Thinking of getting a Center console

[Ciscovet]

Hey guys,

Last year I jumped into the boating old and picked up a 18 ft bowrider. It has been great but lately I have been thinking about getting another boat. My friends have their own boats and all of them have center consoles. So I always rode high. Now my boat rides nice but it does have the annoying feature that I literally have to stand up to drive the thing. It doesn't feel natural to sit down and drive. Also, I probably over estimated how many people would go with me regularly. Its mostly my friend and I and on occasion I have gotten 6 people onboard.
I really like the way center consoles look with the t-tops and also enjoy the way you sit to pilot the boat. Its almost like being on a cruising bike versus a sport bike. I know these are mainly fishing boats and I do not fish. I wish I did but I don't. I also like the complete fiberglass floor. To me it just looks clean. So does anyone own one of these boats that are not into fishing? How would it ride in comparison to my bowrider? I boat mostly in the ocean so I wonder how it would handle out there. I would be looking at a 19-21ft sea hunt, pro-line or something like that. Your opinions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Thinking of getting a Center console

Certainly there are bowriders with a good amount of deadrise and CC's with not much so it would be tough to say if a CC would ride better. However, I think it's probably safe to say that typically most CC models have more deadrise than most bowrider models and thus would ride better.

What's puzzling is the whole stand-up/sit down thing seems kinda backwards. The helm on most bowriders is too low to be piloted comfortably while standing whereas most CCs are higher and often piloted standing up.

A search term you may not be familiar with that may get you closer to what you're looking for is "dual console". Dual console boats are configured more like bowriders but typically have the full fiberglass liners and are more seaworthy with greater freeboard and deadrise than bowriders.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Thinking of getting a Center console

Lots of people trade from a bow rider to a center console; few go the other way, especially for coastal boating. My 21' sea hunt CC has made me and my family happy happy happy. My sister has a 19' Grady CC that has been perfect for her family; she and her husband and friends go cocktail cruising; her teenage daughters rule the river.

On the coast and among boaters, the center console is the most popular (and best) design for general family boating. Those who say a CC is only good for fishing are simply wrong. That may be true of a bass boat, but not a CC. There is a reason why the CC is the favorite style; it works for everyone!

I stand on my dock and see 11 boats in the water under 24'. One dual console, one cat, two walk-arounds and the rest are CC's. I know how they are used. My CC is used 50-75% for fishing; another (a Parker) is used about that; all the rest are general family boats seldom if ever used for fishing. Only the Parker doesn't have the built-in bow seating, so it is less functional for general family, but better, slightly, for fishing.

Every boat I have had and still have, except those < 14', I have driven standing up. it's natural. That's why you see boat drivers of bowriders and many dual consoles sitting up on the back of the seat (as I did with my bow riders growing up), standing to one side, or riding on one knee.

And not only are they safer and more seaworthy than bowriders, they are virtually maintenance free (cosmetically, not mechanically). No covers, no worries about rain and sun, easy to hose down. No nasty carpet and ripped upholstery. Rot is not a problem, typically.

problem is, they are hard to find used b/c no one wants to get rid of them! And they hold their value. But you can jump on an used one and take a chance on the hull. meanwhile, lots of old bowriders sitting there for sale, cheap...now you know why!

 

[64osby]

Re: Thinking of getting a Center console

We have a 21' Starcraft Mariner CC. It was a fishing boat that has and is being changed to a pleasure boat. Keep making changes, one guy referred to it as a minivan.

I have used it to drown a few worms on small inland lakes, but it's main use 95% of the time, is cruising, skiing, tubing. Yesterday we spent 3 hours kneeboarding and swimming. Tons of usable deck space, plate is rated for 9 people. The most we have ever done is 3 adults and 4 kids.

I installed a flip back seat this spring and still stand, use one knee or lean on the seat. At idle speeds is the only time I tend to sit.

I know your looking for a Glasser, and this is a tinny, but regardless. Sounds like you have a good budget, this was a bargain and it's 39 years old, but it is a fantastic boat IMO. I think a CC is a great boat for pleasure and family fun.

Storage or lack of, is probably my only complaint, but that seems to be a problem on most boats.

Link to mine is in my signature. Good luck on finding one, I'm sure you will enjoy it.

 

[Levinz11]

Re: Thinking of getting a Center console

I feel your pain. I am a new boat owner myself and got an 18' bowrider. It's fun and the family enjoys it but now I want an outboard dual or center console. My budget was small (and still is) but my next boat will not be a sofa boat, for sure!

 

[dingbat]

Re: Thinking of getting a Center console

A Center console by virtue of its weight rear design will ride better than a Bow rider no matter what deadrise.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Thinking of getting a Center console

There is a lot of opinion masquading as fact on this thread. CC are indeed very popular, but so are walk-arounds, and I find them to be inferior to cuddys of the same size. Get a cuddy and a wench. You will have so much more cabin space.

