There is nothing like that warm feeling than when thinking about family outings. When there’s a boat involved, that feeling just intensifies. Now when talking about family boats, the quintessential family boat always comes to mind – the center console boat. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, 95 percent of vessels in the US alone belong in the 26-30 feet length category, and most of these boats are center console boats.
Center console boats are the most popular boats because of their very straightforward nature and their versatility in terms of utility. They look cool with a performance to match those looks. The bigger ones will have small bunks and heads, but these boats are built for doing things and fun stuff!
There are hundreds, if not thousands, to choose from, and that can be a challenge even in the best of times. Now you do not have to spend hours doing your research because we have scoured the world wide web on what makes the best center console boats for family and fishing are.
We prepared a list of 15 of the best center console boats for family fun, and you know there’s no fun when you can’t fish too! The list is made in no particular order, and we have, at the very least, brushed through the essentials to pierce through gimmicks.
Cobia 301 CC
The 301CC follows design cues from its predecessor, the 296CC, as far as the running surface goes but comes in with a fresh design on its deck. This design revolves around having ample cockpit space as well as large areas for fishing and entertaining. The plan also involves integrating the hardtop frame into the console. By doing this, the Cobia 301 CC has more spacious walkways that are not just fishing-friendly but to other family fun activities as well.
With its twin Yamaha F300s, the 301 CC is a fast and agile boat, especially considering that its overall length is 29′ 7″. Its beam is among the widest any center console boat can have at 10′ with a 21.5 -degree deadrise and a 1′ 9″ draft. A 267-gallon fuel tank allows for uninterrupted whole day fun. Completing its fishing-friendly design is an inward opening tuna door as well as two 28-gallon pressurized transom livewells. There is no shortage of catch storage as there are two macerated lockers both under the aft deck and forward seating.
Sea Hunt Gamefish 30
You know a boat takes fishing seriously when you see a built-in coffin box, especially in a center console boat. These boxes are the only way to keep those larger and longer catches. However, the Sea Hunt Gamefish 30 did not forget about family fun as well by adding another configuration that allows for full bow seating. Integrated fiberglass T-top has a tempered glass enclosure for those unexpected adverse weather maneuvers without the sea getting into your eyes.
Overall length puts the Gamefish 30 at 29′ 9″ with a beam of 9′ 9″. Its draft measures 1′ 10″ and a deadrise of 21 degrees make it quite the versatile boat in terms of where you can put out your rods. There are three insulated livewells overall, as well as a 60-gallon transom fish box. With its max power plant output of 600HP and a 225-gallon fuel tank capacity, you can cruise around all day with a pretty decent range.
Blackfin 272CC
With attention to detail like a see-through 30-gallon baitwell, it is easy to see why the Blackfin 272CC is a favorite. Add their patented photographic head door to maximize an already spacious entertainment deck and fishing area; you have a winner. Folding seating in the transom area adds to the fishing space, with a full bait-prep station and sink at the helm unit. All these just speak loudly to the fisherman.
The 272CC’s construction is composite with carbon fiber reinforcement for just that right balance between strength and flexibility. Overall length including the engine tops out at 29′ 5″, a beam of 9′ 4″, a 2′ draft, and a 22-degree deadrise makes this an ideal entertainment and fishing boat for the family. You can choose among twin 250HP and 300HP power plants to barrel down chops and wake with ease. A 180-gallon fuel capacity ensures uninterrupted cruising fun.
Contender 30ST
Contenders pride themselves as almost always tailor-fit for the owner as these center console boats allow the buyers to customize nearly every component of the boat. The 30ST can be outfitted with rod holders, your choice for livewell configurations, electric reels, and even custom outriggers. Significant numbers include having a length of 29′ 8″, the beam is 9′ 6″, and the draft is at 23″. Deadrise is just shy of 25 degrees at 24.5 degrees, making it super stable at respectable speeds.
You can have the Contender 30 ST in 2 configurations for its power plants from Twin Yamaha 250HP or its larger twin at 300HP, giving you a maximum of 600 horses. For the fisherman in you, there is an insulated 130-gallon in-sole fish box, with another 70-gallon fish box that can also double as a livewell. An oversize electronics panel gives plenty of room for various displays that you may want to mount at your heart’s content.
