Centre consoles offer true versatility for fishing, families or luxury cruising.
How would you design your ultimate boat? Would it be a fully spec’d model, complete with all the bells and whistles? Or would it be simpler and less cluttered? Personally, if someone allowed me to design my own boat, I would start it as a blank canvas and build from there. That way you only include accessories and features you truly need. In the end, my ideal boat would probably look like a centre console.
My understanding is the first centre console built in Australia, about 50 years ago, was simply an upgraded tinny. A clever fisherman modified a tiller steer tinny and added a steering wheel and small console, and very little else. It was as simple as a tinny, but allowed the driver to stand in a safer and more elevated position. It was more seaworthy as a result. Did it need a cabin, or bunks, or padded seating? No, at least not for its intended purpose. Moving forward 50 years and this style of boat has evolved and is now one of the most common boats available in both Australia and New Zealand.
These days, however, they’re much more than a fishing boat. And while they still make a great boat for fishing, they can also be designed as perfect multi-purpose vessels with all the creature comforts of a cabin boat.
Centre console boats come in all different shapes and sizes. In their most basic form, they’re a small open boat with a small console and steering wheel attached. At the other end of the spectrum, they can be luxurious vessels with lounges and state-of-the-art marine electronics and accessories. A few years ago, I fished from a 43ft luxurious ‘centre console’ in the US. It had four 350hp outboards and featured a lounge area, an enormous dashboard with the latest Garmin electronics, T-Top roof, and dual bench seating behind the helm. It was capable of travelling high speeds and could travel from Florida to The Bahamas in less than hour. Did I mention it was also an incredibly well-designed fishing boat? But it was far more than that. The owner certainly used it for fishing, but it also made a perfect option for enjoying the weekends with his family, not to mention entertaining work colleagues and more.
While not everyone can afford a boat of this calibre, the good news is there’s a centre console in just about every shape, size and purpose and there’s one that will almost certainly suit your needs. Let’s look at what makes these boats so special.
The advantages
The main reason centre console owners prefer this style of boat is space and 360-degree access to the water. Regardless of size, without a cabin, you create a more usable platform for fishing or just cruising around. If you’re a fisho, it’s more than just space.
Having access to an entire boat allows to move around and cast in any direction. And when you do hook a big fish, being able to move around and follow the fish and fight it becomes a real advantage. It also means you can often fish more people from a boat. Instead of being cramped at the transom behind a cabin, one or two fishos can walk to the front and cast and fight fish while the others remain at the transom.
If you’re after a multi-purpose boat for family and fishing, the same applies. You could be fishing at the transom, while your kids are taking it easy in the lounge near the bow. Or vice versa. More space equals more versatility.
I also find centre consoles are safer to operate and easier to handle at the ramp and dock. Again, the open space offers an advantage here. Without a big cabin, it allows you to see everything. In a busy waterway, it makes a safer boat. The same goes for launching. Once you’re at the ramp, a centre console is less bothered by wind and can be easily boarded when driving your boat off the trailer. When it comes time to tie your boat up to the dock, again it’s a simple case of moving along the boat and securing it safely without clambering over a cabin or leaving the boat.
Another reason I love centre consoles is the choice you have in configurations. No other style of boat has so many options. As mentioned above, you can have the most basic aluminium centre console or a high powered, luxury centre console with quad performance engines on the transom. You’re only limited to your imagination… and budget!
The downsides
Yes, there can be a few disadvantages with centre consoles. The first one is lack of storage. More floor space to move around and fish generally means there’s less space to stow gear. It’s not a huge problem. Most good centre consoles have enough storage for safety gear, fishing gear and a few other odds and ends. It’s something you would look at when deciding which boat to choose.
Some boats find storage solutions under the console, under the driver’s seat or under the casting platform. On that note, having a casting platform, whether you fish or not, makes a great storage area. And if you do intend to fish, it’s an elevated position at the bow that allows you to cast and fish without any other obstructions. However, it’s worth mentioning, if you’re fishing mostly offshore, standing in an elevated position may not be suitable in rougher waters. Another negative with some centre consoles can be the lack of weather protection. Without a cabin you are exposed to more wind and salt spray. For this reason, they may not be the best options for cold, southern winters. It’s the reason you see more centre consoles in the northern states. Being open, they’re also better suited to calmer waters. Of course, there are exceptions and some of the modern offshore centre consoles are very capable offshore vessels. That said, there’s no escaping the fact that they are more exposed to wind and spray.
If you want to maximise the versatility of a centre console, and this depends on the size and type, you could fit a T-Top that offers shade and protection from weather. Another option is a T-Top and “clears”. This literally encloses the driver and passenger behind a clear plastic windscreen and enclosure and allows them to travel in rougher water in more comfort. It’s also worth looking at the height and width of the console itself. For smaller boats better suited to estuaries and fresh water, a smaller, narrow console is perfect. Stepping up to an offshore boat, opt for a higher and wider console, something that will protect the driver and passenger in bad weather. Another bonus with a larger console is you can install bigger sounders and accessories such as a stereo, marine radio etc. It also offers more storage underneath for safety gear and accessories.
