Center Consoles are the fastest-growing segment of the marine marketplace—making the choices seemingly endless. Center Consoles are perfect for many occasions and appeal to a wide range of boaters, including the serious anglers, families, and the luxury day boater. View our library to learn more about the latest center console models and their various features.
Intrepid Powerboats introduced its newest center console model, the Intrepid 375 Nomad this spring as a larger option over its popular 345 Nomad.
The longer platform enabled Intrepid to pack in more features. Integrated wells in the forward lounge can be used as insulated coolers or rigged as baitwells.
A hi-lo electric table adjusts to three positions from flush with the cockpit sole to mid-level as a sunpad filler to a dining table at full height. The Intrepid 375 Nomad offers two console options: a composite T-top with a wraparound glass windshield or an aluminum T-top with a forward entry to the head. Borrowed from another Intrepid model is the helm sole that raises the cockpit height at the push of a button and adds four inches to provide
enhanced visibility to all drivers.
Aft, the 375 Nomad has port and starboard baitwells with windows and a hull-side swing-in dive door with a folding ladder. Intrepid’s renowned level of customization is available so you can truly make this eye- and fish-catching machine your own.
Owners can rig the boat for the fishing, cruising or diving experience desired. The 375 Nomad’s smooth, dry ride is the result of the transverse stepped-hull design. Vacuum bagged, hand-laid, knitted uni- and multi-directional, fiberglass laminates, foam-cored hull sides, and wood-free construction provide unprecedented strength, rigidity, and safety without performance-robbing weight.
In the 26 to 34 foot range, Cobia Boats are the top-selling center consoles in the county.
Surprised? Spend any time on a new Cobia and you’ll see and feel why it’s the top-selling brand. Each model is crafted with an explicit goal in mind. Whether you’re looking for a center console for fishing, a family day cruiser, a bay boat or a dual console, Cobia Boats has a perfect model that will suit your needs without compromising space or speed.
With smart designs, build quality second to none, and tournament-grade performance, there’s no better lineup of center consoles that mesh family comfort and fishing smarts. Do yourself a favor this boat show season and take the opportunity to step aboard a new Cobia. You’ll quickly see why Cobia is changing the game in center consoles.
Cobia hulls are designed for peak running performance, comfort and efficiency. Forward bow entries extend running surfaces to utilize nearly the full length of the boat, meaning a more stable and comfortable rude,
Intuitive Layouts
Deck layouts depend on the model, but all are designed as ‘smart layouts’, which means spacious decks, items within reach, and intuitive layouts. This all lends nicely to watersports or fishing, as does the ample freeboard. Helm and dash vary from by model, but all electronics and inputs are clearly labeled as such, making upkeep and maintenance a breeze.
Take the Cobia 320CC, for example. 320 CC is a spacious fishing platform with a range that can still be easily trailered to fishing tournament locations or inland lakes. Twin 35-gallon pressurized livewells, more than enough tackle storage, and holders for more than 20 rods mean you’ll be ready when you reach the long-distance fishing grounds where the big ones are biting.
See how Cobias set themselves apart in construction, quality assurance, and performance, in their expansive video gallery with videos on everything from exactly how we laminate our boats (No Wood!), to the proper layout for a family friendly center console to detailed model walkthroughs. You’ll be impressed!
Marking Everglades’ reentry into the dual console market, the Everglades 340DC is a versatile boat with three distinct social areas and some creative extras, such as the windshield that opens with a push of a button and the companion seat that folds down into a chaise lounge.
For anglers, its cockpit with two livewells is one of the largest in its class at 96 square feet. An outdoor galley, a berth in the port console and a shower in the starboard console make it possible to overnight; add the optional generator, berth A/C,
grill, and Seakeeper stabilizer, and you have a weekend getaway.
The company says this model is paving the way for an extended line of coastal explorers, so keep a watchful eye.
