CENTRE STAGE
ONBOARD TAKES A LOOK AT THE RISING POPULARITY OF CENTRE CONSOLES, THEIR VERSATILITY, SEAWORTHINESS AND ABILITY TO ACCOMMODATE SOME HEFTY OUTBOARDS
C
entre console boats have long been a popular choice for those in the USA who enjoy fishing, whether it be off- shore, coastal or large lake fishing. One of the primary reasons being the superior visibility and general open space that they offer whilst cruising.
Because the helm is located in the very centre of the boat, you can see in all directions, as opposed to a boat with a console along the side, where visibility can be greater on to the right but blocked on the left. This 360° vision offers increased safety and situational awareness, especially in busy coastal areas.
The central helm from a design angle can offer an increased number of seating configurations. One obvious benefit might be an extended lounging area or set of seats at the bow. This can add a little more privacy for guests, but also be a chance to separate the kids from the adults to give the little ones some feeling of independence. These seating areas at the bow also offer extended and accessible storage options without taking away seat numbers. Perfect for loading up the tender for a day at the beach.
Being able to walk around the complete vessel makes for a more sociable layout, so guests are not stuck at different ends of the tender or even stuck ‘together’ at the rear. When anchored and enjoying some time on a paddle board or diving, the addition access points to boat can be very handy. But, the ability to walk around and the centre consoles stability make for a much more enjoyable and social time when anchored.
If you’re taking the family out on an adventure in the tender,
this is where centre console boats shine. As well as having good rough water capability, centre console boats offer an abundance of standing room and open space. The seating capacity is generous and as a base for water activities there’s nothing better.
Balance is probably the most over looked advantage to having a centre-console boat. Having the right balance while cruising on the water will affect your acceleration, handling, guest safety and top speed. If you are travelling at slower speeds in smooth or rough waters, it can be hard to get the right balance. Especially when you have a passenger, the weight distribution can make a difference.
With a centre console boat, however, you can have a more balanced ride, and passengers can sit in front or behind the console, keeping your boat perfectly balanced throughout the entire trip. This also gives the guests more privacy if required.
Centre console boats are a popular breed of leisure craft – and with good reason. They handle well in choppy seas and offer a good assortment of practical features for the active seafarer. Lastly, they boast an attractive and sporty look with ample seating arrangements and allow some pretty meaty outboards to be strapped to the back.
62 | SUMMER 2021 | ONBOARD
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