Why No Center Consoles?

[jasmillo]

I agree. I think it’s a cultural thing combined weather potentially. Center consoles like Whalers are big on the east coast and southeast where they are either not used in winter or can be used year round in places like FL. I personally bought one because 98% of the fishing I do from it is fly fishing and it’s a great platform for that. It’s also super maneuverable which is great for getting in shallow, close spots for src and really easy to solo launch and trailer. The downrigger theory seems reasonable too though. That said, I’ve trolled divers on mine and @copperJon has downriggers on his 19 foot Whaler. Maybe not the perfect platform but comfortable enough.

It would be nice to have a pilot house on occasion fishing SRC in winter though. Cold rain to the face on a run when it’s 42 kinda sucks .

 

[Brute]

I agree. I think it’s a cultural thing combined weather potentially. Center consoles like Whalers are big on the east coast and southeast where they are either not used in winter or can be used year round in places like FL. I personally bought one because 98% of the fishing I do from it is fly fishing and it’s a great platform for that. It’s also super maneuverable which is great for getting in shallow, close spots for src and really easy to solo launch and trailer. The downrigger theory seems reasonable too though. That said, I’ve trolled divers on mine and @copperJon has downriggers on his 19 foot Whaler. Maybe not the perfect platform but comfortable enough.

It would be nice to have a pilot house on occasion fishing SRC in winter though. Cold rain to the face on a run when it’s 42 kinda sucks .

My center console in HI had a zip on windshield and spray aprons to the sides with a hard top which kept you quite dry...but it would not keep you warm like a cabin would...I suppose if I had it here, I could have an enclosure fabricated for it...

 

[Sam Roffe]

I’ve seen down riggers mounted on Whalers. Grady White makes a nice center console too. A friend has my dad’s old one and willing to sell back to us, so,… maybe.

I think weather is the main factor, and local manufacturers seem to build boats with dual consoles walk through windshields or wheelhouse models. Great for fishing the snotty weather around here.

 

[jasmillo]

My center console in HI had a zip on windshield and spray aprons to the sides with a hard top which kept you quite dry...but it would not keep you warm like a cabin would...I suppose if I had it here, I could have an enclosure fabricated for it...

With the small windshield and Bimini top, I’d probably get pretty good rain protection. Problem is I want that center section open and not covered for fly casting.

The small windshield on its own is not super useful. Tough to see being down so low, especially if zipping around spot to spot in winter. Never know what kind of logs might be floating about in the sound with all the storms and king tides we get.

 

[SurfnFish]

Is there a reason why a CC with a rotating seat vs. fixed, forward looking seat is not available?

During my decades in Half Moon Bay, located on the coast 30 miles south of San Francisco, one of my inshore boats was a 21' Westcoaster Bayrunner CC that took a lot of salmon, rock cod, stripers and halibut. First thing I did after buying it was remove the 'flip back' fixed console seat and replace it with two swivel padded seats, which was much more comfortable and functional, using swivel hardware with an engagement pin to lock the swivel for rougher seas.
Whereas the open dance floor of tiller operated boats cannot be beat for pure utility, much prefer the operator visibility and load balance of CC's.

 

[iveofione]

Pat- check out Klamath boats! If I ever decide to get a real boat, it'll be one of these. Lightweight, all welded, PNW built. May Marine in Belfair sells them
(I still like the quiet of my kayak too much to commit to a big boat right now)

Leigh, that can be your grandma boat....

 

[Stimson]

Aluminum CC- here ya go. RH pro-v 18 CC. It's actually 20' long. Got a Bimini top for it. 2x scotty 2106B. Ace brutus put puller. Yes I run a jet in saltwater. Kicker motor only when slow rolling in eel grass while retrieving pots. Clogged the intake on my old jet twice before learning my lesson.I'm also beyond OCD when it comes to washing it down after every salt trip, and greasing the jet housing after flushing.
My old jet was an 20' Alumaweld Stryker sportjet. Virtually identical in length to the RH. The stryker had bench rear seats. The captains chair on the RH is heavy duty aluminum with rubber feet,and it swivels. But it's not bolted down, so it will get moved forward in the boat during dr use.
I plan on fly fishing out of it as well. Compared to the stryker, the RH has way more room to move around the boat.
Gonna try shrimping next year as well. Boat runs in 4" of water, so the only thing I need is open season to river fish. The snoho,sky,and snoq are slowly getting taken away from sport fisherman.
Bucket list is to fish the upper columbia by northport for large rainbows. Can't wait.

 

[SurfnFish]

Aluminum CC- here ya go. RH pro-v 18 CC.

'Touch of Grey'..Jerry would be proud, lol

 

[Stimson]

5 gold stars for that one surf. The previous owner was even older than I am, and a dedicated dead head. He was so passionate speaking about it when I bought the boat from him I told him I would leave it as a tribute. Yes Jerry would be proud.

