Taking the centre stage – Chris Clifford takes a look at the rising popularity of centre consoles, their versatility, seaworthiness and ability to accommodate some hefty outboards
Centre 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.
AXOPAR
Axopar are one of the fastest growing European boatbuilders and have captured an increasing market share over the past few years. Since 2014, Axopar have infiltrated the marine market with their reputation for creating exciting, functional and innovative boats with excellent handling and performance. With one of the most fuel-efficient hulls for fast motorboats, Axopar is an excellent fit to be one of the first of many vessels across the globe to be installed with a twin CXO300 configuration. The CXO300 diesel outboard engine offers 25% better fuel efficiency compared to a gasoline outboard, a service life that is three times your average outboard, and highly competitive performance, including 479 lb.ft torque (650Nm) at 2250-3000 RPM.
www.bootepolch.de
XO BOATS
The DFNDR 9 is the first centre console XO boat for overnight use, which, along with extensive customising opportunities makes it an exceptional multipurpose boat. While the open cabin structure enables enjoying the warm winds, optional walls provide shelter from harsh weather. The clever design allows a wide variety of uses, from water skiing and sport fishing to day cruising and challenging adventures. The aft deck and bow areas convert into enormous sunbeds while private head and berths for two enable comfortable overnight stays. Equipped with two Mercury 225 V6 engines, the boat can reach a cruising speed of up to 50 knots. Built of the lightest, yet most durable material possible. The light aluminum superstructure is extremely rigid – helping make the DFNDR 9 an ideal all round activity superyacht tender.
www.xoboats.com
SCOUT BOATS
The Scout 530 LXF S-Class is the luxurious flagship model and built on the carbon fibre epoxy-infused, double-stepped fuel efficient hull. The Epoxy-infusion process utilising Carbon/E-glass is used throughout the 530 (a process used frequently in the aerospace industry), and provides a Class A finish, with more stability in the hull while reducing the overall weight in the boat. The LOA is 16.3m and the beam sits at a stable 4.51m. The beam is extended to an even wider 5.36m when the electronically-actuated dual beach platforms are engaged port and starboard. Standard features include a Seakeeper 6 gyro stabilizer; a unique glass helm enclosure with electronicallysliding windows port and starboard; a smartlydesigned cockpit island with a forward-facing bench seat, aft facing bar stools that retract and stow away, and a cooler, sink and cutting board with granite counter top; a Fischer Panda 15kW generator; 16,000 BTU air conditioner/ heaters in both the cabin and helm area and an electric sliding sun roof just to name a few. It showcases premium upgraded ultra-leather upholsteries, timeless styling, sleek aesthetics and technology throughout.
www.scoutboats.com
SCORPION RIBS
The Scorpion’s class-leading capabilities come from the unique Scorpion hull design that has been proven over 25 years of coastal cruising and ocean passages to deliver a safe, comfortable and smooth ride with outstanding performance and fuel efficiency. It’s regarded by many as the best handling boat they have ever experienced. Scorpion’s unrivalled capabilities provide the driest, safest and most stable ride of any RIB in the world. That promise of freedom with safety makes Scorpion the first choice for creating memorable experiences with family and friends or giving your guests the most exhilarating time of their lives. The three models in the current Scorpion range are differentiated by their overall beam; Serket at 2.75m, Sting at 3.1m and the Silurian at 3.25m, and are available with a range of power options, including inboard, outboard and waterjet. Serket and Sting models now have bow beaching steps as an option. Each boat is built to order in Lymington UK, allowing custom build to an owner’s specifications, but waiting lists can be long so order early.
www.scorpionribs.com
COBRA RIBS
The evolution of the Cobra range has spanned more than 30 years with the company being the sole designers and manufacturers of the highly respected Cobra RIBs brand. The company’s extraordinary approach to craftsmanship, quality and attention to detail is equalled only by the passion and dedication of the people who meticulously design and hand craft each boat. The pioneering Patronus range oozes quality and opulence, offering bespoke luxury superyacht tenders through to compliant SOLAS tenders. To suit all tastes and requirements, the Patronus range offers an array of flexible layout options, fully customisable tubes, and upholstery colours, plus a Yanmar 4LV Diesel inboard engine for thrilling power.
www.cobraribs.co.uk
PARDO YACHTS
Pardo Yachts specialises in making and selling luxury motorboats, with two ranges; walkaround and, new to the market in 2021, the Endurance range, which introduces a revolutionary concept of time and space at sea, redesigning the long-distance navigation. Launched in 2016 by Cantiere del Pardo, which prides itself on craftsmanship, quality and passion, the shipyard has over 45 years of experience producing stylish, high performance, and comfortable yachts. The immediate success of this new walkaroundbrand, is emphasised by the fact that more than 200 boats have been launched in less than four years. This allows the company to invest in new innovations and technology, to develop new models and to improve the custumer journey and after care service the owner receives. The Pardo Yachts models have been designed for a sophisticated owner who appreciates high quality, design, luxurious comfort, and much more. Thanks to careful studies of its hull shape and engineering, the Pardo Yachts boats are noted or outstanding performance and speed.
www.pardoyachts.com
TROPIDA
The renowned Greek company manufactures hi-performance RIBs, and is proud to present the newest model to its table, the GENESIS31. Takis Samartzis designed the new centre console with eye-caching aerodynamic lines providing low air resistance when the boat reaches over 70 knots. The windscreen and the stainless-steel black anodised handle bar, offers ultimate protection to the pilot, co-pilot and passengers even at rough conditions. The GENESIS31 introduces a global innovation for RIBs with the height adjustable electrohydraulic T-Top. With the simple push of a button, the T-Top moves up or down depending on the speed of the boat. The inside height varies from 1,70m to max 2,00m. At the front side of the console two comfy seats offer extra room for the passengers. The luxurious panoramic dashboard combines the real carbon fibre and is equipped with hi-tech navigation instruments.
www.tropida.gr
TECHNORIB PIRELLI
The PIRELLI 42 lines are the right evolution of the style and philosophy of the maxi RIB PIRELLI designed by the Mannerfelt Design Team. Sportiness and clean lines give it a unique elegance that can charm anyone. The PIRELLI 42 has been designed in every detail to ensure a comfortable and relaxed life on board. The wide bow sunbathing area offers comfort and safety for those who want to enjoy the sea in its entirety, while the cockpit is equipped according to the requirements of the owner and can accommodate many guests in complete comfort. The inner spaces are the result of a search to meet the demands of the owner, with the aim of making the most of any space offered by PIRELLI 42. Elegance, luxury and convenience are the terms that best describe the result obtained by this process. The RIB is 13.1m in length with a beam of just 4.1m, but capable of accommodating up to 14 people in complete comfort on a safe, secure and dry experience.
www.tecnorib.it
BOSTON WHALER
The 330 Outrage is an outstanding saltwater performer, built on a foundation of core confidence. Boston Whaler’s precision-engineered design delivers a smooth, dry, comfortable ride, the optimal balance of stability and softness. Handling is beautifully predictable with seamless control, giving you ease and confidence like you’ve never felt before. Fishing features and options galore, including numerous comfort-minded amenities for you and your guests, make the 330 perfect for entertaining and whatever offshore adventures you dream up. Not only is this new Outrage up to the task, but it’s also designed to make every task a pleasure. Typically, the Outrage is supplied with Mercury engines as standard. The 330 has a maximum engine capacity of 800HP, so you could opt for the recommended Dual 300 V8 DTS Black Verados engines with hydraulic steering, and comfortably disappear into the sunset.
www.bostonwhaler.com