Here are 7 reasons why we think so.

Centre console boats are prized for one thing above everything else – versatility. They are the jack-of-all-trades of the ocean and are capable of doing many activities excellently. These crafts are extremely popular in the smaller boat market, and we certainly think you should consider one if the goal is a smaller vessel.

What is a centre console?

Seems self-explanatory, but we’ll delve in just a little anyway. A centre console boat has its helm station right in the centre (or very close to the centre) of the boat. Boats with a full-sized cabin are not centre consoles, even if they have a centred steering position within the cabin.

Usually, the bow and stern of a centre console is open to the elements, and may have additional accessories for seating and storage.

Open air, everywhere

The biggest reason we think a centre console is a perfect small boat is because they are so open. With the helm in the middle, there’s ample space on both sides to move around easily on the boat. Guests are one with the elements no matter where they are. After all, a day out at sea is poorly spent if you are committed to hiding in an air conditioned cabin. Some will also have a T-top that offers protection from the worst of the sun.

Recreational fishing…

In truth, centre consoles rose to popularity due to their talents in recreational fishing. The design of the boat makes it possible to fish at any angle and at any part of the boat. Ample deck space means extra storage like coolers can be brought on board, while rod holders can be installed at a preferred location. You don’t need a very large boat or a dedicated fishing vessel to enjoy this hobby.

…and so much more.

And yet, even on smaller boat, there’s always enough space on board for families to lounge and relax. Pulling the kids around on tow-toys and water skis are perfectly within the talents of a centre console. You can even teach the youngins to fish too. More importantly, perhaps, is that boats above 21 feet will almost always have a head inside the console, so take this into consideration when you hunt for one.

Rough seas? Easy breeze-y

Size matters and larger boats are usually better for adverse weather conditions. However, centre consoles have deep hull designs, which makes them capable of handling rough seas as these hulls slice through waves easily. Their deck design also inherently contributes to a higher freeboard, giving guests and children more security during these conditions.

Everywhere is storage space

The additional space freed up from taking away the cockpit of a normal yacht has so many uses. Many centre console boats can come with the option of built-in storage, and they can be further augmented too. Coolers and fishing rods can be easily secured, while water skis and even foldable chairs can be stowed on the T-top. In fact, when you think about it, every surface can effectively be a surface to put stuff, provided they are lashed down properly and safely.

Easy maintenance

Boat maintenance is not the best part of the boating experience, but in a centre console it is just less tedious. Traditional crafts have carpeting and gelcoats, which make them hard to clean and require equipment and chemicals and such. On a centre console, almost every surface is fiberglass finished with a non-skid coating. They are remarkably easy to keep clean. The cockpits, being as open as they are, are self-draining. Any mess is easily cleaned with a hose and a brush.

Centre consoles are cheaper!

Perhaps the greatest advantage of all is the relative price of a centre console. Less opulent furnishings automatically mean they cost less than a similarly-sized express and convertible yachts. They tend to be lighter too as a result of this, and so can perform better with equal horsepower and have better range.

Having said all that, choosing a centre console can be a remarkably perplexing experience, as there are so many of them out there. There are skiffs, yachts, bay boats, pontoons, deck boats; really, the choices are limitless, so get in touch with us for some professional advice.