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!
Honda Seabrook Center Console
To simplify the boat-buying process, Honda Marine and Scout Boats have partnered to launch two new models including the Seabrook Center Console (19’5” LOA, 8’6” beam).
Powered by a Honda Marine BF150 iST outboard, the helm comes standard with Honda’s HD-4 Multi-Function Color Display, a Garmin 9” Sonar/GPS display, Lenco Marine LED trim tab indicator and Honda digital controls with BayStar by Dometic hydraulic steering. Dometic supplied the trim tabs. The center console is offered in three versions (base, sport and fishing). The sport package comes with a bimini top, while the fishing version has a T-top. The Seabrook Series is backed by a 10-year transferable limited structural warranty.
Intrepid Powerboats 427 Nomad SE
Answering the call for larger center-console boats, Intrepid Powerboats delivers with the new 427 Nomad SE (42’ 7” LOA, 12’ 8” beam).
The two rows of seating are protected by a composite T-top and a wraparound glass windshield. Offered in twin to quad outboard packages, the 427 Nomad SE is loaded with high-end features including a hydraulic swim platform, dive doors and an electric aft sunshade to cover the cockpit.
In the bow, Intrepid Powerboats provided bow seating and a table that be used for alfresco dining or double as a spacious sun pad.
Pathfinder Boats 2200 TRS
Pathfinder Boats left nothing untouched with the redesign of the 2200 TRS (22’5” LOA, 8’6” beam).
From lengthening the bay boat by 4 inches to adding an inch to the freeboard, the 2200 TRS is far improved from previous generations. Additional updates included an in-deck storage locker for cast nets, a larger standard 36-gallon livewell and an optional 36-gallon release well. In revamping the hull to improve handling and performance, Pathfinder increased fuel capacity by 10 gallons to extend the bay boat’s range.
The Pathfinder comes standard with a 150-hp Yamaha outboard and can be upgraded to a 250-hp outboard that delivers a range of more than 260 miles.
Robalo Boats 246 Cayman
Robalo Boats redesigned its 246 Cayman and launched the all-new R230 for the 2024 model year. Among the updates for the 246 Cayman (24’ 6” LOA, 9’ beam) were a new deck design, additional seating options and stowage. Twin insulated livewells in the cockpit along with a 50-liter carry-on cooler provides options for cold storage and rod storage solutions.
Joining the 2024 model line is the R230 (23’ LOA, 8’ 6” beam) with its Hydro Lift multi-angle hull design. A fiberglass hardtop and aluminum-framed windshield comes standard on the R230. Power for the R230 is a single 250-hp outboard from Yamaha Marine.
Sailfish Boats 226 DC
A roomy cockpit makes dual console boats popular with young families. Take the 226 DC from Sailfish Boats that offers abundant seating for the whole crew.
Seating includes an aft flip-up bench seat, lounge seat, starboard aft-facing seating and a captain chair. The dual console allows for easy access to the spacious bow. The port console is a finished head with a Porta Potti, while the console in front of the helm is used for storage.
Young families will appreciate the swim steps (one with a built-in draining cooler) around the single outboard. Power options are from Yamaha, Mercury and Suzuki.
Scout Boats 261 XSS
Making its debut at the 2024 Miami International Boat Show, Scout Boats launched its all-new 261 XSS (26’ LOA, 8’ 6” beam).
The 261 XSS is an inshore/offshore crossover that features a large casting fore and rear deck, port and starboard aerated baitwells under the transom seats, rod storage and a console coffin box. Standard features include a fiberglass hardtop with an integrated acrylic windshield and a powder-coated leaning post with a cooler. Scout offers a Sport Tower upper station as an option.
Rated for up to 400 horsepower, the 261 XSS has a 17-degree deadrise for a dry ride.
Sea Pro Boats 245FLX
Whether going offshore fishing or heading to a favorite sandbar, the 245FLX from Sea Pro Boats is a versatile deep-V hull. Easy to trailer and friendly on the budget, the 245FLX (23’9” LOA, 8’10” beam) comes standard with a fiberglass hardtop and integrated windshield, a 12-inch Simrad MFD, Audison marine audio system and a tilt helm with power steering. The single-engine Sea Pro is rated up to 350 horsepower and buyers can select an outboard from Yamaha, Suzuki or Mercury. Any center console dubbed a “Sandbar Boat” needs to have plenty of seating and 245FLX delivers with two captain chairs, port and starboard seats on the stern and a transom bench seat.
Sea Vee Boats 400Z
The successor to the 390B, the new 400Z (39’4” LOA, 11’3” beam) from Sea Vee Boats has a console that is 6” wider than the previous generation.
Designers used the added space to include two 24” multifunction displays on the dash. A forward side sliding door provided access to the cabin and the interior was equipped with a molded sink and buyers can add an electrically operated toilet. Sea Vee stocked the aft cockpit area with livewells, fish boxes, and stowage. The bow area includes a 161-gallon fully insulated fish box, rod lockers, and additional storage. The 400Z can be equipped with triple or quad outboards.