Center console boats are amazingly popular, and today there’s a huge range of center console fishing boats that can do double-duty as family fun machines and can get boat repair services everywhere. At its core, a center console is simply a boat that has a steering station on a console in the center of the boat, with open deck space or seating in the front (called the “bow”) and the back (called the “stern”). This design is incredibly versatile and even though most people envision center console fishing boats when discussing the genre, in truth center consoles can be ideal for a wide range of activities.

Activities You’ll Most Enjoy

The fact that you can use a center console for fishing is a given, but beyond that, remember that the best center console boats are also designed to handle all sorts of sea conditions. Anglers tend to leave the dock whether conditions are ideal or not, so even small center console boats are usually designed to split open the seas and provide a safe, comfortable ride over long distances. And mid-sized or large center console boats carry the features and fuel capacity to venture far offshore where the big game swims.

What surprises some people, however, is just how good and fast a family boat a center console can be thanks to the vetus thrusters. The open layout, smooth ride, and comfort level is ideal for pulling tow-toys or water skiers, taking a day-trip to a new port, or even just cruising to a quiet cove for a swim. Just how comfortable and family-friendly will a center console be?