Center console vs dual console vs cuddy/walk around

[shemstreet]

Someone please enlighten me.

Most of the fishing guys on this site, and other sites as well, seem to really like center consoles. I've been looking at them in the 19-21' size range, and I don't get it. My little Arima 17' cuddy has a much bigger cockpit that a center console, and comparing the 20 Keywest Center Console to the Dual Console, the dual console also has a much bigger cockpit area. As does their walk around.

What is the front half of the center console for? Can't see that it is useful for either trolling or anchored fishing, does everyone just use them for drift fishing?

Not talking bay boats or bass boats, I can see the use of the front deck on them, esp with an electric trolling motor.

This is a fairly serious question, so when is the center console a better fishing set up than a rear cockpit boat?

[kayakndave]

I think one of the advantages to a GOOD center console is the fact that when a larger fish takes a run, it's easier to get around on the boat. However, I do have a friend who has a Hydrasport CC, & the console is so big, it's kind of tough to get around it! It is a beautiful rig though. Me, I like my walk around. I do most of my fishing from the back, & I've got a nice cabin for indoor sports!!

[BM3DMP]

Either or, it depends on the fishing you plan to do. If you have a dual console you can still walk from the stern to the bow if your fish decides to take a run, as long as your windshield is open and the walkway is clear.

[seabird23]

I like a center console because four guys can fish comfortably and not be shoulder-to-shoulder (bottom fishing). If a big fish makes a LONG run, you can turn the boat, give chase and place the fisherman in the bow where he can real down on him. I specifically searched for a narrow console for my boat just for that reason. I hate having to side step to get around it. Each has it's advantages, just a matter of how you want to use it I guess.

[shemstreet]

Ok, makes sense. Maybe the Keywests just have big consoles, I wouldn't want to have to "Chase" anything from back to front on them. Maybe if I were after bigger/faster fish, the cats and other fair sized fish I catch now usually spin the boat so they come up the rear fine. Do like the way the cuddy blocks the weather, figure dual console would do as well.

[Theultangler]

Hey - that 17 Arima is a cool little boat. I had a 23 walkaround last summer, and thought that I needed the cabin for my kids (3, between 3 and 5). Then I got a 19 center console, and after taking out the family on it once, never took the 23 off the dock again that summer. I quickly learned that the sheer amount of deck space on a cc is SO much more than on a walkaround, there was more room for the kids to play/crab/fish on the 19 than on the 23! The t-top offers plenty of protection, and the only down-side is no head.I have had a DC in the past, and I think it's deck space was somewhere in-between the WA and CC. But for sheer roomieness on-deck, you just can't beat the cc.

[FloridaDan]

Besides cockpit room another important issue is the CC will ride smoother because the helm is furthur back than any of the others. If you fish alot when its rough this may be a bigger concern than just fishing room.

[redfishjones]

I have read this ongoing discussion of CC vs DC that pops up periodically. Fact is that there are some DCs that are roomier than many CC of equal length. As always, it depends on the design and beam of the boat. Take a close look at the Sea Hunt Escape 186, DC. This is a terrific fishing boat but yet has good safe seating, and deep enough cockpit for children and guests that are not old hands on the open water.

I have yet to meet a fish I couldn't land from this boat that would have been easier in a CC.

That being said, I have looked at many DCs of the same LOA --- that would be most unacceptable as fishing boats.

[jocko_nc]

We have cushions for the bow lockers. Combined with the cushion on the 96 qt cooler, we have a good bit of lounging room up there.

What is the space up front used for? Bikinis and beers.

jocko

[maestro]

Something else about a center console. The helm is toward the aft of the boat. It's much more comfy for the captain when there's a chop. My 22 CC also has huge fish boxes in the bow. One other thing I like, my son has claimed the seat in front of the console has his. So I'm driving and I always have my eye on him without looking over my shoulder.

Dislike? Lack of lockable storage for items greater than 5'6" long. (Like fishing rods!)

[TONY123]

I think for anyone that fishes inshore at least part of the time, CC is the one platform that allows you to fish it like a bay boat/ bass boat, as you stated (also some DC). I could not have considered any other platform, as I do a lot of site fishing for reds with the electric trolling motor. I fish a KeyWest 1720 which is basically not very different from a "Bay Boat".

My fishing habits are 90% inshore, 10% offshore (only a few miles).

[fishrrprice]

I take a different position on this, I mostly chum in the Chesepeake bay and having 4 guys in the back of the boat gets mighty crowded, I just sold my 190 CC and got a 220 WA, we have alot more fishing space now, plus a nice little cabin for other things when the wife goes out with me, Gene

[TidesHHI]

You're right in that some Key Wests have large consoles. Lack of deck space can also be attributed to the integrated bow pulpits that are included in the length (12"-18").

[dry doc]

the cc has more absolute room to fish than the
other two, regardless of # of fisherpersons...
plus, if you dont prefer to use the front, even
though it is ideal for casting and/or fighting
fish (chasing a fish is a hell of a lot easier
with the pointy end of the boat!)....but if you
dont like it up there, it is THE place for a
huge cooler to sit out of the way and/or a bait
tank....the "cuddy" is commonly the "cruddy"
cabin, with milldew, junk, and the room and over
all ambience of a car trunk....go cc...the trick
is to get an experience canvas maker to do a
custom "dodger" for the bow...it can fold onto
the bow when not needed, but in wind, rain, and
for privacy sake, it makes a cc into a wac in
ten seconds.......unless you are going full
cabin, ie stand up head room, full/queen sized
bunk, and hatches and ports for loads of light
and air, the cc with proper dodger is the gold
standard for efficiency, whether fishing, diving
or even just cruising.......dan

[LI Sound Grunt]

I like my walkaround but Yes the Center Consel has tons more fishing room. Only when its really calm do we have someone move up front to fish.

[son of a butcher]

Hard to flyfish two guys in anything but a center console