 

[skyriver]

I agree. I think it’s a cultural thing combined weather potentially. Center consoles like Whalers are big on the east coast and southeast where they are either not used in winter or can be used year round in places like FL. I personally bought one because 98% of the fishing I do from it is fly fishing and it’s a great platform for that. It’s also super maneuverable which is great for getting in shallow, close spots for src and really easy to solo launch and trailer. The downrigger theory seems reasonable too though. That said, I’ve trolled divers on mine and @copperJon has downriggers on his 19 foot Whaler. Maybe not the perfect platform but comfortable enough.

It would be nice to have a pilot house on occasion fishing SRC in winter though. Cold rain to the face on a run when it’s 42 kinda sucks .

You hit the nail on the head I think. It's the weather. When it's 45 and raining (aka Puget Sound fall, winter & spring) and it's time to go back to the launch because you've drifted with a killer incoming tide for 2 hours, the windshield and cover a WT gives is superior to any CC or skiff.
Would I love to have a CC skiff for summer Puget Sound and Banks Lake carp? Hell yeah! Perfect fly fishing boat.
But most of us can only keep one bigger boat and what about the rest of the year? What about the Columbia? No thanks! Even Banks and Potholes get sketchy in a boat with low freeboard. I've never been scared on Puget Sound in my 14' Valco. But Potholes?? Oh yeah. And I wouldn't even launch on the Columbia if I knew the winds might approach 15mph.

I'm currently on the hunt for my next "big" boat. 16-18' WT like a Crestliner Fish Hawk. Plenty of room up front and the stern to cast. They can pretty much do it all, except for the super shallow stuff, which we don't really have as much as a place like SC or the gulf.
And very weather and rough water friendly. And family friendly for just cruising or tubing. And I could even put downriggers on it if I wanted. Haha!

My ideal day would be to anchor up at my favorite carp flat, step down the swim ladder and wet wade into multiple hookups. Or at least multiple blown eats. All while my wife lounges in the shade of the Bimini cover reading a book. She likes to read, I like to fish. Seems like a no brainer.

 

[SurfnFish]

You hit the nail on the head I think. It's the weather. When it's 45 and raining (aka Puget Sound fall, winter & spring) and it's time to go back to the launch because you've drifted with a killer incoming tide for 2 hours, the windshield and cover a WT gives is superior to any CC or skiff.
Would I love to have a CC skiff for summer Puget Sound and Banks Lake carp? Hell yeah! Perfect fly fishing boat.
But most of us can only keep one bigger boat and what about the rest of the year? What about the Columbia? No thanks! Even Banks and Potholes get sketchy in a boat with low freeboard. I've never been scared on Puget Sound in my 14' Valco. But Potholes?? Oh yeah. And I wouldn't even launch on the Columbia if I knew the winds might approach 15mph.

I'm currently on the hunt for my next "big" boat. 16-18' WT like a Crestliner Fish Hawk.

When we had our first home in the Bend area early 2000's, had a 16' Fish Hawk with front and rear raised pedestal seats, forward MK 24V, great boat for flyfishing and cruising...recommend finding one with the upper rating HP rating, those heavy welded hulls need some push.

 

[jasmillo]

You hit the nail on the head I think. It's the weather. When it's 45 and raining (aka Puget Sound fall, winter & spring) and it's time to go back to the launch because you've drifted with a killer incoming tide for 2 hours, the windshield and cover a WT gives is superior to any CC or skiff.
Would I love to have a CC skiff for summer Puget Sound and Banks Lake carp? Hell yeah! Perfect fly fishing boat.
But most of us can only keep one bigger boat and what about the rest of the year? What about the Columbia? No thanks! Even Banks and Potholes get sketchy in a boat with low freeboard. I've never been scared on Puget Sound in my 14' Valco. But Potholes?? Oh yeah. And I wouldn't even launch on the Columbia if I knew the winds might approach 15mph.

I'm currently on the hunt for my next "big" boat. 16-18' WT like a Crestliner Fish Hawk. Plenty of room up front and the stern to cast. They can pretty much do it all, except for the super shallow stuff, which we don't really have as much as a place like SC or the gulf.
And very weather and rough water friendly. And family friendly for just cruising or tubing. And I could even put downriggers on it if I wanted. Haha!

My ideal day would be to anchor up at my favorite carp flat, step down the swim ladder and wet wade into multiple hookups. Or at least multiple blown eats. All while my wife lounges in the shade of the Bimini cover reading a book. She likes to read, I like to fish. Seems like a no brainer.

I fish out of mine year around. There are definitely less enjoyable days. Since I usually only fish 1-2 times a week from December - May, it’s fine. Not always out of the boat either. Good rain gear and hot coffee helps on those days but if I was retired and fishing more, it probably would not be my first choice if I only had one boat. Even considering all the benefits it gives me for fly fishing.