The seaworthiness of CCs vs BRs or DCs is based upon individual boat design, and cannot be generalized across boat styles. One thing is sure, a DC or BR has a heck of a lot more protection from the cold than a CC does, due to the full windshield and consoles keeping the wind, cold, spray, snow etc, off your body. If you boat or fish on cold days, you may appreciate that difference.

I also find that CCs do not have enough good seating for my tastes. I like the kids sitting on the bow in safe, solid seats(not just cushions), where I can keep an eye on 'em. The kids also love sitting in the bow....

On my DC (you knew that was coming), I stand in rough seas and sit in smooth ones, when I drive. The helm works fine for both. The DC has lots of useful storage ( I have a 3 drawer tower in one of the consoles and a stack of trays in the other console. There is in-floor storage and a large fish well. My cockpit is self draining from the helm back.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Thinking of getting a Center console

weather protection is important, especially in cold areas, but this question came from Florida.

But along those lines hull design determines whether your ride is wet or dry. A good carolina flare, a spoon bow, and/or well designed and placed splash rails and chines make the difference. Rolled-over splash rails are even better. These are not features you find on the popular sofa boats.

Also there are lots of CC built on the "bay boat" hull and they will be wet and bumpy, so those exploring CC's, as you point out, need to be mindful of that.

It's important to be able to stand and drive at times, so those who are boat shopping should see if that works. A boat with a sunk-down bucket seat surrounded by a wrap-around dash board probably won't do.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Thinking of getting a Center console

I went from a bowrider to a walk-around cuddy and then to a center console. I loved it. If you're boating in the ocean, make sure you don't get the low-freeboard 'bay' boat. Stick with something like a Pro-line, Angler, or the like. You don't have to fish (but why not? You're already out there). You can also ski, wakeboard, tube, or just hang out.

Add a set of spray curtains and it makes early morning or cold day boating very enjoyable. I've been out in 40? weather. The spray curtains let the sun in and no cold air. Was about 65? under the T-top.

Here's a pic of us water skiing behind a 21' CC 13 miles out in the Atlantic...

 

[Levinz11]

Re: Thinking of getting a Center console

^^^^Great pic. I got a laugh out of that ^^^^

 

[Solittle]

Re: Thinking of getting a Center console

You said "I boat mostly in the ocean so I wonder how it would handle out there." There is your answer.

I'm a long time boater from Miami - boat mostly in Biscane Bay, the Keys & occasionally off-shore - have a 23' CC.

I ran a 19' bowrider for years. Many was the time I had to put put accross the bay or get pounded. When it got moderately rough I had to turn around & put it back on the trailer. With the 23' CC I can comfortably go pretty much where & when I want to in conditions that would have kept me home with the bowrider. The difference is hugh.

 

[samagy16]

Re: Thinking of getting a Center console

I love my CC.

Earlier this year I sold my 26' Deck boat rated for a LOT of passengers with dual OB. I enjoyed the hell out of that boat for 6 years but for financials I decided to downsize and after selling my beloved boat was able to find an 18'CC Angler. We have enjoyed it tremendously up until this point.

There are obvious differences and things that I miss from my big Deck boat but there was no adjustment period and I dont miss the massive prep and cleanup of such a big boat. Storage and capacity are quite different but i easily got used to it.

Nothing like a quick washdown after use and not having to deal with all of the upholstery of a bigger boat and so forth.

The CC has proven to be comfortable and very versatile. As much as I loved my Deck boat, I believe any future puchases will definately be CC. I am also not into fishing so thats not even part of my personal activities. My wife and daughter who were very fond of the big boat have taken into loving this boat. Good luck with your decision!

 

[Ciscovet]

Re: Thinking of getting a Center console

Thanks for all the info. This info is exactly what i'm looking for. ANother thing I did not mention is that I have managed to really torque my back a couple of times by sitting down on the seat in some chop. I do pretty much what a person stated which is sit on the top of the chair.
I'm probably going to look at a 19-21 ft pro-line or sea hunt. It really depends on the price point. It seems like it would be easier to buy then the BR's since there are fully fiberglass hulls so there is no worry about wood rot. So the age is probably not as important as making sure the engine runs great.
What is the difference b/w a CC and a "bay" boat?

 

[pmillar]

Re: Thinking of getting a Center console

Here's a pic of us water skiing behind a 21' CC 13 miles out in the Atlantic...

View attachment 157315View attachment 157317

You sure you weren't just trolling for a really big one?

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Thinking of getting a Center console

A bay boat has lower gunwales that an offshore boat. The bay style might be 12-18" from the water to the top of the gunwale whereas an offshore boat would be 24"-30" or so.

First link is a 20' Angler bay style:
http://www.anglerboats.com/model/bay/2000gb/2000gb.htm

Second link is a 20' Angler offshore stlye:
http://www.anglerboats.com/model/center/204F/204F.htm

Both are same manufacturer (also wood free construction & lifetime warranty), both are 20'. But you can see the difference in the design. The second boat is the same in my earlier off-shore skiing pics.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Thinking of getting a Center console

CC's work well in warm regions like FL and are great for that type of fishing, I tend to dislike them for family boats though.

