5 King-Size Center Console Yachts For Sportfishing [Boat Review]

The past decade has seen an explosion in the market for king-size center consoles, perhaps better described as center console yachts. Today, every major center console brand has at least a one triple- or quad-powered outboard model in the 40 foot plus range. Last year’s introduction of the HCB (formerly Hydra-Sports) 65 Estrella blew past everyone’s idea that there might be limit of how big these boats could become. Powered with five custom Seven Marine outboards totaling over 3,000 horsepower, the 65 Estrella went where no center console has gone before.

With prices exceeding the $1 million mark its difficult to say with any certainty where the market for king-size center consoles is headed. Speculation aside, as long and the economy remains strong and builders continue to invest in development costs, the future appears stronger than ever.

HCB 65 Estrella

Overview:

The largest center console on the planet, HCB Yachts (formerly known as Hydra-Sports Boats) continues to push the boundaries of the center console yacht market with this 65-foot offshore beast. Forward facing helm seats rotate 180 degrees to form a 10-person dining area. The cabin boasts sleeping for up to five persons with large master stateroom, convertible settee, and spacious head compartment with separate walk-in shower. Cruise at 35 knots with five Seven Marine 627hp custom outboards (50+ wide open).

Notable Features:

• Air conditioned bridgedeck
• Deluxe foredeck loungers
• Enclosed head with shower
• Walk-in machine room
• Rear mezzanine with aft-facing seats
• Seakeeper gyrostabilizer

Price Range:

Prices start at just over $3 million.

HCB 65 Estrella Specifications

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HCB 53 Sueños

Overview:

Hydra-Sports stunned the entire center console market in 2015 with the introduction of the 53 Sueños. Billed at the time as the world’s largest center console, she combines innovative technologies with traditional fishing boat design in a quad-powered beast no one could have imagined a decade ago. Under the console is a spacious cabin with air-conditioning, refrigerator, microwave, separate head with shower and a queen size berth. As of 2018, no outboard manufacturer builds an engine large enough in quad configuration to exceed the 53’s maximum horsepower range. Up to 60 knots top with quad Seven Marine 627hp outboards.

Notable Features:

• Dual purpose bow seating
• Over 40 rod holders
• Two 50-gallon livewells
• Summer kitchen deck option
• Touchscreen monitors
• Suspension-seat pedestals
• Fold-down seats fore and aft

Price Range:

Prices start in the neighborhood of $1.5 million.

HCB 53 Sueños Specifications

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Intrepid 475 Panacea

Overview:

Intrepid’s largest center console yachts to date, the 475 Panacea is a semi-custom fun machine whose numerous options offer unlimited opportunities for personalization. The cockpit features a folding rear bench seat, insulated fish boxes, numerous rod holders, padded bolsters and in-floor storage lockers. Forward, an oversized sun pad and wraparound seating at the bow create a VIP lounge that converts to an al fresco dining area. Cabin accommodations include an electrically actuated V-berth/dinette, teak and maple flooring, head with separate stall shower and galley with microwave, and refrigerator. Quad Seven Marine 627hp outboards cruise at 45–50 knots (low to mid 60 knots top).

Notable Features

• Dual dive platforms
• Insulated aft fishbox
• Triple helm seats
• Corian galley counter
• Bow seating with table
• Cabin wood flooring
• 4.2 KW generator

Price Range:

Early models can be found starting at around $600K

Intrepid 475 Panacea Specifications

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Grady-White Canyon 456

Overview:

The most luxurious monster center console available (as of early 2019), the Grady-White Canyon 456 is incredibly spacious, technically sophisticated and better appointed than any other outboard sportfishing boat. Standard features include a Seakeeper gyrostabilizer, Yamaha Helm Master joystick and a variable-speed Lewmar bow thruster. The deck is level except for the helm which is a step up. Cabin accommodations include a king-size berth in the forward cabin, galley with sink and stove, refrigerator and a 32″ flat-screen TV centered on the forward bulkhead. A total of 50 rodholders are strategically arrayed around the boat. Quad Yamaha F350s cruise at 30 knots (45+ knots top).

Notable Features:

• Retractable cockpit sun shade
• Helm air conditioning
• 12Kw diesel generator
• 4 electrically adjusted helm chairs
• 115 gallon transom fishbox
• Wraparound windshield
• Bow seating area with high-low tables

Price Range:

Base price is $1.28 million (with quad Yamaha 350s)

Grady-White Canyon 456 Specifications

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SeaHunter Tournament 45

Overview:

An offshore battlewagon of the first rank — with 780 gallons of fuel this quad-powered beast has more range than any other big outboard center console on the market. The helm is huge with space for three 19-inch electronics displays. The boat has three large insulated livewells. Seating options including standard captains’ chairs and second row seating for up to four people. Below, the cabin is large enough for overnighting and features a queen-size berth, head compartment, TV and a small galley area with sink and microwave. With a slender 12-foot beam deck space is modest for a 45-foot boat. Built on a Kevlar reinforced hull with keel pad and stepped transom, four Yamaha 350s deliver a top speed in the range of 50–55 knots.

Notable Features:

• Bow thruster
• Removable rear bench seat
• Hullside dive door
• Forward livewell
• Padded rod storage box
• Deluxe leaning post
• Transom livewell
• Center transom door

Price Range:

Used Seahunter 45s start in the $400-500k range.

SeaHunter Tournament 45 Specifications