grounds quickly in most sea conditions.
A boat style like a bowrider and wakes sports boat can’t compare to a center console for fishing ability or seaworthiness. They prioritize socializing and entertainment which is great in many aspects but therefore they suffer a lack of seaworthiness making them ideal for lakes and inland waters.
It is largely agreed upon that the first center console style boat model was introduced by a manufacturer named Aquasport, which introduced the hull in 1964. However, some believe that Boston Whaler introduced a center console style hull three years prior in 1961, a model which they still produce a rendition of today, the Montauk 170. Regardless of who can claim to be the first to invent the hull design, the popularity took off quite quickly. Since then center consoles have gained massive popularity amongst fisherman and day boating enthusiasts alike. They have also increased in speed, comfort, but most notably in size.
In the late 1900’s a 25 ft center console was amongst the largest around. Today some of the popular manufacturers like Hydrasport and Scout are building center console style boats upwards of 60 ft in length. These center console behemoths have full interior layouts with more than one cabin, a kitchen, bathroom, shower, generator, A/C and even satellite television. Overnight and even week long Bahamas trips can be done comfortably on some of the center consoles available today but the price tag on the larger ones is nothing to glance at.
In the end, the beauty of the modern day center console comes down to the flexibility. A center console can feel at home on a lazy sandbar Sunday just as well as a hardcore fishing tournament. For years, inboard powered sportfish yachts dominated the tournament fishing scene, but today center consoles are holding their own with the lower running costs and faster speeds they have. Regardless of what application you will use your center console for, it will probably work out perfectly. Check out some of the center console options at your next local boat show!