I also feel very safe in my 17 foot Whaler in the sound. Especially the south sound. Big wind in MA’s 9 and 10 and the canal will keep me off the water regardless of season. I’m more cautious than many here though. I just don’t have a ton of experience others have with boats on the sound. I’ve never fished the Columbia or Potholes. A forecast of 15 mph winds on the Columbia would probably keep me at home anyway….which means I’d rarely if ever fish down there even if I wanted too .

 

[adamcu280]

Center consoles are my favorite layout for a small boat by far. Granted I'm generally not on the water in winter conditions.

One my priorities is that I want to be able to stand and/or sit while operating the vessel. Most smaller DC boats that I have experience with require the operator to sit. Also, I prefer to operate (and fish, or photograph, or whatever) from the center of the boat vs. being stuck on one side.

Based on my experience with a 28' Regulator in some of the nastiest seas I've ever had the pleasure of working in, I'd take this boat in a heartbeat. Might need a re-power, or I could just run it forever like the locals do. Of course like all boats, this one would require some extra purchases to make it work... like a casita and a truck. Don't tempt me.

2003 regulator - boats - by owner - craigslist

The Regulator 21center consol is big for its size,fast,and soft riding with 20 degree transom deadrise offer fantastic ride in rough seas.Yamaha 200 saltwater series oil injected 2 stroke with 669...

bajasur.craigslist.org

A design like this looks like something I'd love to have anywhere from Baja to BC. Although apparently Team Baja boats are junk, so...

American title - boats - by dealer - craigslist

20 ft center console super panga. New transom, New paint, fish hold, outriggers. New Bimini top. 115 salt water mercury English Steve Spanish 624-15-86653 Juan

bajasur.craigslist.org

 

[Brute]

Center consoles are my favorite layout for a small boat by far. Granted I'm generally not on the water in winter conditions.

One my priorities is that I want to be able to stand and/or sit while operating the vessel. Most smaller DC boats that I have experience with require the operator to sit. Also, I prefer to operate (and fish, or photograph, or whatever) from the center of the boat vs. being stuck on one side.

Based on my experience with a 28' Regulator in some of the nastiest seas I've ever had the pleasure of working in, I'd take this boat in a heartbeat. Might need a re-power, or I could just run it forever like the locals do. Of course like all boats, this one would require some extra purchases to make it work... like a casita and a truck. Don't tempt me.

2003 regulator - boats - by owner - craigslist

The Regulator 21center consol is big for its size,fast,and soft riding with 20 degree transom deadrise offer fantastic ride in rough seas.Yamaha 200 saltwater series oil injected 2 stroke with 669...

bajasur.craigslist.org

A design like this looks like something I'd love to have anywhere from Baja to BC. Although apparently Team Baja boats are junk, so...

American title - boats - by dealer - craigslist

20 ft center console super panga. New transom, New paint, fish hold, outriggers. New Bimini top. 115 salt water mercury English Steve Spanish 624-15-86653 Juan

bajasur.craigslist.org

I was at a boat show in Miami about 20 years ago and took out a 24’ Regulator for a test ride in marginal weather…a few years later ordered one from a dealer in Mobile AL and shipped it to Hawaii…living on Kaneohe bay on the windward side of the island, I often crossed the channel to fish the north shore of Molokai…usually a 12 hour day. Best boat I ever owned (I now own a 27’ BW Vantage with twin 300’s)…

 

[Rainforest Gump]

I’ve had this boat for a few years now and it works great for me, pretty weatherproof helm. Zip up back and side curtains.

 

[Vagabond]

The type of fishing one favors, the water environment and weather should dictate what vessel platform one should look for when venturing out on the water. I’ve had a tiller, open cockpit, swivel seats, fixed leaning posts over the course of 50 years. They all work fine if you have the design for the type of fishing you enjoy. That being said, every boat, like an aircraft, is a compromise in one way or another. Whether flat bottom, modified V, deep V, tunnel hull, etc if you step outside what they were designed for ass aches are sure to follow.
Fishing down riggers, fixed rod holders, etc swivel seats are great, especially those one can lock in position.
Swivel seats favor that method 100%.
The boat below I bought 20+ years ago and sold last year when I crossed the age 75 barrier. It was a
T-Topped, open deck, no seats, except console cooler, a leaning post with storage, console storage, below deck storage outfitted with fixed rod holders (15), 184 gallon fuel tank, 24° deadrise with 48° entry, drew 3’ of water and would run in shitty weather dry. You can’t buy a Regulator like that now due to the fact they’ve decided, like automobile companies, you need a dumpster full of doo dahs you don’t or will not need. We have comfortably fly fished 3 people, trolled with outriggers, jigged or cast 4+ people. Best boat I’ve ever used or needed. Seems like @Brute think in a similar manner whether 8 miles off shore or 80 miles off shore.
Sold it for 2+X what I paid for it. Currently love standing in moving water, traveling to beautiful places and thinking about the good times along with listening to my ears ring.