Has Anyone Considered Making the Jump to a Center Console?

[beaverretriever]

Occasionally hearing talk on RDP about "a center console may be my next boat". Anyone bought one or considering one for their next boat? This is mostly directed at West Coast boaters that go to the likes of places like Havasu, Mead, etc.

The ones I have been in (even the smaller 21-22 footers) run fast, handle rough water, tons of room, easy to clean and overall very useful.

My buddy just bought a Robalo R222 for around 65k pretty set up with Yamaha 250 for power, Garmin dash, trailer, sweet looking powder coated tower with canvas, even a head. I actually like the look of the top he chose as it is slightly sleeker than the fiberglass set up. He doesn't even fish but wanted something to just hang out on! The boat looks pretty slick.

Kind of an oddity seeing center consoles at Havasu.

Edit, I take back what I said about white outboards as I built a Robalo online with the white Yamaha and it looked tough!

 

[mesquito_creek]

Does "a center console is my river boat" count? Then yes...

 

[beaverretriever]

Does "a center console is my river boat" count? Then yes...

For sure! I'm just talking about people using a center console as their pleasure boat on the west coast in lakes etc as opposed to a custom (go fast), wake boat, pontoon, etc.

 

[LuckyStrike]

For sure! I'm just talking about people using a center console as their pleasure boat on the west coast in lakes etc as opposed to a custom (go fast), wake boat, pontoon, etc.

YES

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

After watching all of those CC's in Florida on the videos I posted yesterday, I am a fan. Would love to own a decent sized one to take in the ocean and to Havasu. It sucks being less than an hour from Oceanside and can't go out there........I mean, I could if I wanted to......but not going to.

 

[Backlash]

I have already purchased a boat to do just this. The boat is currently in storage but work has already begun. The boat is a 23' Formula and I have already gutted the hull removing everything except for the stringers. This boat was originally built as a cuddy cabin but I will transform it into a self-bailing, wood-free center console with twin outboards. If you know the history on these hulls, they are one of the best performing hulls in this size range. (The original molds were sold to a company in Australia where the boats are still being built.) They are big enough for Catalina and any fishing I would care to do, but small enough to be trailerable. Perfect for Parker and Havasu! Stand by......

 

[HOOTER SLED-]

After watching all of those CC's in Florida on the videos I posted yesterday, I am a fan. Would love to own a decent sized one to take in the ocean and to Havasu. It sucks being less than an hour from Oceanside and can't go out there........I mean, I could if I wanted to......but not going to.

Perfect space for all 80 or your kids....

 

[STV_Keith]

Been there, done that.

 

[HitIt]

Not quite a center console, but I want this:

https://www.scoutboats.com/boat-models/255-dorado/

 

[Wbinder]

I’d love a v drive whaler/ center console

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[hallett21]

Yes! Problem is I want something that is an Eliminator/Hallett/Nordic/Howard that I can also throw a BFT over the rail with.

Needs to be able to pull a waterskier as well. Preferably a cabin in the bow (forward 9ft) with a non-skid deck for girls to tan on and a decent fishing platform.

Concept boats seems to be the closest to what I want. If I could blend the Eliminator/OL boat with a Concept id be in heaven.

I hope Barron does something like this [emoji1303]


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[River Runnin]

There's river boats & river jets!

Although I have a white water special (WWS) I took the side control Vs. center Stick Steer. :smackhead:

 

[Dirtbag]

every fuckin dayyyyyyyy....i want a cc so bad....west coast builders need to step up and create the market....it will be an instant winner for both salt and fresh!

 

[WhatExit?]

My buddy just bought a Robalo R222 for around 65k pretty set up with Yamaha 250 for power, Garmin dash, trailer, sweet looking powder coated tower with canvas, even a head. I actually like the look of the top he chose as it is slightly sleeker than the fiberglass set up. He doesn't even fish but wanted something to just hang out on! The boat looks pretty slick.

