Why Shouldn't I Get a Center Console?

[dingbat]

Re: Why Shouldn't I Get a Center Console?

Much of this is regionally based and not necessarily fact based.

They become regionally based opinions because the equipment has been proven in the area. At what point does "proven" become fact?

Also, for me, it is hard to argue a DC is less safe, especially if you have a properly fitted bow cover in place.

Locally, 3 or 4 a year swamp and sink from the wake of passing ships. 100 gallons of water isn't much if you stuff the bow. Is your properly fitted cover going to support 4- #200 men jumping up and down on top of it? Once that fails, how does your boat perform in 3-4 waves with 4- #200 guys sitting on the bow?

 

[dingbat]

Re: Why Shouldn't I Get a Center Console?

....double post

 

[sphelps]

Re: Why Shouldn't I Get a Center Console?

Why not rent one of each for a weekend and see which one you like better ..

 

[QC]

Re: Why Shouldn't I Get a Center Console?

It has a self bailing cockpit. My point was DC vs. CC. Take off the damn blinders. It is the same flippin' hull as the R220 Robalo. Put a bow cover and it is at least as safe. I made no other assertions. None.

I have never said that a CC was bad. I have never said that a bow cover would support 4 200# men, or any men. I have not compared anything here for sea worthiness except a R227 Robalo and a similar CC. Maybe you don't like Robalos. What about a Grady DC? Jeez I can't believe I am getting sucked into this one, especially with good members and smart people.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Why Shouldn't I Get a Center Console?

Why not rent one of each for a weekend and see which one you like better ..

Maybe the best answer yet....... Sure seems to be the least controversial....

 

[southkogs]

Re: Why Shouldn't I Get a Center Console?

Wow. :faint2:

 

[QC]

Re: Why Shouldn't I Get a Center Console?

:redface: maybe I had a bad day, but I didn't :noidea:

 

[moosehead]

Re: Why Shouldn't I Get a Center Console?

OP, your thinking is sound, and that Roballo DC looks well suited to your preferences and needs.

What other craft do you see most often in your area that are used for cruising and watersports vs. fishing?

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Why Shouldn't I Get a Center Console?

Much of this is regionally based and not necessarily fact based. Look at where I boat, probably 90% I/O. Doesn't make it right, just is. With that said, your posts indicated that no other opinions were valid unless they suggested CC's. I love OBs and CCs, but there are better family boats that are just as seaworthy if we take off our bias caps

actually we agree, with the qualifier you said, it's regional. To be more accurate, it's the type of water. OP was asking about NY/CT coastal, and that's where dingbat and I come in. You wouldn't hear a peep if he was looking for a boat for small lakes--unless he asked about which interior design provided more room in same length.

The robalo dual console pictured looks like a good option for him. If the hull shape at the bow is the same as their CC then it has the seaworthy features not found on the typical bow rider (a DC is a bow rider, but in these discussions a DC means the same interior lay-out is in a higher hull). One of my boats is a DC (but without the padding) and it's a bay boat hull. My neighbor's sea hunt ultra DC is a great boat and it has the deep V hull. DC's are fine even though they tend to have more padding, less room, which is a preference item, not a deal breaker.

But I'm with dingbat--a bow cover is not a safety device; it is a comfort device, and should be regarded as such. Not a bad idea, but not something to rely on in bad stuff.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Why Shouldn't I Get a Center Console?

Why would that happen with a self bailing hull? Not all are sofa boats.

They become regionally based opinions because the equipment has been proven in the area. At what point does "proven" become fact?

Locally, 3 or 4 a year swamp and sink from the wake of passing ships. 100 gallons of water isn't much if you stuff the bow. Is your properly fitted cover going to support 4- #200 men jumping up and down on top of it? Once that fails, how does your boat perform in 3-4 waves with 4- #200 guys sitting on the bow?

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Why Shouldn't I Get a Center Console?

I think you need to look at just what you want to use the boat for mostly. Certain water conditions a cc isn't advised imho.Your not going to like the water coming over the bow and in the boat.

with a well-designed bow with a good spoon or flare, it's not an issue for pleasure boating; after that you get into closed bows and cuddies which compromise seating and open space. OP doesn't sound interested in testing the rough stuff anyway, so more open space and bow seating would suit his use better.

 

[QC]

Re: Why Shouldn't I Get a Center Console?