Chris-Craft calls its newest addition to the Launch series the 35 GT, its most innovative model yet. Classic design, reverse transom, large rear sunpad, and touches of elegant
varnished mahogany throughout unmistakably belong to the Chris-Craft Launch family, yet several options make the Chris-Craft 35 GT quite customizable.
Propulsion is sterndrive or outboard, a painted hardtop is another option and SureShade can further extend the shelter at the push of a button. Owners can also pick their preference to board through a dive door or walk-through transom.
A new catamaran joins Invincible’s fleet, a sibling to the 40 for those who prefer a smaller footprint. The Invincible 37 Catamaran has 360-degree walkaround fishability on a single level atop the inherently stable double-hull platform.
It shares its seakeeping ability with the 40 as Invincible worked with the multihull experts at Morelli & Melvin to create the boats it says can tear through seas and turn at high speeds. The 37’s deck layout di ers a bit with a flat transom and longer fish boxes forward. With a 550-gallon fuel tank, it’s possible to fish far and wide.
The Ocean Alexander Divergence 45 is a welcome contrast from the big boat brand.
When the assignment came in for this sea trial, I thought there was a typo in the email. Sure, it said the boat to test was the Divergence 45, but it also said the builder was Ocean Alexander.
Was this American magazine going metric and specified the size in meters? That wouldn’t be too far off because Ocean Alexander (OA) is capable of building a 147-foot yacht. But no, the 45 designation represented feet, and it was an OA. Wait! What? Yup. Ocean Alexander is now building in the 45-foot range with a new center console “yacht” with
outboard power and true OA craftmanship.
Large Yacht Goes Small
It is not a typical center console, but a center console on steroids. Everywhere you look, there are components and features that are built to large yacht standards; from the deck seating to the cabin layout to the space-age console, it has the ability to be a family platform for diving or fishing as well as for entertaining.
The coolness quotient is high when you realize that both the port and starboard aft bulwarks can fold down to create mini balconies.
Noticeable at first is the single level, full walkaround deck. Transiting from fore to aft is painless thanks to the recessed cabinet pulls and low-profile drawer handles. Cleats are mounted at the top of the gunwales and recessed when not in use to maintain a sleek profile. This is critical when fishing as access around the boat is essential in maintaining the proper line angle to minimize any contact with the boat or motors.
The coolness quotient is high when you realize that both the port and starboard aft bulwarks can fold down to create mini balconies. It adds to the size of the cockpit by extending the beam from 13 feet, 9 inches to 19 feet, 1 inch. When the bulwarks are up, the patented door-within-a-door aids in boarding from either side and thanks to the extended swim platform, boarding is accessible via the stern too.
Plenty of Seats
If you’re concerned about having all your friends on board, you may run out of friends before you run out of seats. OA built ample seating into this model and each one has a
commanding vantage point. Forward is an artfully curved, three-section settee in the bow with cushioned backrests supported on each end by an extension of the coaming structure to the deck.
You’ll run out of friends before you run out of places to sit!
Many center consoles have a seat at the front of the helm, but OA went the extra mile and created a two- to three-person, full-length, forward-facing lounge settee—a voluminous area with grab rails and speakers that will be a favorite with owners and guests alike. Between the bow seating is a hi-lo dining table perfect for drinks at sunset. Lower the table and filler cushions, and this area transforms into a large sunpad lounge.
Midship, triple Llebroc helm seats adorned with thick padding, beefy bolsters, fold-down armrests, and contoured backrests keep captain and crew well positioned regardless
of the seas. The cockpit is centered with a forward and aft bench seat big enough for three each. Well-padded like all the others, the forward seat has a reversible backrest so guests can face forward during the ride out to the fishing grounds or aft when the lines are in the water. The transom seat folds out and can neatly tuck away when it’s time to fish. There’s designated seating for at least 14 of your friends.