Like Chris1956 said, the seating for a family is poor, there is very little storage, especially dry storage, and the wife will typically only be happy for a short time being buffeted by the wind and weather. Plus the consoles always seem to be in the way when on smaller CC's.

I have (had) 2 CC's, the first one I gutted and changed the design completely, it went from almost useless to a boat I've been pleased with for over 10 years. The second CC (19') I've had even longer and I don't use it because of the poor layout. Recently I did cut the console out of it and have plans to change it a great deal, it's going slow though.

The driving position is good in a CC, but my main (only) goal is fishing and for the type of fishing I do a CC just doesn't cut it. The family doesn't like being on it in anything but perfect weather, FL gets that perfect weather frequently, we don't here.

The bigger a CC gets the better they work in almost every way, smaller CC’s can be a hassle.

If I lived in FL and only fished, then a CC would be at or near the top of the list, for family use it would down the list a ways.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Thinking of getting a Center console

The newer CC's are great on storage and seating; many have been adding "family friendly" features to sell to a versatile market rather than a specialty market. The step-in console is a huge plus. I use one of my fish boxes (under half of the bow seat) just for storage and it holds tons. It's all about looking around at what's out there.

As for "what is a bay boat" there is another discussion on that going on now.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Thinking of getting a Center console

How about the "back in consoles" which have the head. I always thought you would need a come-along to get your butt out of that.....

Just some CC humor..

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Thinking of getting a Center console

How about the "back in consoles" which have the head. I always thought you would need a come-along to get your butt out of that.....

Just some CC humor..

I have a friend that has a 21' Mako CC with an in-console head. I laughed at it until he told me to step in. I'm 6' 3" and 220 lbs. Plenty of room going in and getting out...even sitting room. I was surprised.

As far as CC variety, we always ski, fish, grill, tube, and basically chillax on it. I have an upholstery shop, so I made a 3" thick cushion that fit over the front fishbox (also great for storage as long as there's no fish in it), a seat in fromt of the console, and 2 seats in the back over the cooler and the livewell. 6 adults on it for a 3 hour ride and no one felt cramped at all...even with coolers and baggage.

 

[Ciscovet]

Re: Thinking of getting a Center console

Hey guys,
Slow day at work today so i figured i would run a local search on craigslist. Needless to say there are a lot of CC boats. I made a list of half of them . Take a look and tell me which ones you would choose and why.




2001 19ft ProLine CC
http://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/boa/3127118122.html

20' Boat Sea Hunt Center Console - $14000
http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/boa/3125362403.html

2001 18ft POLAR CENTER CONSOLE V HAUL WIDE BODY T TOP 90 HP YAMAHA... - $7000 (ORLANDO FL)
http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/boa/3130409823.html

17' 2002 Proline Center Console - $10000 (Clearwater, FL.)
http://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/boa/3113948889.html

wellcraft boat - $7800 (tampa)
http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/boa/3113893706.html

Center Console Boat 19ft Ready For The Water Must Sell! - $3500
http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/boa/3129174165.html

17 ft Pro line sport center console - $12000 ****
http://tampa.craigslist.org/psc/boa/3128385100.html

2000 Angler Boat 22 Feet Center Console - $11900 (Plant City)***
http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/boa/3127913675.html

89 21' PROLINE BOAT - $5500 (TAMPA)
http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/boa/3072049773.html

20ft Center Console with 2005 Yamaha 4-Stroke 150 - $11500 (New Port Richey) ***
http://tampa.craigslist.org/psc/boa/3114357516.html

20FT WELCRAFT CENTER CONSOLE - $6500 (SAFETY HARBOR
http://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/boa/3127864578.html

19' proline cc looking to ,trade for larger - $4500 (Spring hill)
http://tampa.craigslist.org/psc/boa/3127200780.html

2004 Sea Hunt Center Console - $11500 ****
http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/boa/3127020235.html

2003 Cobia 184 Center Console - $11000 (Saint Petersburg)
http://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/boa/3099056838.html

2001 Sea Fox 192 Center Console - $7900 (Valrico)
http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/boa/3113671114.html

PICS-21ft Parker-center console-200-OceanPro-Possible-OBO - $6000 (Zephyrhills)
http://tampa.craigslist.org/psc/boa/3108979868.html

1999 Angler 180 center console with 2006 Yamaha four stroke 90 hp - $6950 (Clearwater) ****
http://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/boa/3124701173.html

20' Aquasport Center Console - $13995 (Largo, FL)
http://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/boa/3123343476.html

20 ft Proline CC - $6950 (St Petersburg) ****
http://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/boa/3119789408.html

Donzi 23 center console w bracket 200 Optimax Mercury - $12900 (Redington Shores) ****
http://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/boa/3075584588.html

1995 Proline 210, 21 foot with Johnson 200 motor - $11900 (Brooksville)
http://tampa.craigslist.org/hdo/boa/3079751563.html