And to clarify my other point... It was that a DC (not a typical bowrider) based on the same (or similar) hull as a CC would be at least as safe. I am still going to suggest that a bow cover is drier, and safer, than without. Yes it can fail. The words are fairly clear so I still don't see the point of our East Coast, rough water specialists. And BTW, the Catalina Channel here, on the stupid left coast, can be treacherous as well. Remember that whole surf culture thing And we don't run CCs much because they are too wet and too cold. Walks are prevalent.

 

[aspeck]

Re: Why Shouldn't I Get a Center Console?

I personally, have a true DC, not a bow rider. My family loves it. They love the room, the dryness, the way it takes the waves, the seating, the ease of water sports, etc. I love the ability and ease to fish out of it. We are very happy with our self bailing DC. BTW, I wanted a CC, but this DC came along in my price range first ... Glad it did!

 

[dingbat]

Re: Why Shouldn't I Get a Center Console?

Why would that happen with a self bailing hull? Not all are sofa boats.

The chances of it happening are very low with a self bailing hull. Unfortunately, the few DC that are self bailing, are newer and far out of reach of the average $4-5K boater. Those with the experience and a decent budget tend to buy things more suitable for the conditions.

 

[mgmidget72]

Re: Why Shouldn't I Get a Center Console?

Wow! Thanks for all the input. Just to clarify, I purposely used the label "dual console" to differentiate it from your typical bow rider, what some are calling sofa boats. A bow rider is what I have now, and I'm looking to get something better suited for the typical conditions here.

So it sounds like DC really is the way to go. Without getting any of the benefits a CC has for fishing, I'd be just giving up too much cruising/guest comfort aspects of a DC. I think that's probably what I knew in the back of my mind, I was just hoping there might be some benefits of a CC that I had overlooked.

Thanks everyone!

 

[mgmidget72]

Re: Why Shouldn't I Get a Center Console?

Maybe the best answer yet....... Sure seems to be the least controversial....

Agreed! I'm probably over thinking this. Most likely, a few test drives of the different styles would quickly make my mind up.

 

[mgmidget72]

Re: Why Shouldn't I Get a Center Console?

OP, your thinking is sound, and that Roballo DC looks well suited to your preferences and needs.

What other craft do you see most often in your area that are used for cruising and watersports vs. fishing?

moosehead - CCs are the norm around here, but pretty much everyone fishes. That's probably why I'm drawn to that style though - that's what I'm used to seeing. Those not fishing seem to have gone up to a pocket cruiser or bigger since the longer cruising possibilities on the LI Sound are endless. That's more boat than I'm looking to get into right now though, plus you can't really ski behind a Sundancer type boat.

Thanks!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Why Shouldn't I Get a Center Console?

Walk around the marinas/ramps where you are going to boat and talk to the boat owners there. you may find some that have owned different types and can give you good comparisons, based on local conditions--and maybe even a boat ride!

Renting different types is often not practical, and you're not likely to test them against adverse conditions, which is why it's good to talk to those who have. I don't think it's fair to boat sellers to test ride just to pick out a style that suits (unless you are buying new from a dealer) but you can get an idea of roominess by tire-kicking at the dealers with your horde with you.

Look at new boats, look at the boats on line, pick you style and then go hunting for the used one.

There's no substitute for local info.

 

[moosehead]

Re: Why Shouldn't I Get a Center Console?

Thumbsup mgmidget, good luck and let us know how your search ends up.

IMO, the best course for boating, like other enthusiast equipment, is horses for courses or proper tool for the job. You have a clear understanding of what you need in a craft which is an advantage as some do not.

I actually learned a bit about DC's from this thread (once you get beyond the catfighting zealotry). They seem like the best of both worlds and well suited to your boating conditions and pursuits. The below video from Cobia was eye opening:

Cobia 220 Dual Console (220DC) - Cobia Boats

 

[aspeck]

Re: Why Shouldn't I Get a Center Console?

http://forums.iboats.com/dockside-chat/my-new-me-boat-318826.html

here is the boat I bought in 2009 for your price range. What you are missing with a DC over a CC is the walk-around sides where the kayaks would fit nicely. Other than that, I think your wife would appreciate a DC with the Bimini top and side curtains for those cooler evenings on the water.

Good luck with whatever you choose ... You have to pay for it and live with the decision, none of us do. So all we can say is from our own experiences or preferences. The question is, what will suit YOU and the family?