On Deck
Entertain guests on deck with the outdoor galley cabinet between the helm seats and the cockpit. This large cabinet houses a retractable flatscreen TV as well as a Scandvik stainless steel sink and faucet, two-burner Kenyon cooktop, Kenyon grill, and U-Line fridge.
Four Fusion speakers pump out music, recessed lighting and forward/aft spreader lights illuminate in the hardtop and a retractable, motorized SureShade cockpit awning extends all the way aft to protect guests from the elements. The standard Kohler 11kW diesel generator keeps those at the helm and in the cabin cool. Options include a Seakeeper 6 gyrostabilizer, KVH Tracvision satellite TV, FLIR thermal night vision, and a host of other choices to personalize your 45.
Down Below
Designer Evan K. Marshall’s focus on the interior layout was to enhance the owner’s experience. To that end, Marshall starts with six-foot, six-inch headroom in the cabin accessible from a staircase to port of the helm console. Adding side and forward windows in the hull along with a skylight creates an open feel. There’s a mini galley to port equipped with a GE microwave, Isotherm fridge drawer and Scandvik sink and storage installed in a solid, satin-finished wooden cabinet.
Doing double duty is the forward dinette with U-shaped settee and center hi-lo table for dining. With the table lowered, filler cushions in place and forward seat backrest dropped, the settee becomes a queen-size berth.
There’s a separate, standup head (just over six feet) to starboard. A clear Ambassador basin sink complements the Cambria Berwyn counters and wood finish. There’s a Tecma
toilet system, and a glass door keeps the shower stall separate. A Dometic reverse cycle, extreme tropical climate, 10,000 BTU air conditioning system cools the entire cabin area.
Power at the Helm
Four 350-hp Mercury Verado outboards power the Divergence 45, and all I can say is when they light up, hold on. We screamed out of Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, into a confused chop of more than four feet. The 45 skimmed across the top thanks to the sharp entry and 18-degree deadrise at the transom. My wheelman put us into a few tight turns barely pulling back on the throttles.
With a lean into the seas, the 45 came around as expected with assured footing. Although it was too choppy to get clean running specs, I did see that we were clocking more than 40 mph at one point. If it could do this speed in these conditions, then I’m confident it
can hit the 48 mph mark that OA publishes.
The helm is fully loaded with electronics and controls.
Controls for the 45 are at the space-age, carbon fiber helm console that is loaded with Garmin electronics, including three 17-inch multifunction displays for charts and radar,
VHF and more. There’s also Sirius XM, Lenco tabs, Mercury throttles and joystick with Skyhook, Mercury VesselView 5-inch display, Maxwell windlass controller, and other components. Electrical system controls are through the OctoPlex NMEA monitor.
In Style
The 45 comes in two styles: a cruising/dive model and a fishing version for the serious tourney crowd. For the latter, the galley can be converted to a tackle and prep area with
storage drawers for lures, hooks and gear. Additional rod holders are accessible around the boat including six built into the transom, convenient when fishing off the swim platform, as well as a transom livewell. Fish box freezer plates and outriggers are also available.
Owners can choose from a multitude of wood options, paint schemes and even matching engine cowling colors. From Marshall’s prolific pen, the Divergence 45 has a sleek yet aggressive style and design that amplifies the functions of the yacht. The broken sheer that sweeps from the high freeboard forward, the raked windshield and the low-profile
hardtop says this machine means business for both cruising and fishing in style.
Ocean Alexander knows there is a good market for center consoles and outboard-driven vessels and why they’ve taken the bold step with the Divergence 45. It’s not a typo.
Not only is the new Midnight Express 60 Pied-A-Mer the flagship of Midnight Express’s fleet of center console performance powerboats, but it also ranks close to the top of the world’s largest center consoles.