True versatility
You can find a multi-purpose boat in any configuration, but in my opinion, centre consoles make the best option. Not only can you choose a boat that’s a true crossover boat with key features for fishing and families, but you can also find a fishing boat that’s capable of covering so many locations and species.
Centre consoles between 5 and 6.5 metres work well in smaller estuaries, shallow water and even freshwater rivers and lakes. Yes, the same small-to-medium size boats can reach offshore fishing grounds and are capable of handling fishing for big gamefish. That’s true versatility! If you take the same size boat and include a removable cushioned area at the bow, a tow point at the transom and some shade for hot weather, you now have a versatile fishing boat that the family will also love.
The wrap up
What started as a basic fishing boat is now one of the most popular styles of vessel available. With so many options, from basic fishing to luxury cruising boats, centre consoles should be on every boat owner’s radar. For anyone having trouble deciding what boat style best suits them, having a multi-purpose boat that ticks all the boxes seems like a great solution and a perfect excuse to go boating more often.
6 of the best
Built tough in New Zealand for serious fishing, this aluminium plate centre console is purpose-built with versatility in mind. An ideal size for lakes, rivers and even offshore, the 545 Centre Console features 5mm bottoms and 4mm sides and comes loaded with all the essential fishing accessories. Boats of this size are perfect all-rounders; not too big for small waterways and not too small for tackling gamefish offshore when the conditions allow. Matched with a maximum 115hp engine and with 100 litres of fuel capacity, Extreme’s 545 Centre Console is a great option as a high-end compact centre console. Available via Webbe Marine. Visit webbemarine.com.au
Grady White Canyon 386 
Grady White’s Canyon 386 is a premium and luxurious 37ft centre console designed for performance, comfort, and exceptional fishability. This model exemplifies the capabilities of the established US boat brand, known for its wide range of centre consoles from 18ft trailerable models to 45ft luxury options. The Canyon 386 strikes a balance between luxury and offshore capability without compromising on fishing or performance, featuring a variable deadrise hull with 20 degrees at the transom for stability. Paired with a maximum horsepower rating of 1350hp and a 1552-litre fuel capacity, this boat is built for long offshore runs and challenging conditions. Aft, you’ll find multiple livewells, fish boxes, tackle storage, and plenty of rod holders, ensuring anglers have everything they need. At the bow, there’s a spacious lounging area, and the helm is thoughtfully designed with ample space to accommodate the latest electronics. Available via Short Marine. Visit shortmarine.com.au
Oceanworx is a reasonably new boat brand from Sydney. The Oceanworx Axcess 5.3 offers a simple and spacious aluminium fishing package that would allow you to tackle freshwater, estuaries and offshore fishing. Oceanworx has put a lot of work into its hull design, and it really shows. The boats offer a smooth and dry ride and there is no shirking when it comes to performance. There’s plenty of storage around the boat, plus space on the dash for marine electronics and enough fishing features to make this a contender for anyone looking for a versatile centre console.
Visit oceanworx.au
Another New Zealand boat brand, Surtees offers plate aluminium boats purpose-built for fishing. Again, similar to some of the other models featured here, this 575 size has a sweet spot when it comes to versatility. It’s a tough boat and features ample fishing space, lots of storage and is just a great all-rounder for a keen fisherman. This model also has an optional T-Top for extra protection in poor weather.
Visit surteesboats.com
Quintrex Renegade 440 Centre Console
Quintrex needs no introduction and this affordable centre console is the ideal small package for estuary and freshwater fishing. From my experience, the Renegade line up is beamy, spacious and stable. With the addition of an electric trolling motor, the 440 would be ideal for two lure or fly fishos in the estuaries or freshwater impoundments. With a maximum horsepower of 60hp and featuring Quintrex’s Blade hull, the Renegade punches above its weight in performance and fishability.
Visit quintrex.com.au
Bar Crusher 535XS
I’ve owned two of these boats and a third isn’t out of the question! Bar Crusher’s 535XS really punches above its weight in performance and versatility. I’ve taken it offshore in some rough conditions and felt safe and confident, while on the flip side, it has allowed me to sneak into shallow water and fish for flathead and whiting in knee-deep water. It’s constructed to a high standard and designed by people who understand fishing. There’s plenty of storage and enough space on the dash for an enormous 16-inch sounder!
Visit barcrusher.com.au
5 must-have accessories
Sounder
A good sounder and GPS are essential. Whether you’re fishing or cruising, knowing your depth and navigation is vital for safe and enjoyable boating.
Safety gear
My advice is to carry all of your safety gear in an easily accessible grab bag. Another tip is to take advantage of the latest and greatest safety communication devices. Products such as the Garmin InReach or a small PLB may not be required by law, but are very useful if things go wrong!
Clothing
Centre consoles can be more exposed. In summer make sure you take extra sunscreen and warm weather clothing. In winter, ensure you have a good waterproof jacket and pants!
Deck wash
A saltwater deck wash is a useful accessory in any boat. Wash down fish blood quickly and keep your boat clean!
Cooler
A cooler, ice box, or ‘chilly bin’ for New Zealanders is essential for keeping drinks, food or fresh fish cold. Buy a good quality one and it will last for years!
By Scott Thomas.
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