Center Console Boats are Designed for Recreation, Too!

Center console boats have come a long way from being generic fishing boats. While they certainly have mastered fishing in bay, inshore and offshore environments, they are increasingly important in all-around cruising and recreation, if not the best choice for family- entertaining-minded boaters.

Fishability is an important feature for center consoles, no doubt. Walkthrough transoms and sizable compartments for casting and storage are a fantastic attribute of many offshore models. NauticStar’s 28XS. For example, features an 80 gallon rear insulated fish box, 25 gallon livewell, and cutting board for managing fish and bait.

Solace Boats’ 345 Center Console was posted ‘Center Console of the Year’ by Boating Magazine in 2019 for its innovative transom. “This new center-console fishing boat reflects truly new thinking, starting with the most prominent feature—a patented FishThru transom platform that extends aft between and beyond twin outboards that are spaced out on the edges of the hull.” Pretty cool transformation of a standard fishing deck.

Beyond a center console boats fishing attributes, however, lie the creature comforts that are increasingly important for social distance and relaxation. Most center console boats have versatile decks which transform casting platforms into seating and storage. Wrap-around bow and flip-out backrests come standard in many models, too.  Cockpit jump seating to help your guests enjoy their ride. Bolsters in the leaning post add a great deal of comfort, whether seated or standing at the helm. Check out Sportsman’s Open 212 to see these comfort attributes in action.

Center consoles have the versatility to run in both shallow depths and in heavy water. So if you're on bigger water and weather comes up, you have confidence that you're going to be able to get through it and have a great experience. What is more, a saltwater-ready hull is a huge plus in northern Great Lakes, where cleanup can be a major chore. 

Fisherman, families and boaters all consider a center console to be the do-all boat for reasonable money, and you can use them in bays, ponds, lakes and in the open ocean for a wide variety of family fun boating adventures. They are often used for water skiing, tubing and wake boarding, too.

A boat shouldn’t just do one thing well. If you are looking for a great fishing experience for yourself or a pleasant option for your families and friends, check out the vast opportunities offered in this market. And of course, let SeeDealerCost help you to find the best price.