The highly customizable boat naturally has a massive cockpit, but it’s the integration of the interior and exterior design that really makes it special. Taking a holistic approach, Italian designer Giuseppina Arena chose silver and light-gray tones for the luxe cabin (which has twin master suites) that complement the exterior. Powered by quad 627-hp Seven Marine outboards, the 60 can reach speeds in excess of 70 mph. An inboard diesel and surface drives will add 20 mph to that.
At the top of its line of luxury center consoles is the new Scout 530 LXF.
Features that set it apart include the articulating rocket launchers mounted on the hardtop that electronically raise or lower at the touch of a button; the Seakeeper 6 gyrostabilizer that comes standard and the hydraulic beach platforms that unfold port and starboard to extend the cockpit to 17.5 feet across at anchor.
The Scout 530 LXF is built on the company’s carbon fiber, epoxy-infused, double-stepped, fuel-efficient hull. The epoxy infusion process provides strength for stability while reducing overall weight. Electrically actuated port and starboard beach platforms, when deployed,
extend the cockpit width to 17 feet for more room to entertain and play in the water.
Available in quad, quint or hex engine packages, tests with quad 425-hp Yamaha outboards showed optimal efficiency at 4,500 rpm, cruising at 39.6 mph.
Packed with standard features, the 530 LXF includes a Seakeeper 6 gyrostabilizer, a unique glass helm, a cockpit island, aft-facing retractable bar stools and a cooler. A mini-galley offers a sink and cutting board as well as a granite countertop.
A Fischer Panda 15kW generator and 16,000 BTU air conditioner/heater (in the cabin
and helm area) ensure everyone is comfortable, and the electric sliding sunroof lets the sunshine in.
The Mystic M3800 Center Console is built to produce a safe and dry ride. The infused epoxy, carbon-reinforced hull and deck is the first of its kind. A deep freeboard of up to 33 inches keeps the boat dry in rough conditions and gives the owner and guest a great feeling of security.
Reducing interior wind is also a hallmark, and the boat offers a 60-inch wide helm with comfortable and secure seating for three adults. Gunwale wind doors protect guests from spray going to the rear cockpit areas. All seating material and heights are configured for comfort while using 45- to 70-pound density foams that conform to the body.
Safety systems are top notch, and the luxurious cabin features nice finishes and well-designed lighting. Powered by triple 350-hp engines, the M3800 runs in the upper 70-mph range with a cruising range of 320 miles at 46 mph.
The Intrepid 345 CC was born from customer requests for a boat of this size that offers owners versatility and performance and is ideal for both fishing and cruising. The composite T-top with a full-height wraparound glass windshield provides generous protection from the elements.
The Intrepid 345 CC also has options for side or front entry to the head. Improved with more storage over previous Intrepid models and a power vent for added ventilation, the new model is available with twin- or triple-engine applications up to a maximum of 1,050 total horsepower. Standard features include an integrated folding rear bench seat, hideaway rod locker and fender storage, refrigerator, and ice maker.
SeaVee’s new 322Z center console has some innovation up its sleeve. The hull, stringers and bulkhead construction is a vacuum-assisted resin transfer infusion that is not only a more environmentally friendly manufacturing process, but it also leaves the design light and strong for better handling and fuel economy.
The cross-ventilated, twin-stepped hull has a four-port air induction system. It uses a central air reservoir to produce and maintain the necessary airstream that reduces the power-robbing drag of water flow. The new design replaces the 320Z and is powered by twin Mercury Verado 300-hp outboards.
The 322Z is offered in two configurations: the Open and Luxury Editions (LE). The Open is a tournament fishing machine with a wide deck layout and options such as four live wells, additional fishboxes, an upper station with full controls, and a range of leaning post designs. The LE adds molded-in forward seating and optional rear benches, loungers with electric backrests, an oversized hardtop for more shade, a freshwater shower, and a head. A side boarding door for divers is optional. With many standard features, this is a worthy replacement for a popular predecessor.
The new Grady-White Canyon 456 center console is spacious, technically sophisticated and richly appointed. The SeaV2 hull design offers performance and seaworthy reliability.