Quite a set of amenities on that boat!

http://www.robalo.com/Robalo-Boat-2016.php?id=374&action=tab_gallery

 

[Thunderhead1]

Yes! Problem is I want something that is an Eliminator/Hallett/Nordic/Howard that I can also throw a BFT over the rail with.

Needs to be able to pull a waterskier as well. Preferably a cabin in the bow (forward 9ft) with a non-skid deck for girls to tan on and a decent fishing platform.

Concept boats seems to be the closest to what I want. If I could blend the Eliminator/OL boat with a Concept id be in heaven.

I hope Barron does something like this [emoji1303]


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Look at the 38 fountain TE.... That is my next move.... The concepts are nice but very narrow beam.

 

[Backlash]

West coast builders are behind the 8 ball with this design as it's been popular in Florida and the Southeast for years. Hell even Cigarette built something like this back in the late 70's! I think the West Coast builders could definitely improve upon what's already been started though. It seems we have the more talented gelcoat and interior guys out West so it wouldn't be hard to do.

 

[WhatExit?]

These CC boats require some very deep pockets...
https://www.saltwatersportsman.com/top-50-modern-center-consoles

 

[WhatExit?]

Look at the 38 fountain TE.... That is my next move....

2017 - asking $325,000

2017 Fountain 38 CC with triple 400 verados. Only 95 hours, All new design with New forward seating, tackle center, sea dek, cold plate on fish box, fish box discharge, raw water, fresh water, head with overboard discharge, windlass, extra rod holders throughout, transom rod rack, custom rear seating, outriggers, electric reel outlets, auxilliary fuel, white engines, helm seat cover, dash cover, port light in console, custom glacier blue painted hull with boot stripe, spot light with remote control, garelick transom ladder,

electronics - Garmin 7616's, Autopilot, radar, 2 transducers, 1KW chirp, Garmin VHF, JL audio stereo with 2 subs, 6 speakers, amp, lighted speakers, lighted cupholders, multi color underwater lights, battery charger

https://www.boattrader.com/listing/2017-fountain-38-cc-103043295/?refSource=standard listing

 

[Motor Boater]

I would buy one. I’m surprised a few of the sensation CCs haven’t popped up on the west coast. They build a 28, 32 and 34.

 

[MooreMoney]

If you read the latest speed on the water article it hinted that Nordic has a mold for a 38ft center console. It should be pretty interesting to see what they come up with.

Yes! Problem is I want something that is an Eliminator/Hallett/Nordic/Howard that I can also throw a BFT over the rail with.

Needs to be able to pull a waterskier as well. Preferably a cabin in the bow (forward 9ft) with a non-skid deck for girls to tan on and a decent fishing platform.

Concept boats seems to be the closest to what I want. If I could blend the Eliminator/OL boat with a Concept id be in heaven.

I hope Barron does something like this [emoji1303]


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[Thunderhead1]

2017 - asking $325,000

2017 Fountain 38 CC with triple 400 verados. Only 95 hours, All new design with New forward seating, tackle center, sea dek, cold plate on fish box, fish box discharge, raw water, fresh water, head with overboard discharge, windlass, extra rod holders throughout, transom rod rack, custom rear seating, outriggers, electric reel outlets, auxilliary fuel, white engines, helm seat cover, dash cover, port light in console, custom glacier blue painted hull with boot stripe, spot light with remote control, garelick transom ladder,

electronics - Garmin 7616's, Autopilot, radar, 2 transducers, 1KW chirp, Garmin VHF, JL audio stereo with 2 subs, 6 speakers, amp, lighted speakers, lighted cupholders, multi color underwater lights, battery charger

https://www.boattrader.com/listing/2017-fountain-38-cc-103043295/?refSource=standard listing

That's a 38 open... The 38TE has a cabin and a BIG non skid flat deck..... its perfect for local islands and IMO still sporty and functional enough for Havasu....

