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I currently own a Ranger dual console bass boat. Looking at getting a new bay/lake boat. I know that the center console boats are very popular, but they are designed to fish with two good throwing fisherman, in my opinion. That is the center of the boat is taken up with the console, which takes alot of room up. A dual console, at least you can have three adults fishing, one on the bow, one in the center and one on the stern.
However, a center console boat I believes rides better in rough water, where as the dual console boats, are rougher riding, since the consoles are futher up towards the bow.
I was looking at the Ranger 2200 Center Console boats comparing it to the SeaPro 195FS, dual console boat. I know that the Ranger is a 22 foot boat, and the SeaPro is only 19.5 foot. They are two different types of hulls.
Does anyone on this forum fish out of a Dual Console, with windshield, boat???? The SeaPro has two casting decks,Front and Back. It can comfortably seat more people, too...
I fished out of a Hurricane 22 foot, center console deck boat and took my whole family (4) plus my aunt & Uncle...Could of taken more...But the boat would not do well in bay fishing...
The Ranger and SeaPro have the same draft with engine up, 12inches....But the price of the Ranger is $10K more...
SORRY FOR THE BOOK, BUT I NEED TO GET OPINIONS...I know that I am not comparing the same type of boats, but trying to find out the main diffences...
I fish in both freah and salt water and have had several duel console bass boats. I now have a Skeeter Bay Boat with a center console and really enjoy the difference.
I fish at Toledo Bend and when the wind kicks up there it is nice to stand behind the console and run. It keeps you dry and dosn't beat you to death like my bass boats did. I have never had any problems with 3 fishermen in the boat but I would recommend at least a 22 foot boat to do it comfortably.
I haven't seen too many duel console bay boats here in Louisiana unless it is custom and made of aluminum. I am sure it would be a dry ride with a windshield across the front.
One big issue I have with most dual console boats is that they are designed to be driven while sitting down and they are uncomfortable to drive while standing up. Once you get into choppy water it's usually much more comfortable to stand up and use your legs to absorb the shock.
I agree with the previous posters. While the helm position is different, it isn't much different, so I don't think that does too much. Dual console definitely has more effective use of space. If the boat hull design is poor though (some pound a *lot* worse than others) and you will be running it in rough water a lot, would be better to be standing (in a CC) than sitting (in a DC), to take that punishment.
__________________ When blithe to argument I come, Though armed with facts and merry; May Providence protect me from, The Fool as adversary. Whose mind to him a kingdom is, Where reason lacks dominion; Who calls conviction prejudice, and prejudice opinion.... ;-)
One big issue I have with most dual console boats is that they are designed to be driven while sitting down and they are uncomfortable to drive while standing up. Once you get into choppy water it's usually much more comfortable to stand up and use your legs to absorb the shock.
YMMV.
Doug
the only 2 dual's I've really been on in choppy water have been a grady tournament 19 and a keywest 19. The biggest downfall IMO is your body position while standing in relation to the windshield. This is also true on most bowriders. If you get in choppy water and want to stand, you run the real risk of biting the windshield. This doesn't look like it would be an issue on larger boats with a DC configuration.
I've had dual console bass boats and center console bay boats.
I don't agree with the idea that dual consoles use space more efficiently. With a center console, I can fish all the way around now, and I can have anglers in the center of the boat much more easily than before. The space between the two consoles is not terribly practical because, for one thing, you are too far from the water. Most guys that want to fish 3 out of a bass boat usually get one with a large front deck and put two anglers there rather than one in the well. I think the area between the consoles is wasted space. If space is a concern look at a CC with a small console; there isn't a comparable length dual console boat out there that has as much angling room as a Pathfinder 2200TE.
I do think you can take a pounding better in a center console boat, but hull differences and deadrise make more difference. A center console flats boat would beat you up pretty good when a deep vee dual console would be smooth. So I wouldn't be too hung up about that. With the size boat you're looking for, it isn't like we're talking about going 50 miles offshore either.
My personal preference having had both is that I greatly prefer the center console: I like standing up where I can see better where I'm going; I like being able to walk around and move from front to back without sliding between consoles and up and down steps; I like having the extra room for coolers & gear. A bass boat in smooth water is surely more fun to drive, but I'm a CC convert.
I think you can fish out of either boat, the issue for me is the helm. Most of the windshield boats under 23 feet or so are designed to be "driven" from a seated position. You sit in it like a car. You can stand behind the helm of a CC boat with one hand on the wheel, the other on the throttle, and "ride" it over the seas. Also better visibility of the water ahead. I like the CC.
Owning a DC, the one thing I've noticed about them (not just mine), is that they aren't quite as "decked out" for fishing as a CC. My livewell, for example, is only 7.5 gallons. I know that's small, and I don't know that I've seen any 20'+ CCs with one that small. I have 6 under gunwale rod holders and four on top, so I think that's comparable...
