6 Premium Full-Size Center Consoles with Yacht Class Amenities

Big offshore center consoles came of age just over a decade ago with the advent of today’s high-performance outboard engines. Offering seaworthy hulls and enough deck space for a small crowd, these new-breed center consoles are heavily powered with triple or quad outboard engines of at least 300hp each. Not inexpensive, many offer the enhanced accommodations and amenities usually found in a high-end express cruiser. The six models profiled below fit the definition of modern luxury dayboats meaning they provide a versatile platform for cruising and fishing while enjoying a fun-filled day on the water. They represent the ultimate blend of center console comfort and style.

–Ed McKnew

Boston Whaler 420 Outrage | 2015–Current

At a Glance: Dramatic styling and best-in-class finish equals serious boating luxury. With a cabin worthy of most express cruisers — and a deck layout perfect for entertaining — the Boston Whaler 420 is far more day cruiser than hardcore fishing machine. The helm seating plan accommodates six people and converts to face forward or aft. Huge dash area is wide enough for three 15″ displays. Fishing features include insulated fish boxes fore and aft, 24-gallon transom livewell, recessed toe rails, and extensive rod storage. A deluxe bait prep station has an electric grill, sink, refrigerator/freezer, and a second 50-gallon livewell. Below, the console cabin features a teak dining table that lowers to create a double berth. Powered with four 350 Verados, the 420 Outrage can reach a top speed of 44–46 knots.

Price Range: From the mid $600s.

Everglades 435 | 2015–Current

At a Glance:  With a luxurious cabin, plush seating and fully equipped head with standing shower, the Everglades 435 offers the amenities of a small cruiser in addition to her nearly 200 square feet of cockpit space. The extended console conceals a roomy cabin below featuring a compact galley with refrigerator/freezer, microwave, and freshwater sink. L-shaped cabin seating converts to a queen bed, and the enclosed head features an electric toilet and a separate shower. Air conditioning at the helm and cabin keeps the crew cool on warm days. At the helm, the dash has space for three 15-inch displays. The hardtop extends well aft to shade the seating module. Fishing features include twin 60-gallon livewells, 45-gallon built-in bait freezer, rigging station with twin cutting boards, two lockable rod lockers, and a huge 225-gallon insulated fish box in the sole. Four Yamaha F350s reach a top speed of 50 knots.

Price Range: From the mid to high $500s. 

Intrepid 400 Cuddy | 2010–Current

At a Glance: Built on a high-performance stepped hull, the semi-custom Intrepid 400 combines beauty and brawn in a center console of exceptional quality. The single-level cockpit makes getting around easy and a hull side dive door can swing in or out. At the helm, optional power seating, tilt wheel and various seating choices surround a massive dashboard. Fishing amenities include a huge in-floor insulated fish box forward with macerator pumps, 9-foot gunwale rod lockers, multiple baitwell options and 15 individual storage compartments. The forward power console seat slides aside for step-down access to the head compartment with shower and sink. Creature comforts include forward bench seating that converts at the push of a button into a walkaround sun pad. Dual swim platforms are standard. Pure quality in every corner. Triple Yamaha F350s top out at nearly 55 knots.

Price Range: From the high $100s.

Scout 420 LXF | 2016–Current

At a Glance:  A beautifully crafted yacht, the Scout 420 rides on a high-performance stepped hull with a flared bow and stylish reverse transom. The deck layout features a roomy bow seating area with a teak table that rises from the deck, forward console lounge, and a three-seat helm position with a dash area large enough for three big-screen displays. Aft-facing seats on the mezzanine deck overlook the cockpit. Below, the Scout’s cozy cabin includes twin berths forward with drop-down table, galley, and enclosed head with stall shower. Standard features include an 80-gallon livewell, transom door, port-side boarding door, two in-deck fish boxes, powder-coated hardtop, joystick system, windlass, generator, and air conditioning. Options include a gyrostabilizer, underwater LED lights, and a retractable awning. Quad 350hp outboards will cruise  at 30+ knots (about 60 knots top).

Price Range: From the mid $600s.

Midnight Express 43 Open | 2015–Current

At a Glance: One of the most Distinctive boats on the water, the Midnight Express 43 Open can be factory ordered to meet each owner’s tastes. Midnight Express was a pioneer in the development of large customized center consoles. Paint schemes, upholstery options, custom flooring, sunroof and a console full of displays are just some of the design possibilities offered in this innovative boat. Various interior layouts, extra fuel and dive tank storage are available to fully personalized each boat. Single or double helm seat configurations, full beam seating aft and summer kitchens are available to accommodate the entire family. Note the carbon-fiber infused hardtop and hullside dive door with an integrated ladder. With quad Mercury 350hp Verados the 43 Open can reach speeds in of 60+ knots (over 80 top with four Seven Marine 627hp outboards).

Price Range: From the low 500s.

Pursuit S 408 | 2018–Current

At a Glance: The Pursuit S 408 is a hybrid 42-footer designed for offshore fishing and luxury day cruising. The spacious cockpit, comfortable forward lounging area and roomy cabin offer exceptional center console versatility. A triple-seat helm provides plenty of room to enjoy operating the boat with friends and family nearby. The uncluttered cockpit comes complete with an aft-facing mezzanine seat, hull side dive door, lighted 44-gallon transom livewell and fish box. An aft rigging station with tackle storage doubles as an outdoor kitchen with cutting board and electric grill. The transom door opens to the stern platform which extends well aft on each side of the motors in a design unique to Pursuit. Below, a well-appointed cabin with hardwood flooring offers wraparound seating that concerts to a V-berth, enclosed head and full-service galley. Triple Yamaha F350 outboards cruise at 28–30 knots (low 40s top).

Price Range: From the mid $600s.