 

[beaverretriever]

Quite a set of amenities on that boat!

http://www.robalo.com/Robalo-Boat-2016.php?id=374&action=tab_gallery

He likes it a lot. I saw it when he first got it but have not been in it. He just added a huge JL Audio system. He lives near the Delta in NorCal so he can run it out on to the Ocean as well. He had a big wake boat, but like me spends more time parked and drinking beer than wake sports. hahaha.

For under 70k it seems like a deal.

 

[Taboma]

Maybe and I mean seriously maybe where AJ lives in Florida.
But I've still never forgotten fishing out of a large center console in a Cabo Marlin Tournament on a 90 degree windy day and being so soaking wet I actually thought I might freeze to death. Every wave got picked up and carried over us, unless we were running straight down wind and wave.
So in my book they're very much fair weather boats.

 

[Bpracing1127]

After watching all of those CC's in Florida on the videos I posted yesterday, I am a fan. Would love to own a decent sized one to take in the ocean and to Havasu. It sucks being less than an hour from Oceanside and can't go out there........I mean, I could if I wanted to......but not going to.

Same boat as you lol. Would love to have a 35+ with triples for ocean boating on good days plus to havasu too

 

[LuckyStrike]

You guys ...Newby's I brought my first 33 Scarab in 99 When I Moved from S fla and Michigan to the West Valley of AZ..I was one of the 1st big bluewater boat to go from the springs to the base of Davis Dam..Laughlin ...And did that trip 4 times...Last trip cost me a drive. Next boat 2002 Concept36 In Parker alot...Kept that boat in Mohave for a couple years...Next Build Next Build ALL 36's...The very first time I went Up the Colorado Every one thought I was a Cop...Including the COPS..Who All gave me a wave or Thumbs Up...Will never change and I came from Deep Vee Racing Hull with Drives And engines...Fuck That Dumb shit...IMO

 

[WhatExit?]

Maybe and I mean seriously maybe where AJ lives in Florida.
But I've still never forgotten fishing out of a large center console in a Cabo Marlin Tournament on a 90 degree windy day and being so soaking wet I actually thought I might freeze to death. Every wave got picked up and carried over us, unless we were running straight down wind and wave.
So in my book they're very much fair weather boats.

"Large center console" compared to what? I know CC boats on the East Coast and likely elsewhere are not "fair weather boats." Just wondering what you're comparing it (the CC you were on) to?

 

[WhatExit?]

You guys ...Newby's I brought my first 33 Scarab in 99 When I Moved from S fla and Michigan to the West Valley of AZ..I was one of the 1st big bluewater boat to go from the springs to the base of Davis Dam..Laughlin ...And did that trip 4 times...Last trip cost me a drive. Next boat 2002 Concept36 In Parker alot...Kept that boat in Mohave for a couple years...Next Build Next Build ALL 36's...The very first time I went Up the Colorado Every one thought I was a Cop...Including the COPS..Who All gave me a wave or Thumbs Up...Will never change and I came from Deep Vee Racing Hull with Drives And engines...Fuck That Dumb shit...IMO

I like it but what CC's can us non-ballers consider out here on the left coast?

 

[Tank]

I was BIG on buying a CC about 5 years ago and was writing the check for one when my wife got pregnant with our 3rd kid so put it off. Then CC’s exploded and the used market went up and up and now I’m on the fence. Looking at used boats I’d really like a usable cabin so I’m again leaning back to buying another cigarette instead of a CC. But if I found the right deal on a 36 concept it would be super tempting.

 

[Thunderhead1]

Maybe and I mean seriously maybe where AJ lives in Florida.
But I've still never forgotten fishing out of a large center console in a Cabo Marlin Tournament on a 90 degree windy day and being so soaking wet I actually thought I might freeze to death. Every wave got picked up and carried over us, unless we were running straight down wind and wave.
So in my book they're very much fair weather boats.

Dress for the occasion I guess....Anyone that has been tournament deepsea fishing and didn't come back wet, stinky and exhausted , Didn't participate.

