Bass Boat or Center Console? What To Choose

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Last Updated on August 23, 2024 by Paul Clayton

Bass Boat or Center Console? What To Choose

The Bass Boat or Center Console are two distinct watercraft types with unique applications and advantages. No matter how skilled you are as an angler, you can’t enjoy fishing long-term if you don’t own the right boat.

• Design and Structure: Bass boats are smaller, sleek, and maneuverable.
• Fishing Capabilities: Center console boats can handle larger bodies, oceans, and broad fishing types.
• Speed and Performance: Bass boats are usually faster due to their lightweight design.
• Comfort and Amenities: Center console boats provide more comfort and amenities.
• Cost: Bass boats are generally less expensive than center console boats.
• Safety: Center console boats are considered safer in rough water conditions.

Are you planning to go fishing with a partner? Or do you want to enjoy a fishing trip with friends? Your answer will decide what kind of boat you invest in – a bass boat or a center console.

Explore our collection of interconnected articles for more insights and information on this topic.

• Bass Boat or Multi-Species: Which Is Right For You?
• Bass Boat or Pontoon? What is Right For You?
• Bass Boat or Jon Boat? What Is Best For You?
• Bass Boat or Kayak? What Will Work For You?
• Bass Boat or Bay Boat? What is Best For You?
• Bass Boat or Deep V? What is The Difference, and Which Is Better?

And when it comes to these two boats, you can’t make a hasty decision. Both are excellent fishing boats but come with their set of pros and cons.

So, if you are confused about which one to buy, you are in the right spot. I have listed some of their details in this article and compared their structure and functionality. Keep reading!

Characteristics of Bass Boats

As the name suggests, a bass boat is small for fishing bass and other panfish in freshwater bodies. These boats are made of aluminum or fiberglass and have an average length of 17 feet and a width of 95 inches. 

They typically have V-shaped hulls with powerful outboard motors and trolling systems.

Advantages of Bass Boats

Here are some of the reasons why bass boats are a personal favorite of the majority of anglers:

• Large Storage Capacity

A bass boat has one or two large built-in live wells and can carry much fishing tackle. The typical flat front deck has several storage compartments beneath, specially designed to keep all sorts of fishing equipment.

• Easy to Handle

It is easy to maneuver bass boats through shallow waters and around obstacles. This is because you can paddle them around as they are small and lightweight. You can also change your fishing direction while seated on swivel chairs. 

What’s more, you can pass through tunnels and low bridges and keep your boat steady with the help of power poles.

Disadvantages of Bass Boats

Since nothing is perfect, bass boats also have a few drawbacks. Some of these are:

• Not Economical

You will be surprised by the facts regarding fuel consumption, cost, and maintenance of bass boats. These boats use four to five gallons per hour of fuel and have prices as high as $20000 to $50000.

Whether it’s a bass boat or a center console, each requires an equal amount of time for maintenance. But it would be best to wipe a bass boat dry every time you take it out of the water, or you will be left with stubborn spots.

Moreover, the fiberglass hulls are prone to sun damage, cracking, and breakage, which can cost you a lot of money for their repair. So, a bass boat is not a good option if you fish frequently.

• Less Seating Room

Another disadvantage of bass boats is that they can only carry a few people on board. These boats, designed primarily for bass fishing, have enough room to be comfortable for two people. However, you can fit up to four people in some varieties.

Generally, bass boats have limited seating capacity and more flat deck space.

• Less Comfortable

You can have a sunburn in bass boats as they don’t come with sunshades. Also, since these boats sit flat and short, you’ll likely be soaked in water when fighting a big fish. This makes them comparatively less comfortable.

Characteristics of Center Consoles

As the name suggests, a center console has a console (control panel) that sits in the center of the boat. These are single-decked, open-hull boats uniquely designed to provide walking access to all sides. 

These boats are usually 18 to 40 feet long and are available in six types: technical poling skiff, flats boat, bay boat, offshore, hybrids, and cats.

Advantages of Center Consoles

Center consoles provide an array of benefits to their owners. Here are some of them:

• Spacious

A significant advantage is that it provides a 360-degree angle for fishing. You can cast in from the rear, the sides, or the bow (front of the boat) and have plenty of space to move around when struggling with a big catch. 

It can easily fit five to eight people, making it an excellent choice to fish and cruise with friends and family.

• Economical

A center console is a fuel-efficient boat with a fuel consumption rate of 3 gallons per hour. Furthermore, these boats are cheaper than others, costing $10,000 – $50,000.

• Multifunctional

You can use a center console for fishing in salt and freshwater, as these boats can keep their balance in the heavy ocean waves. Moreover, center consoles are not just restricted to fishing.

These boats can also be used for enjoying thrilling watersports like water skiing and wakeboarding. The central helms of these boats provide the captain with a more excellent visual range, which helps them stay more connected and aware of the boat’s situation.

Some new center console models include forward lounging, transom seating, and galleys with stoves and freshwater faucets.

So, with a center console, you can hang out with your friends one day, fish for salmon the next day, and hunt down some Mahi Mahi the day after.

Disadvantages of Center Consoles

Center consoles do have some setbacks, as all boats do. Some of them are:

• Less Storage Capacity

Despite being spacious, these boats have a small storage capacity and no room to store more oversized items. So you may want to keep a few extra things, but it’s impossible. They usually have small storage compartments suitable for keeping bait, hooks, etc.

• Difficult to Maneuver

You cannot pass under a low-set bridge or go through a lake tunnel in a center console, as most boats come with a large hardtop. 

Also, if you run into trouble with failed engines, you will be stuck in the middle of nowhere! Centre consoles are too heavy and massive to be paddled.

Bass Boat or Center Console: A Short Comparison

Both bass boats and center consoles are mainly designed for fishing purposes. With a bass boat, you have an expensive small vessel with limited personal space that can carry much fish tackle. You can fish in a wide array of freshwater fishing spots.

Hence, bass boats are preferred by serious anglers and those competing in bass fishing tournaments.

A center console is a large, spacious, budget-friendly, and comfortable boat that allows you to fish in saltwater and freshwater. This boat is a better choice for people who enjoy staying out on the waters and fishing for recreation.

In terms of speed and durability, a bass boat and center console are similar.

Which is Better, a Side Console or a Center Console?

A side console configuration allows ease of movement along the boat’s centerline, providing optimal balance and control. This design is particularly advantageous for maintaining stability in rough waters.

Conversely, while a center console may limit space and require navigating around the edges, it offers superior fishability. This setup is ideal for fishing enthusiasts who prioritize their sport over the convenience of movement.

However, it might not be the most suitable choice for smaller, unstable boats due to its space occupation.

Final Words

Several factors must be considered when choosing between a Bass Boat or Center Console. The design and structure of bass boats are generally smaller, sleek, and maneuverable, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer quick, agile movement on the water.

On the other hand, center console boats are designed to handle larger bodies of water, such as oceans, and provide more diverse fishing capabilities.

Speed and performance are other essential factors. Bass boats typically offer faster speeds due to their lightweight design. However, they may not provide the same comfort and amenities as a center console boat.

These boats are known for their spaciousness and comfort, providing ample space for equipment and other amenities, making them perfect for extended fishing trips or family outings.

Cost-wise, bass boats are generally less expensive than center console boats due to their smaller size and more straightforward design. However, it’s worth noting that the investment in a center console boat can offer more versatility regarding fishing capabilities and comfort.

Safety is critical when choosing a boat. In this regard, center console boats have an advantage as they are considered safer in rough water conditions due to their sturdy build and design.

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