A center console boat is truly a functional fishing boat for the avid angler. While not a boat suitable for large offshore fishing or charters because they aren’t large enough to handle very rough seas, they are one of the best fishing boats for both freshwater and saltwater fishermen. The center console is aptly named for the operational controls of the boat being near the center of the ship. Many other types of fishing boats have their controls on the right side of the boat, which can limit the available fishing space for an angler. The center console frees up a fisherman to move around the entire vessel while fighting a racing fish. These boats can be both outboard or inboard motored but by far the most popular center consoles are outboard. This motor has its power and navigation lines running alongside the bottom of the boat so that the motor can be controlled by the console in the center. Many center consoles also come with cabins but they don’t have to necessarily have a cabin, especially those boats outfitted for inland use. These boats can range from 13 feet to 45 feet long so as you can see, they are adaptable to almost any type of water conditions other than the most turbulent offshore waters. There are many center console boats available on the market today. Here are some that we think are worth a second look.
The website BoatQuest.com lists a number of center consoles for sale. You can find both new and used boats on their website as well a detailed information and photos of each of the boats they are listing.
2002 45 Foot Wally 45 Tender – available for $395,092 – The Wally Tender is designed to perform equally well as a super=yacht tender or a day cruiser. It is a classic example of form and function. While not your typical center console fishing boat, the luxury design of this beauty does not detract from its ability to serve the angler just as well as the cruiser. From its trademark vertical bow to its deep bulwarks and clean teak decks, the Wally Tender is a boat that truly needs to be seen to be fully appreciated. It has a wide cockpit with plenty of space for guests to relax, while the powerful engines and deep vee hull are perfect for pulling skiers around the bay or whisking guests to shore at speeds up to 40 knots.
2008 42 Foot Yellowfin – available for $399,000 – This is by far the best Yellowfin center console on the market today. It is loaded from stem to stern and nothing has been omitted in the design of this beautiful boat. The engines are warranted to 2014 and only have 600 hours use on them to date. The all new Navnet 3D electronics, digital fishfinder and 25kw radar were added less than one year ago. She is also equipped with a tower right on top of the hardtop with full controls and an 8″ Furuno Navnet 3D screen.
Boattrader.com is also a very good source of new and used boats. Their inventory of center consoles is usually terrific. Here are a few that they are listing for sale today:
2013 AEGIS 28CC Unsinkable Boats Center Console – available for $125,000 – The 2013 Aegis is the flagship of the Aegis fleet. It comes with all the options you could every want in a center console fishing boat. Interior freeboard 26″, 52 gallon live well, Engle cooler, Spot Hug standard, hydraulic steering, insulated fish box and 740 quart storage box are just some of the many features of this boat. She is 28 feet long and ready to be your fishing vessel of a lifetime.
2013 Donzi ZF Center Console – available for $159,000 – The 32′ Donzi has all factory installed equipment, Blue Gel hull sides and an offshore package that includes 4 additional rod holders, a second live well, extra cleats, tackle box, and all hatches are fully gasketed. It also comes with Mercury throttles and shifters, electronic overhead box, spotlights, and a battery charger. There is a freshwater shower, head with dock discharge, hard-top with radio box and lights with rod holders, AM/FM/CD player, Sirius satellite radio, MP3 player input and a 5 year warranty.
18 Foot 2013 Sessa Marine Key Largo One Center Console – available for $44,900 – The 2013 18 foot Sessa Marine Key Largo is powered by a single Yamaha 115 hp engine. It is a highly compact center console boat with a retractable bimini, a fridge, table, and transformable pilot’s seat. With it’s easy maneuverability this KLONE is the perfect runabout boat. The listed price is based on an exchange rate of 1.31 euro and is subject to market changes.
The center console is a fun and functional boat for the day cruiser as well as the avid angler and professional fisherman. It is fast and sleek as well as comfortable and durable. While most are not available at bargain boat prices, you can shop around and find a center console that suits your needs at a fair price, especially while the economy is still muddling along.