Like quint said in the movie...... " ya got your rubbers chief "

 

[Blackmagic94]

There is a lot of older fountains with twin 2 stroke salt 250 mercs at around 25-30k from the late 90s and later. I would buy one of those and then put new Merc v8 300s on them with new instruments and simrad glass

 

[mbrown2]

We had a center console as a second boat we kept near the ocean.. ....small 23' that was perfect for Havasu, River and Coastal... The thing about a coastal center console at least here in Cali is you want to take it Catalina....and next probably sleep on it at Catalina. You need one with a small cabin. Ours did not have one. It was great for day boating but day boating in pacific gets tiring. A center console for Havasu or the river is the perfect boat and I look at them from time to time as possible replacement for current river boat.

 

[Taboma]

Dress for the occasion I guess....Anyone that has been tournament deepsea fishing and didn't come back wet, stinky and exhausted , Didn't participate.

Like quint said in the movie...... " ya got your rubbers chief "

Funny, but I agree with this --- especially when I fished with my buddy commercially out of a beach launched dory boat out of Pacific City Oregon. Yes for sure slickers were the order of the day. But I admit I did not bring slickers to fish marlin in Cabo and I also wasn't told before hand we were fishing the Bisbee Black and Blue out of a CC

 

[STV_Keith]

I like it but what CC's can us non-ballers consider out here on the left coast?

80's-90's era Scarabs, Fountains, etc. My 30' Scarab worked well, although a bit narrow. The 34' Scarab had a wider beam, but that's a BIG boat...much heavier and slower.

After having one out here, my dream would have been a 32-34' long center console with 8'6"-9' beam, 24* deadrise and a 12' cabin. The 7' cabin in my Scarab was JUST big enough to sleep in, but that was it. It was usually used as dry storage. I wished it was bigger and had A/C. Convertible benches that turn into a single large bed with some storage room. A pair of 400R's if you are a baller, and it would still be a 65-70mph ride.

 

[Taboma]

"Large center console" compared to what? I know CC boats on the East Coast and likely elsewhere are not "fair weather boats." Just wondering what you're comparing it (the CC you were on) to?

It was if I recall a 32' all Kevlar boat twin OB made by Harley Boats out of Florida. Fun boat, but no where to find shelter from the waves and howling offshore Cabo wind. So yes, for a guy more accustomed to marlin fishing Hatts, Egg Harbors and Bertrams, this CC was for sure a fair weather boat. We did however win the shotgun start two mornings in a row, lol

 

[River Lynchmob]

I have been thinking about them for better part of a year, Thought a big at would be cool but with a family now i think a CC will be the way to go.

 

[RodnJen]

I look at them, I like them a lot, but for what we would use it for a well appointed day boat like the Sea Ray SLX or the Formula CBR works better. I would never want one for Havasu, but again it's all personal preference.

 

[AQUA-HOLICS]

[/GALLERY][/GALLERY]

I’d love a v drive whaler/ center console View attachment 659210 View attachment 659211 View attachment 659212


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Got one for sale!

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

How much do you guys think a 28~30 foot “west coast” CC that can go 60 MPH will cost?

In before the “Why are these CC’s so EXPENSIVE!!??”

If it is cheap, it will be pontoon slow and $250k+ If it is fast, it will be half a million dollars.

I don’t get the draw for a Havasu exclusive boat.

 

[hallett21]

How much do you guys think a 28~30 foot “west coast” CC that can go 60 MPH will cost?

In before the “Why are these CC’s so EXPENSIVE!!??”

If it is cheap, it will be pontoon slow and $250k+ If it is fast, it will be half a million dollars.

I don’t get the draw for a Havasu exclusive boat.

Under 150,000 OTD twin 300s. Honest 65 with the potential to hit 70.

Any more and It’ll be another DCB


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[LargeOrangeFont]

Under 150,000 OTD twin 300s. Honest 65 with the potential to hit 70.

