Center Consoles Characteristics: Center consoles are generally defined as fishing boats that boast fuel efficiency, rugged lines, sea-worthy hull designs, and interior layouts that are just enough for an overnight stay. They're perfect for coming to your favorite fishing spot or hanging out.
There are a lot of features that stand out in a center console, especially for tackle and storage. There are in-deck fish storage and livewells, as well as the option of above-deck livewells. There are also vertical and horizontal rod storage, built-in tackle drawers, a bait station, etc. Most center consoles in the 35 to 40-foot range are equipped with creature comforts such as berths and air conditioning. Larger center consoles are now coming with tuna doors. Perhaps the greatest feature of a center console is 360-degree fishing, where you can fish on the bow, on the sides, and in the cockpit, and plenty of room for live baiting.
Most center consoles are equipped for speed, easily reaching 65-70 mph. Another design feature of center consoles is that they're trailerable. You could fish a tournament in Miami one week and then go to Ocean City the following week. You also typically don’t need a captain for a center console.
Some popular center console brands are Boston Whaler, Contender, Intrepid, Pursuit, SeeVee, SeaHunter, and Yellowfin.
Center Console Construction & Hull Design: Since the 1970s, most center consoles are fiberglass construction. However, many large center consoles are built with steel and aluminum hulls and superstructures. Classic center consoles were typically built out of wood. With a caring owner, some of these center consoles are still in use today.
Many center console companies are building boats with foam-filled hulls, which is a perk if the boat happens to roll.
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