Find your next center console from this crop of new models.
By Gregg Mansfield
The family has been saving for years and now it’s time to pull the trigger on a new center-console boat. The shopping process can be overwhelming with so many brands and models on the market.
For consumers looking for the latest and greatest center console, the 2024 Buyers Guide from Center Console Life will help the family find the right boat. Whether the family wants an entry-level model or has eyes on a new 52-foot console, the builders have it covered.
Taking ownership of a new boat is now months instead of years as boat companies have whittled away at a backlog of orders after working through supply chain issues. Boat companies now have the bandwidth to introduce new models and innovative designs.
If you don’t see a favorite center console on the following pages, head over to CenterConsoleLifemag.com and there are even more boats to check out.
Happy shopping!
Solace Boats 37CS
Whether heading out to a favorite fishing grounds or dive spot, the 37CS from Solace Boats will get the crew there in style. The 37CS (37’8” LOA, 11’ beam) with its twin-stepped hull and variable deadrise provides a smooth ride and has excellent range thanks to a 512-gallon fuel tank when paired with twin or triple outboards from Mercury or Yamaha. Solace stocked the 37CS with must-have features including two 40-gallon livewells, a 44-gallon transom fishbox and two fishboxes in the floor totaling 113 gallons.
Additional items include dedicated rod and gaff storage in the cabin, nine transom-mounted rod holders and a tackle storage in the workstation. Solace offers the model with an optional marlin tower.
Solaris Power Yachts 40 Open
The 40 Open is the smallest model in Solaris Power Yachts’ lineup, yet it feels as spacious as its larger counterparts. The Italian builder maximized the cockpit space on the 40 Open (39’ 7” LOA, 12’ 6” beam) with seating for three at the helm, a social area in the cockpit with facing bench seats and a sun pad on the transom. Below, Solaris offers a main cabin with an option for a second cabin and a head with a standup shower.
For power, buyers have a choice of twin power plants from Volvo Penta and with the 480-hp versions on the transom, the 40 Open cruises at 31 mph.
Starcraft SVX 231
The 2024 Starcraft SVX 231 CC marks the brand’s foray into the center console realm, and it’s an impressive debut. Sporting the signature stable hull and deep cockpit of the SVX series, this model seamlessly blends family-friendly features with angling amenities. (LOA: 22 ft 8 in, Beam: 8 ft 6 in)
The interior layout is thoughtfully designed, offering ample seating options and storage spaces. From the double-wide leaning post to the U-shaped bench forward and aft transom bench, comfort is prioritized for all passengers. The versatility extends further with fishing-focused adaptations, like foldable seats, elevated casting decks, and ample tackle storage.
Powered by a robust 300 hp Yamaha, Mercury, Honda or Suzuki outboard, the SVX 231 CC delivers a spirited performance, showcasing agility and stability across various water conditions.
Stingray Boats 253CC
Stingray Boats introduced the 253CC center console at the 2024 Miami International Boat Show. Powered by twin outboards from Suzuki or Yamaha, the 253CC (25’3” LOA, 9’1” beam) is designed for fishing with a host of features including an insulated fish/storage box, stainless-steel rod holders, an aerated livewell and a tackle station with a sliding cooler. The 253CC comes with a head (which can be upgraded to a porcelain head) and a freshwater sink. Other standard features worth noting are a hardtop, walk-through door and Lumitec underwater lights. For electronics, the center console comes with Garmin 1243 Touch and Airmar B150M Chirp and a full stereo system. Buyers can add a second GPS screen and upgrade the stereo system.
Tidewater Boats 3100 Carolina Bay
Dubbed the world’s biggest bay boat, Tidewater Boats’ 3100 Carolina Bay is a 70-mph boat that comes standard with twin 400-hp Mercury Marine V10 Verado outboards.
The 3100 Carolina Bay (31’1” LOA, 10’2” beam) with a 17-degree deadrise and Carolina flare delivers a dry ride in snotty conditions. The driver and passengers are protected by a T-top with a full glass enclosure, while the Garmin electronics package includes dual screens and radar. Fishing features include a 20-gallon bow livewell and a 30-gallon Aquarium livewell in the leaning post with a tackle center. A cool feature worth noting is the electric actuating steps to help with boarding.
Valhalla Boatworks V-28
Whether fishing shallow-water bays or running to near-shore reefs, the V-28 Bay from Valhalla Boatworks will get you there in style. The V-28 (28’1” LOA, 9’3” beam) has a Stepped-V Ventilated Tunnel running surface designed by Michael Peters Yacht Design and draws only 18”. The aft casting platform features dual in-deck 25-gallon livewells and dual in-deck fishboxes. Valhalla equipped the 28-footer with numerous rod holders throughout. An optional hardtop will be available with the same features as larger Valhalla models. Buyers can also opt for a second station. The V-28 is available with single or twin outboards from Mercury or Yamaha up to 600 total horsepower.
Windy Boats SR 28 CC
Windy has been building boats for 58 years and has a well-earned reputation for its building quality and attention to detail.
The SR 28 CC (27’ 7” LOA, 8’ 2” beam) reflects those qualities and radiates luxury and sportiness. Belowdecks features the Scandinavian’s finest work including a spacious berth, enclosed head and a galley with two built-in coolers.
The helm includes seating for two people with additional seating in the bow, in front of the console and bench seat aft in the cockpit. To power the deep-V hull, Windy offers the center console with a single Yamaha F300 outboard or a pair of Yamaha F200 outboards for a top speed of 52 mph.
World Cat 235TE
The seventh model in World Cat’s center-console lineup, the 235TE (22’ 7” LOA, 8’ 6” beam) was designed with fishing in mind.
Features on the all-new model include 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. Options include portable toilet with pump out, a deck-mounted windlass and an additional Yeti cooler. To maximize space in the cockpit, forward bench seats fold down to provide more casting in the bow. The 235 Tournament Edition comes with twin 150-hp outboards with the hull rated for 300 hp.
Yamaha 255 FSH Sport H
The newest addition to Yamaha’s center-console line is the 255 FSH Sport H, featuring a Helm Master EX and joystick control. Powered by a pair of 1.8-liter Yamaha SVHO engines, the 255 FSH Sport H (24’ 6” LOA, 8’ 6” beam) seats up to 12 people.
The center console comes with a finished fiberglass hardtop and a custom leaning post for two people. Thanks to a deep-V hull design, the 255 FSH Sport H delivers a smooth ride in rough water conditions.
Fishing amenities include a 16-gallon baitwell, spacious fish boxes, a 30-gallon aerated livewell on the stern, rod storage, and Simrad electronics.