I think the ride difference depends upon the boat. Mine doesn't pound in rough water, but then I'm sure someone might have a different opinion.
If you're going to fish 80% of the time and "cruise/play" 20%, get a CC. MOST DCs that I've seen are basically fishing-friendly bowriders. That's why I got one. If my kids were grown, and I hard-core fished all the time, I'd have a CC.
As far as fishing 3 guys out of a 19.5 DC, I think that might be cramped. I know if I were to fish 3 adults out of mine, the bimini would HAVE to be removed. One in the bow and two at the stern is the only way I would arrange that.
Maybe it's personal preference, but I rarely drive my DC sitting down. I guess I don't mind bugs in the teeth. Ha.
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What I miss the most about not having a boat...
I don't drive my DC sitting down most of the time either. You just slide the seat back and stand up. Now, it your head sticks up above the windshield a little bit, you get a pretty good blast of 45-50 hour wind, at least when you can run full out WOT. Running the boat at cruising speed, 30-35 mph, is pretty comfortable even with the wind in your face.
__________________ jal
2009 Crestliner Superhawk 1900
175 Optimax Pro SX
Dodge Ram 2500 HD Cummins Diesel
I have the Boston Whaler 210 Ventura, with a 225 Verado. Rides great, and I've run it 20 miles off the NJ coast in the ocean, catching all varieties of fish. Works great for me, as I typically just take one other angler out, rarely a threesome. For cruising, it works for the two or three teens that often accompany my wife and Lab in the bay. This is my eighth boat, and I've owned larger and smaller, cuddies and several CC boats. I have pretty much always fished just the cockpit. My cuddy was a flush deck, and the CC's always found us at the stern.
So...the dual console is a very good compromise for fishing/cruising. I can easily stand at the helm of the Whaler, but usually am lazy enough to sit most of the time. Also check out the Grady White Tournament 225, and the Scout DC at the upcoming shows. All are very nicely appointed. Triton has a decent entry, too. If u want a head, I think you have to go >20'.
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Boston Whaler 210 Ventura, 225 Verado
You might consider looking at the Sea Hunt Escape series of dual consoles and the SeaSwirl Striper dual consoles. I think they both build pretty good boats and are a little less expensive than the Boston Whaler and probably the Ranger boats. Somewhat comparable in price to the Seapros. Don't know about the Key West pricing.
__________________ jal
2009 Crestliner Superhawk 1900
175 Optimax Pro SX
Dodge Ram 2500 HD Cummins Diesel
If you're looking at Whalers, you should look also at McKees - they have similar quality and construction, but are priced better.
__________________ When blithe to argument I come, Though armed with facts and merry; May Providence protect me from, The Fool as adversary. Whose mind to him a kingdom is, Where reason lacks dominion; Who calls conviction prejudice, and prejudice opinion.... ;-)
I have had many of both types. The best boat or boat I like best is ones with a flat floor no step up for choppy waters or offshore & calm water. The Mckee 196 cc & scout 185 dorado are two that come to mind, both run fine deep or in skinny water. Both cc & duel consoles have advantages boats under 21ft I like the duel consoles better ( 196 is a great cc best of the small cc this is the one of few that I like under 21ft ) they seem to have a lot more room & the ride is good enough for me.
__________________ Avenger 23TE by Marauder Marine inc.
DF250 Suzuki & Owens & Sons Trailer
As I read all of your replies, I do appreciate the help.
More information on my needs. I have been free-line trolling for stripers in deep water, large lakes. I also, like to drop a trolling motor in when the birds are working the water. So a TM is required. I am looking a getting a down rigger or two. Since my kids are grown, I sometimes only take up to three adults fishing. However, I have grandchildren growing and I think about taking them once they get a few more years old. I am one that only buys a new boat every 10-15 years, as my family grows. I have owned a 15-foot skiff (Kenner style), Dual console SilverLine Ski boat and now a Ranger Fish and Ski Bass Boat. (Seats five and rides O.K, but is not good in Saltwater.
I beileve I will look at the up and coming boat shows. I believe in quality, so price is not an issue. I am insterested in the new 4-stroke outboards, but seem to be much heavier than 2-stoke engines.
Again, do not mean for book about my life, but the website by far has the best boating help. Thanks again....
Has anyone ever heard of these boats? Avenger Boat Manufacture..
They make a dual console, saltwater boat that has alot of fishing room, plus shallow draft. But looks alike only two people can ride or fish...IMO.
I've got a 22 ft. Blazer Bay and regularly fish with 4. My wife and sons girlfriend like to drag bait across the bottom while my son and myself throw lures, pop corks and do a little bait dragging too. We have had 5 fishing for crappie with jigging poles with no problem. I think a CC bay boat is the best all around for what you want. JMO. Oh yeah, we all can ride sitting down too. 2-3 on leaning post and 2 on the livewell in front of the console.
Center versus Dual Console Fishing Boats?? 
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