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Center Console Vs. Dual Console: Which Is Right For You?

Jan. 26 2024 Comparison By L&M Marine LLC

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Are you interested in center console and dual console boats? Wondering what the difference is between them and which one is right for you? Here at Day Break Marine and L&M Marine we’re here to share our 30+ years of experience and by the end of this article you should have a clear understanding of the difference between a center console and and dual console boat and which one is best suited for you and your lifestyle. 

Layout

Center consoles and dual consoles are created using the same mold for the bottom half of the bottom but the top cap of the mold differs. The difference between the layout of a center console and a dual console boat:

Center console boats:

  • The helm and steering is located in the center, typically midway down the length of the boat.

  • Due to the layout of center console boats, seating is more spaced out and there is less seating close to the captain.



Dual console boats: 

  • The helm and steering of dual consoles boats is located on the starboard side of the boat, typically about ¾ forward of the stern. 

  • Due to the layout of dual console boats, there is more seating closer to the captain. 


Ride Quality

The ride will typically be smoother in a center console due to the console and helm being further back in a center console boat versus dual console. The further back you are in a boat, the better the ride quality and this is due to the fulcrum effect. The further forward you are in a boat, the more you feel the movement of the bow, while the further back you are the smoother it will feel. The helm or console of center consoles are a quarter of a length behind where the dual console will be. 


If the weight isn’t distributed evenly in a dual console, the mere fact that you’re sitting on the right or the left side of the boat can affect the ride quality. Although this is true for both kinds of boats, it’s especially true for dual console boats, since you must seat passengers strategically to even out weight due to the location of the helm.

Draft + Deadrise

Center console boats can have a wide draft range and vary depending on the type of boat. Dual consoles typically sit higher in the water. Since dual console boats are heavier than center consoles and are made up of more material (including fiberglass and seating) the draft may suffer as a result.

Design + Use

Center console boats were originally designed for fishing due to the freedom of mobility, you’re able to move 360 degrees around the boat. This is extremely beneficial for fighting large fish that swim around the boat, preventing the line from being tangled or cut off, and enables multiple anglers to fish at the same time/able to position themselves wherever. Dual consoles provide more shelter typically than center consoles as they have larger tops and most come with windshields.


Dual consoles boats, when it comes to fishing,  are generally used for trolling or bottom fishing but not sight casting or chasing fishing. However, dual consoles are generally used more for cruising and entertaining. 

  • Center consoles: originally a fishing boat but have come a long way and are able to cater to both fishermen and pleasure boaters with features such as modular/foldaway seating.

  • Dual consoles: these boats prioritize comfort first for cruising and entertaining but can also be used for fishing.

Storage + Accessories 

As far as storage, dual consoles typically have more storage due to the type of seating, dual consoles have permanent, stationary seating while center consoles usually feature foldaway and modular seating.


There are lots of accessory options for both center console and dual console boats and easily able to add a ton of accessories to both.

Cost

Overall, dual consoles are typically more expensive due to the extra fiberglass material, extra vinyl used in the design as well as the glass windshield. Here a cost comparison of a center console versus a dual console:


Overall, dual consoles are about 15% more expensive than center console boats.

Summary

CENTER CONSOLE: 22’ Pathfinder: One of our employees frequently uses his friend’s boat, a 22’ Pathfinder, to go out in the Pensacola Pass to catch bait fish such as cigar minnow and hardtails. They enjoy using this boat because it’s versatile, they can use the trolling motor, and walk all the way around the boat. There’s a lot of space on this center console boat, plenty of space to cast and fight fish.

DUAL CONSOLE: 20’ Wellcraft: An employee used to take this dual console boat out frequently to the USS Massachusetts wreck right outside the Pass. The fishing space was very limited as the 20’ Welcraft had a small cockpit with a cuddy cabin, so they were only able to fish off the back of the boat. This made it difficult to maneuver when fish were fighting around the boat. 

In summary:

  • Center console boats generally cost less than dual consoles, and feature three sections of seating: bow, helm, and transom. Overall, center consoles are better suited for the angler who sometimes enjoys taking his family out.

  • Dual console boats cost more than center consoles and feature more seating closer to the captain. If you enjoy cruising with multiple friends while holding a conversation within earshot - a dual console is the way to go since everyone is in closer proximity than center consoles. 

Both feature tons of accessory options, center consoles prioritize fishing while dual consoles prioritize comfort. See our center console and dual console inventory here, we’re happy to answer questions you have about either and set up a Sea Trial:

  • Day Break Marine - Pensacola, FL: (850) 434-9022

  • L&M Marine - Stapleton, AL: (251) 937-1380