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I'm asking about the console itself, not the boat. I'm starting the process of looking for another boat to replace my current one with next summer. Like most people, I like to take my time and look at all the options, get reviews and narrow down my search over the course of the year to a few models that I may want. What I have been noticing is that the actual console itself gets larger and larger in proportion to the boat, why is this? It seems that the increased deck space you gain by going to a larger hull is negated by the larger console placed in it. A Yellowfin 42' is a huge boat, more than I would ever need or be able to afford. But, when I was looking at the build threads on it, the console they put in it was frickin' massive...I have seen 18' boats that have a smaller footprint than that console. After putting that large of a console in it, you still only have a foot and a half or so on each side of it to move around....why not put a smaller console, that is both narrower from front to back and side to side and have lots of walking around room and more deck space? I'm a diver and not a fisherman and open deck space is what most divers look for. Am I missing something here or is there an advantage to having an oversized console for fishing purposes?
It is in my opinion for protection. Some boats have a full windshield and you can fit 3 people behind the console and out of the elements.(wind, rain, spray)
__________________ 2012 Fountain 38' Open with quad 350 verados
38' Fountain TE with triple verados
233 Formula CC w/6.2 MPI Horizon
It is in my opinion for protection. Some boats have a full windshield and you can fit 3 people behind the console and out of the elements.(wind, rain, spray)
Another thing to thing about is most of the time people buy bigger boats for the ride not the space.
They want a boat with a ten foot beam for stability, even if they don't get anymore room around the deck
My CH has a big wide console. I much prefer it for the protection and electronics vs something like the small Contender console option. Plenty of room for a head and storage.
From the inside, there is easier access to the electronics and wiring. There is also a real head, with leg room. Ever had a warm water shower after a dive? If so, you know why I value the sink and the shower head. There's also room to hang dry clothes.
From the outside, there is enough shelter for 3 people on the console seat, room for two large screens and lots of guages. Having a real door, instead of a hatch, makes it easy to get in and out when it is choppy and not hit anything.
I also don't understand huge consoles on a CCs build for hard core fishing. The only good reason I can think of is to dry kites. I don't consider a porta john a nessesity on a "hard core" fishing boat. I almost bought a Pathfinder 23DV but the huge console was a turn off. You had to almost turn sideways to get around the console to get past it.
Maybe on a 23....but on a 31 with 9'6" beam it makes sense and you still have plenty of fish around room in the walk ways. Why use a bucket if you don't have to? It is very easy to troubleshoot any electrical issues when you can stand in the console and look directly at the back of your electronics.
My 23' has a fairly wide console for its size - comfortably big enough for two 12" screens. More dry storage space, more room for electronics, better access to work on things. Pro-line worked around the deck space issue by integrating the front T-top legs into the console itself, and nesting the back legs behind the console. Having enough console space (inside and out) was a significant purchasing factor for me - I wanted a CC for the overal versitility, but also wanted a reasonable amount of dry storage. I'm also a diver so being able to get around with a tank on was the other thing I had to watch out for. For an 8'6" boat I think they did a great job of balancing it out.
I think the manufacturers do their research and give the average buyer what they want. From the responses so far, most seem to prove this point. If I was to move up in size, I would look for the same proportions I have now as far as deck space/fishability and console space. In other words, I'm happy with the percentage of fishing area vs. console room I have now, and would want the console size to grow proportionately if I were to go bigger. When running offshore, you can always use more console space for gear, food, etc.
__________________
LISA MARIE
28 SOUTHPORT W/TWIN F250 YAMAHAS
LIL' LISA MARIE
17 FT WHALER W/90HP F90 YAMAHA
From reading these post, I understand a different side of it now, but still prefer a smaller console. A head is a waste of space to me, but then again, being under water for over an hour at a time, peeing has never been an issue. A hot shower after diving? If it's that cold, I'm wearing my dry suit and that takes care of that need.
Maybe a manufacturer could offer two different size consoles, but have never seen it as an option. To me personally and in the length boats I use, 21-27', the console is an issue. It would make more sense to me to use the same console in a 25'er as you do in the 21, then you would gain the advantage of more walk around room and deck space.
Thanks for all the responses though, always interesting to see the other side of things.
Having a head with kids and a wife is a must. Also, the kids can take a nap inside if needed.If your a guide, a place for guests to, well you know. Like others have said more room for electronics and more protection. The one thing I like the most is the ability to sit down and work on any wiring or future upgrades on electronics. I installed my own gps, ff and audio pretty easily because of the space. It also makes a nice platform for spotting on my 23 Bluewater.
Having a head with kids and a wife is a must. Also, the kids can take a nap inside if needed.If your a guide, a place for guests to, well you know. Like others have said more room for electronics and more protection. The one thing I like the most is the ability to sit down and work on any wiring or future upgrades on electronics. I installed my own gps, ff and audio pretty easily because of the space. It also makes a nice platform for spotting on my 23 Bluewater.
Overnighters can be much more pleasant inside rather than under the stars depending on heat, humidity, etc. Having a head you can use is so much nicer than a 5 gallon bucket, it is hard to even compare. I currently have holders for 8 tanks, and could easily put another 8 holders up. Their is a tremendous amount of deck in front of the console, and the cockpit is not small, considering the 12' beam. Biggest problem for diving is getting in and out of the drink. A big solid dive ladder does the trick for me, but a side transom door would be the best answer for diving. A big CC can really open days up that you might not otherwise go out on. 3 guys in the seats, and 3 more behind them can ride pretty dry through stuff a smaller console wouldn't allow.
This stuff becomes more and more important the further 30 slides back in your memory banks.
I'm a diver and not a fisherman and open deck space is what most divers look for.
Divers are not a major market for these type of boats. Too expensive for most, not saying that is the case with you. Also the wife may have to OK the buy (bigger "toilet") but may never put a drop in there.
It's understandable that a production shop builds what they figure will be the most marketable to the greatest range of buyers. I'm a custom shop and will not only build you a sweet hull, but we'll work with you to create a console any way you want it.
Center consoles, why so large? 