Any more and It’ll be another DCB


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My opinion - No way will a CC with 600 HP will be cheaper than a similar sized deckboat with 600 HP.

Unless it is a generic “white boat” with limited stereo and white cushion interior. - a stripped down fishing boat.

The hardtop bimini alone will be a massive cost.

Custom boat MFGs don’t want to sell cheaper boats.

We have not even talked about the tooling costs that will have to be baked into the price.

 

[bigdawgmini]

I have had this one for 15 years...x2 mercury 150's been offshore 80 miles...lots of lakes and rivers....but I do have a couple of just lake boats...It is a great boat..I have fully tested it!!!!!

 

[milkmoney]

I was BIG on buying a CC about 5 years ago and was writing the check for one when my wife got pregnant with our 3rd kid so put it off. Then CC’s exploded and the used market went up and up and now I’m on the fence. Looking at used boats I’d really like a usable cabin so I’m again leaning back to buying another cigarette instead of a CC. But if I found the right deal on a 36 concept it would be super tempting.

I for one , sure wish u would do something soon. I am slowly dying [emoji202]

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[LuckyStrike]

I was BIG on buying a CC about 5 years ago and was writing the check for one when my wife got pregnant with our 3rd kid so put it off. Then CC’s exploded and the used market went up and up and now I’m on the fence. Looking at used boats I’d really like a usable cabin so I’m again leaning back to buying another cigarette instead of a CC. But if I found the right deal on a 36 concept it would be super tempting.

You do Know Ill get you Cost..Jus Saying

 

[Tank]

You do Know Ill get you Cost..Jus Saying

If you’d just hold onto one for just a liiiiiiiiiittle longer than you do, idjust buy one from you.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I for one , sure wish u would do something soon. I am slowly dying [emoji202]

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LoL

Post of the week.

 

[poncho]

I have a low ball bid on this one, see what happens. Thinking with the 200's may be somewhat economical, I like to travel.

https://www.boats.com/power-boats/2017-sunsation-29-ccx-6606793/?refSource=sponsored listing#.WzYS2o2ov6e

 

[Wmc]

I would do it. Trade for 36 Concept

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[DrunkenSailor]

Cc's make a ton of sense to me. Fast, economical and reliable boats designed to run in big water. Small enough to trailer big enough to put a ton of people on.

with the largest body of water in the world 20 minutes from my house having a dual purpose boat makes a ton of sense.

i am also feeling the pull of the new outboard powered sea rays and nortech cruisers.

 

[Uncle Dave]

I certainly can't deny their popularity, but it's bewildering to me on many levels.

Having a console in the center doesnt make the hull and better a rider in the rough- the bottom design does. Your boat either can take water or it cant.

I've spent tons of time on them while in Florida and simply dont think they are a better leisure platform than a deckboat or even a walkthrough open bow Deep V.
They lack the step off the nose ability to disembark on a beach and the exit to the swim step or swimstep at all to get in the water.

The driver cant talk to anyone riding in the front easily, a standard width unit is tight for two at the helm and rarely has any bolster so as a co pilot id rather have a full bolstered seat available to me than snuggle up with the captain.

the bench set behind typically has the same bolster problem - its a flat bench typically and to hold on to anything you have to reach to the side or behind you then you are faced opposite of the two driving so talking to them isnt easy. then the guys in the back bench have the same grab handle problem because even if you rigged up a grab handle to the the tiny bench in front of them is too far away of course the back seat is always the best ride but boogieing on the ocean or big water a grab is always desirable.

They are way better at fishing for certain - the ability to walk around the boat with a reel in hand is great -

The robalos bow storage lockers are counterproductive for fishing, but Im guessing they intend for their boat to mainly service the leisure market so some easy access storage was needed.

Id like to spend a day on the water with a group here and see how they use one so I can better understand what they like and dont like.

UD

 

[poncho]

They are way better at fishing for certain - the ability to walk around the boat with a reel in hand is great -


Where i live Striper fishing around the Cape is a religion.

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