5 FEATURES EVERY CENTERCONSOLE SHOULD HAVE
If you’re planning to shop— and possibly plunk down hardearned money—for a centerconsole fishing machine this year, here are five features you should not do without on your new pride and joy.
1. enough power
Whenever I write a review for a center-console with a nationally advertised price that includes a power package that’s inadequate, I add this advice: Don’t do it! Underpowering a centerconsole is the worst mistake a boat buyer can make. Not only will it struggle to get on plane, but also the helmsman will have a hard time maintaining a safe speed in rough water. You also will get hammered when you trade it in or try to resell it. Go online and find a review of a boat with the engine package you are considering or ask the dealer. If the top speed is around 40 mph, it’s a dog. In my experience, the magic minimum top-speed number for most center-consoles today is 50 mph.
2. tall gunwales
I used to fish with a friend of mine in the Florida Keys who had a popular 25-foot offshore boat that had a rear interior gunwale height of only 22 inches. In seas above 2 feet, my knees were sore as hell from bumping against the side of the boat by the end of the day. And at least once, I felt like I might fall in. For safety and comfort, there should be a minimum height of 26 inches, with more toward the bow. Toe rails increase safety when stretching to gaff a fish.
3. a real-deal livewell
Tiny livewells serve as a dead giveaway that a boat wasn’t designed by someone who fishes. The primary livewell should hold a minimum of 20 gallons, and 30-plus gallons would be better. Livewells should be round or oval, and have strong recirculating pumps. Pumps that reside within a sea chest are the gold standard for offshore centerconsoles to prevent air from entering the line when running. The lids should be clear and have a hydraulic dam or friction hinges to prevent them from banging shut. Aquarium-style livewells with clear sides for bait monitoring are also a plus.
4. 360 degrees of fishability
One of the primary reasons for owning a center-console instead of a dual-console boat or an express is the ability to fight a fish or cast from any location around the boat. Any obstruction, such as fixed seating on the perimeter, can hinder an angler. Large consoles are currently the rage to offer enough real estate for large electronics displays and roomy head compartments, but when they limit walk-around space, it becomes a problem. There should be at least 20 inches in between the gunwale and the console for comfortable transit fore and aft.
5. adequate rod storage
A good indicator of whether a center-console is designed as a serious fishing machine or not is its number of rod holders. If a boat has more cup holders than rod holders, it’s a dayboat. On smaller center-consoles, there should be a minimum of three gunwale holders per side and at least four in the stern, with storage racks under the gunwale. T-tops should have at least four rocket launchers. If they are high above the deck, there should be some sort of step-up to help access them.