Centre Console Description

5 Advantages of Centre Console Boats

Browsing for a boat? Take a look at these five advantages of centre console boats and decide if this layout is right for you.

Wider Accessibility to Water

A centre console boat allows easier access all around each side and both ends of the boat. If you’ve ever caught a big fish, you know that the fish will have you running from one side of the boat to the other. Most anglers find out the hard way, that a side console will at some point get in the way when trying to bring in your catch.

Storage Space

While modern boats have come a long way to allow for more storage, centre console boats tend have a highly practical feel and flow. From bait wells to rod holders, a centre console boat will typically contain forward, central, side and aft storage areas that are placed in useable and practical locations. Similar to the first point, having accessibility to the water that’s free from gear or awkward storage solutions, helps you and your passengers bring in fish, but also increase safety.

Balance & Stability

Often overlooked, is a centre console boats great ability for balance. If you often cruise alone being centred helps to stabilise the boat. With passengers onboard, you’ll find that having the ability to distribute bodies evenly also provides considerable advantages over other configurations.

Improved Visibility

Given the increased need for a boat to serve both for family fun as well as hardcore fishing, safety should be considered. To be clear, a centre console boat isn’t necessarily any safer than other configurations but visibility is certainly improved which helps the captain have a clear view of what potential problems might be ahead.

Ergonomics

When it comes to fishing, this boat makes sense because of the practicality of its ergonomics. That means that you’re able to work your rods comfortably for long periods without having to switch positions. The positioning also helps with docking and other manoeuvres particularly in tight spaces.

Of course, there are disadvantages as well but they come down mostly to the individual. Some anglers prefer not to have to work with a console while others don’t want the extra weight (a built-in cooler, for example) or what they consider unnecessary features.