Discover your next center console from this selection of new models.
By Gregg Mansfield
After years of saving, a family is ready to purchase a new center-console boat. The process can feel daunting due to the wide range of brands and models available.
For those seeking the latest center console, the 2024 Buyers Guide from Center Console Life will assist families in finding the perfect boat. Whether they desire an entry-level option or are considering a 52-foot model, manufacturers have something for everyone.
Now, ownership of a new boat takes months instead of years, as companies have reduced backlogs after overcoming supply chain challenges. Manufacturers can now introduce fresh models and innovative designs.
If the following pages don’t feature your ideal center console, visit CenterConsoleLifemag.com for an expanded selection of boats.
Happy shopping!
Solace Boats 37CS
The Solace Boats 37CS is perfect for reaching your favorite fishing or diving spots in style. This model (37’8” LOA, 11’ beam) features a twin-stepped hull and variable deadrise for a smooth ride, paired with a 512-gallon fuel tank for excellent range when equipped with twin or triple Mercury or Yamaha outboards. The 37CS is built with essential features like two 40-gallon livewells, a transom fishbox totaling 44 gallons, and two additional fishboxes in the floor with a combined capacity of 113 gallons.
Other amenities include dedicated rod and gaff storage in the cabin, nine transom-mounted rod holders, and tackle storage within the workstation. An optional marlin tower is also available.
www.solaceboats.com
Solaris Power Yachts 40 Open
Solaris PowerSolaris Power 40 Open
The 40 Open is Solaris Power Yachts’ smallest offering, yet it feels spacious like its larger models. The Italian builder optimized the cockpit area in the 40 Open (39’ 7” LOA, 12’ 6” beam) to accommodate three seats at the helm, a social space with facing benches, and a sun pad on the transom. Below deck, there’s a main cabin with an optional second cabin and a head featuring a standup shower.
Buyers can choose between twin power options from Volvo Penta; with the 480-hp engines on the transom, the 40 Open cruises at 31 mph.
www.solarispower.com
Starcraft SVX 231
The 2024 Starcraft SVX 231 CC marks the brand’s entry into the center console market, showcasing an impressive debut. Featuring the signature stable hull and deep cockpit typical of the SVX series, this model integrates family-friendly elements along with fishing amenities. (LOA: 22 ft 8 in, Beam: 8 ft 6 in)
The thoughtful interior layout offers plenty of seating and storage. Comfort is prioritized with a double-wide leaning post, U-shaped benches, and an aft transom bench. Fishing functionality is enhanced with foldable seats, elevated casting decks, and substantial tackle storage.
Powered by a powerful 300 hp outboard from Yamaha, Mercury, Honda, or Suzuki, the SVX 231 CC combines agility and stability across different water conditions.
www.starcraftmarine.com
Stingray Boats 253CC
Stingray Boats launched the 253CC center console at the 2024 Miami International Boat Show. This model (25’3” LOA, 9’1” beam) is powered by twin outboards from Suzuki or Yamaha and is crafted with fishing in mind, incorporating features such as an insulated fish/storage box, stainless-steel rod holders, an aerated livewell, and a tackle station with a sliding cooler. The 253CC includes a head (which can be upgraded to a porcelain version) and a freshwater sink. Other standard highlights include a hardtop, a walk-through door, and Lumitec underwater lights. It comes equipped with Garmin 1243 Touch electronics and Airmar B150M Chirp, along with a complete stereo system, with options for an additional GPS screen and upgraded sound system.
www.stingrayboats.com
Tidewater Boats 3100 Carolina Bay
Claiming the title of the world’s largest bay boat, the Tidewater Boats 3100 Carolina Bay achieves speeds of 70 mph and is standardly powered by twin 400-hp Mercury Marine V10 Verado outboards.
The 3100 Carolina Bay (31’1” LOA, 10’2” beam) features a 17-degree deadrise and Carolina flare for a dry ride in rough conditions. The driver and passengers are shielded by a T-top with full glass enclosure, and the Garmin electronics package includes dual screens and radar. Fishing essentials consist of a 20-gallon bow livewell and a 30-gallon aquarium livewell in the leaning post development with a tackle center. Notably, the electric actuating steps assist with boarding.
www.tidewaterboats.com
Valhalla Boatworks V-28
The V-28 Bay from Valhalla Boatworks is designed for both shallow-water fishing and journeys to near-shore reefs with style. The V-28 (28’1” LOA, 9’3” beam) is equipped with a Stepped-V Ventilated Tunnel running surface by Michael Peters Yacht Design, requiring only 18 inches of water. The rear casting platform hosts dual 25-gallon in-deck livewells and fish boxes. Valhalla outfitted the 28-footer with ample rod holders throughout. An optional hardtop replicating features from larger Valhalla models will be available, and buyers can select a second station. Power options include single or twin outboards from Mercury or Yamaha, with outputs up to 600 total horsepower.
www.valhallaboatworks.com
Windy Boats SR 28 CC
With 58 years in boat manufacturing, Windy is known for its quality and attention to detail.
The SR 28 CC (27’ 7” LOA, 8’ 2” beam) embodies these traits with a luxurious and sporty design. Belowdeck features include a spacious berth, a closed head, and a galley with two built-in coolers.
The helm accommodates two, with extra seating in the bow, in front of the console, and bench seating aft in the cockpit. The deep-V hull can be powered by either a single Yamaha F300 outboard or twin Yamaha F200 outboards, reaching speeds up to 52 mph.
www.windyboats.com
World Cat 235TE
The 235TE (22’ 7” LOA, 8’ 6” beam) is World Cat’s seventh center-console model, specifically designed for fishing.
This new model features twin 150-quart fishboxes, four gunwale-mounted rod holders, a flip-up bolster leaning post with rocket launchers, and a 45-quart Yeti cooler with a seat cushion. Available options include a portable toilet with pump-out functionality, a deck-mounted windlass, and an additional Yeti cooler. To maximize cockpit space, forward bench seats fold down for easier casting at the bow. The 235 Tournament Edition includes twin 150-hp outboards, with the hull rated for a maximum of 300 hp.
www.worldcat.com
Yamaha 255 FSH Sport H
Yamaha’s latest offering in the center-console range is the 255 FSH Sport H, featuring Helm Master EX and joystick control. This model is powered by twin 1.8-liter Yamaha SVHO engines and accommodates up to 12 individuals.
The center console comes with a finished fiberglass hardtop and a custom leaning post for two. Thanks to its deep-V hull design, the 255 FSH Sport H provides a smooth ride even in rough waters.
Fishing features include a 16-gallon baitwell, spacious fish boxes, a 30-gallon aerated livewell at the stern, rod storage, and Simrad electronics.
www.yamahaboats.com