centre consoles

back to boat types find a boat manufacturer

Centre consoles are the ideal choice for fishing in offshore waters where weather and sea conditions often demand a truly seaworthy vessel. Their deep-V bottoms, or “hulls”, designs handle large waves and ocean swells with ease, and the typical outboard motor is a reliable workhorses. The centre console design offers a level floor and the freedom for anglers aboard to work their catch around the boat’s entire perimeter. Common amenities include large insulated fish lockers, livewells (to store live bait or a live catch), multiple rod holders, and storage for tackle. The console itself offers generous storage, or often houses a head (toilet). A “t-top” overhead offers shade; self-draining cockpits make for easy cleanup at day’s end, or after landing a messy catch.

Learn more about …

… which activities you'll most enjoy

Fishing is the obvious task for centre console boats, which come in a wide variety of sizes, from the smallest 15-footer to 40’-and-over boats designed to venture far offshore. Clever seating options, however, can also make a centre console a versatile family boat. Look for cushions atop a seat or cooler in front of the console, additional seating with removable cushions around the front of the boat, or “bow”, or even stowaway benches along the back of the boat, or “transom”, to handle multiple passengers in relative comfort. Smaller centre consoles in particular can also handle basic watersports tow duties.

… which engine is right for your boat.

Quiet, easy to service, and a great match for saltwater, outboards create additional room in the main seating area, or “cockpit”, and storage space by positioning the engine behind the back panel of the boat, also called the “transom”. Outboards can also be fully lifted, or “trimmed”, out of the water, and come in a wide variety of horsepowers.

Jet power has also made inroads into the smaller centre-console market. Jets have no exposed propeller, relying instead on an enclosed impeller and jet nozzle to deliver the engine’s thrust. Jets typically can venture into shallower waters, boast rapid acceleration, and feature nimble handling. They also offer a clean, uninterrupted transom ideal for fishing.