Ease of use and technical achievement aboard the Grady White Canyon 456 starts with Grady’s exclusive Sea Command Center that includes the capacity to comfortably seat seven people under the T-top. The 456 is equipped with a Seakeeper stabilizer, and Yamaha’s Helm Master system with Set Point is standard. Powered by four Yamaha 425-hp outboards, the boat runs to a top speed of 58 mph and cruises 388 miles at 23.8 mph.
The classic boat builder makes a strategic move with the Albemarle 27 DC.
Conventional marketing wisdom has often espoused the idea of “do what you know” and you’ll succeed. It was an idea popularized in the 1980s with the publishing of the book In Search of Excellence that quickly became a business bible of sorts. With changing tastes and business models, however, more companies are choosing another tack, one that says “diversify and sustain the brand.”
This is the path taken by Albemarle Sportfishing Boats as they roll out their first dual console express cruiser, the Albemarle 27 DC. Focused on family fun, the new model embraces the multi-tool approach and delivers a boat that, in addition to fishing, aptly handles waterskiing, diving, cruising, and happy hour entertaining.
With hand-laid, solid fiberglass construction, the deep-V hull has wide inverted chines and a 24-degree deadrise. A heavy-duty vinyl rub rail with a stainless-steel insert ensures those docking mishaps won’t result in expensive damage, and the encapsulated fiberglass stringer system adds strength and rigidity. Like her Albemarle siblings, the 27 DC is built for a fast, soft, dry ride on open water. But unlike her sisters, the 27 DC is configured to do double and triple duty while she’s out.
More is Mighty
The differences start right at the helm. The single-seat with a bolster allows the driver to sit or stand and because the windshield is raised, visibility forward is quite good either way. The compass sits at eye level so it’s easy to take bearings, and a molded footrest keeps the driver comfortable. (There’s one at the companion seat as well.) The dash is well equipped with twin Garmin multifunction displays and a Fusion stereo head. On the shelf below, you’ll find a cup holder and two arrays of rocker switches.
Beneath that is the Yamaha Command Link engine display to the left of the wheel, with the engine controls outboard to the right. The 27 DC is powered by twin Yamaha F200 4-stroke, 200-hp outboards. (A pair of 250-hp F250s is an option.) The top end with the base engines is about 41 knots, so the upgrade may not be necessary.
With plenty of cockpit space, the boat does double duty as a party platform or fishing machine.
The helm offers plenty of gadgets and controls.
From overhead, the Albemarle 27 DC is surprisingly roomy.
The features list on the Albemarle 27 DC is long and runs throughout the vessel. To port is companion seating for two tucked behind a console that hides an electric head and sink. This nicely finished area has a solid-surface counter, a medicine cabinet and a mirror. Unlike many heads shoehorned into consoles, this is actually quite a usable space that women and kids will appreciate.
The Albemarle 27 DC carries 23 gallons of water and since there are a freshwater cockpit shower and a berth hidden behind the helm console, one or two people could conceivably weekend on this versatile model with all the necessities. If that sounds too much like camping for you, the cavernous cabin space also makes a great place to stash wakeboards and water skis. Plus, there is lockable storage for up to 24 eight-foot fishing rods. That’s not too shabby for 27’4″ LOA!
A little bit of everything
With a nearly nine-foot beam, the Albemarle 27 DC offers a 58-square-foot cockpit that has some tricks up its sleeve, including two double foldaway seats—one to port and one at the transom. This means you can host a harbor cocktail cruise for eight or more, or fold the seats away when it’s time to fish.
A 60-gallon insulated deck box can be used for storage or to hold your catch and has a macerator pump-out system. The insulated multi-purpose transom box is also plumbed as an 18-gallon livewell that is painted a calming blue to keep the bait fresh. A 64-quart cooler is beneath the aft-facing seat to port to keep happy hour snacks cold, and there are cup holders and USB ports throughout to keep everyone’s iPads and smartphones charged.
