Center Consoles

Center console boats are amazingly popular, and today there’s a huge range of center console fishing boats that can do double-duty as family fun machines.

At its core, a center console is simply a boat that has a steering station on a console in the center of the boat, with open deck space or seating in the front (called the “bow”) and the back (called the “stern”). This design is incredibly versatile and even though most people envision center console fishing boats when discussing the genre, in truth center consoles can be ideal for a wide range of activities.

Center-console boats are good at that. They occupy a huge segment of small-boat market because they can bring a lot of utility to a lot of people.  They also deliver generally excellent performance, rough-water ability, and good looks. They can range from fuel-efficient (single-engine, minimal transom deadrise) to ocean-aggressive (double or triple outboards, lots of deadrise). You can load them with coolers and fishing gear, skis or tow-tubes —  or keep them open and simple. And they're built by a range of well-established, high-quality manufacturers.