There is additional rod storage below the starboard gunwale and a raw water wash-down to get any blood and fish guts out of the self-bailing cockpit. A convenient transom door leads to the integrated swim platform and ladder. It’s a nice way to get in and out of the water or dinghy since you can walk the width of the boat at water level and never have to tangle with the engines.
Albemarle offers an optional hardtop with side curtains to keep you dry and comfortable when the weather changes. Cockpit and bow sunshades are also available. Speaking of the bow, there’s plenty of seating there as well. Both port and starboard sides have extended lounge seats with angled backrests that will be favorite places to relax.
High and Dry
Insulated dry storage is under the port bench seat and stainless steel handrails are on both sides. An integrated anchor locker holds the electric windlass with a through-stem anchor roller so a muddy anchor never has to mar the deck. With the anchor locker closed, this bow platform is just large enough for one person to stand on and cast from, and since the Albemarle has pop-up cleats, there won’t be anything on which to snag your line.
The walk-through has been offset to port so both the tempered glass windshield and the composite bow door can be open when running and the wind is funneled away from the helmsman. Indirect lighting throughout creates a soft glow for perfect evening ambiance.
All the wiring is color-coded, electronics are prewired, the whole electrical system is bonded, and LED lights are used throughout to keep the power requirements to a minimum. All the thru-bolted deck hardware is stainless and of good quality. The 190-gallon aluminum fuel tank has a cold tar epoxy coating, and hoses below the waterline have double stainless steel clamps. Seacocks below the waterline are bronze and thru-hull fittings above are stainless steel.
Attention to detail
These kinds of details show Albemarle’s dedication to quality and how they value the needs of their customers. Because this new model is a departure for the builder, it must meet many expectations and may possibly become a harbinger of the future for the brand.
Albemarle Sportfishing Boats joined with Carolina Classics in 2015 and together the companies have built more than 3,600 hulls from 25 to 41 feet. The North Carolina builder is family owned and says that customer feedback created the 27 DC along with market trends. Sure, there will be those who can’t wrap their heads around an Albemarle bowrider, but it’s a good bet there will be more who will rejoice that their favorite fishing machine is now a family-friendly boating SUV.
By Zuzana Prochazka, Southern Boating January 2019
Two new EdgeWater launches, the EdgeWater 230CC and the EdgeWater 230CX, feature single-piece infusion construction and a fully finished grid system. Class-leading standard features include a bow table with sun pad, freshwater wash down and gelcoat hull color. This is a great compromise between the hardcore fisherman and the family boater. Great ergonomics around the helm, coupled with Yamaha outboard power, make them a joy for the captain.
The performance of the EdgeWater 230CC is unmatched in its competitive set with either the Yamaha F250- or F300-hp engines. With the F300, she runs to a top speed of 52 mph and a cruising speed of 29 mph. The 230CC’s feature-rich cockpit boasts more seating and cockpit space than its competitors, which allows great flexibility no matter the activity on the water. A forward entry head with a standard pump out, allows for spacious accommodations not normally found on a boat of this size.
For a family fun boat at an affordable price, you really can’t go wrong with the new Tahoe 2150 CC.
This is a boat that wears many hats and is chock-full of features. At the bow of the Tahoe 2150 CC, you’ll find a four-step telescoping ladder, an anchor locker, wraparound seating, 84-quart insulated fishboxes, an aerated livewell, and a casting platform.
Amidships to port and starboard are rod racks, and below the sole is wakeboard and trolling motor stowage. Additionally, the aft lounge offers two more stowage compartments as well as a 36-quart cooler. Overhead, the Bimini hides a drop-down changing curtain, and the console has a small windshield to keep spray off the driver.
Furthermore, a swim platform is aft with another boarding ladder that will help swimmers and skiers get out of the water. This is the toy that will become the family glue on outings for years to come.