World Cat 280CC-X
This boat has the distinction of being designed exclusively with CAD (computer-aided design) and completely changed the way that twin hulls are previously thought of. Eleven adults can comfortably ride and hang out in its spacious 27′ 6″ hull length. With the beam measuring 9′ 2″ and more than a foot of draft, this twin-hulled beauty is the very image of stability. Its design borders on the exotic with a graceful line along the hull, a swept-back glass dashboard, and a well-thought-of hardtop. Integrated led docking lights are pre-installed to complement the sleek new hull design.
With a maximum powerplant signature of 400HP controlled in a state of the art glass dash with digital switching, the 280CC-X has twin Yamaha 200 HP digital four-stroke engines. The design is meant for the occupants to have fun, as there is a port and starboard cooler areas under the gunwales to keep refreshing beverages within easy reach. Not only that, but there is ample room for fishing activities with its 36-quart bow cooling compartment and an insulated 180-quart port and starboard storage compartments as well.
Boston Whaler 280 Outrage
The Boston Whaler 280 Outrage features a practical center console design that is a tried and tested configuration for fishing, water sports, or just cruising about all day. So much so that you can just about take it and it will be ready for whatever you have in mind. Coming in at 28′ in length, beam size of 9’4″ a deadrise of 23 degrees, and a draft of 1’10”, one can tell that these numbers sit right in the middle of a well-rounded family boat.
Twin chairs face the center console wit fully padded armrests, and flip-up bolsters brace your back while standing. The hardy offers rod holders for up to five and a pressurized 30-gallon livewell as well as an adjacent tackle prep station. A second baitwell with a 17-gallon capacity increases the bait you can carry. With twin Mercury Verado 400’s at the top-spec, the 280 Outrage maxes out at 800 HP. This provides more than enough power for open sea fishing and any kind of watersports activity.
Regulator 28
The Regulator 28 boasts of standard features that are already customized options in other boats of the same classification. Starting with its length overall of 27′ 8″, it has a beam of 9′ 5″, and a deadrise of 24 degrees. This makes this center console a sizable vessel made for family entertainment as well as for serious fishers. The two fish boxes forward are illuminated as well as provided with insulation. Besides, the transom also holds a 25-gallon illuminated livewell as well as a 124-quart fish box that also has illumination.
The power options max out at 600HP, and both the high-end option as well as the standard utilize the same twin Yamaha F300 4-stroke engine with DES Tilt Helm and DEC. All horizontal surfaces are molded and have a slip-resistant coating. Electronics packages are top of the line, even on their standard packages. The Regulator 28 embodies the company’s dedication to always put their customer’s needs at the forefront of their design. Every year bears witness to upgrades in terms of equipment and options to the Regulator line.
Calcutta 263
With its dimensions at 26′ 3″ of LOA, a beam of 8′ 6″, and a draft of slightly over 1 foot, the catamaran is both stable and agile on the water. A power plant of twin 300 HP Mercury Verados gives a maximum of 600HP to the Calcutta. With a fuel capacity of 140 gallons, they comfortably drive the Calcutta 263’s 3,200 lbs bulk quite quickly.
One of the more defining features of this catamaran is the transom that disappears flush into the deck when lowered. This solves a lot of fish-fighting and swimming-access problems and ingeniously provides a whole new parameter to center console boats—the Calcutta 263 scores high marks on stability, instrumental in a fishing platform. Although being stable is a given in cats, the Calcutta 253 shines when it maneuvers. Catamarans are widely renowned for their stability on chops and large wakes, and the ride remains comfortable even at high speeds.
Southport 30 FE
The size of this center console boat will readily tell you how roomy it is even on paper. With its length overall of 30′, beam measuring in at 10′ 6″, a 22-degree deadrise, and a draft of 1’8″ the Southport 30FE provides the most stable fishing and entertaining platform in the open seas. The power plant is a minimum of 600HP and maxes out at 700 HP. The choices include twin Yamahas, Mercury, and Suzuki for the engine. With a fuel tank capacity of 232 gallons, this boat provides some serious cruising capacity.
Casting nets are a breeze as the open fishing areas stay dry compliments of the width of the boat and the bow flare. The all-composite materials used in the construction of the boat ensure longevity as well as allowing customization. Generous fish boxes and livewell holds, swim platforms, and an amazing aft-facing mezzanine complement the rich features of the 30FE. The composite materials also integrated into the Southport 30FE, the unsinkable design principal.
EdgeWater 280CC
The Edgewater 280CC is dubbed by its makers as THAT getaway vessel and a ‘knockabout’ fishing machine. They are as good as their word as they use a proprietary SPI or Single Piece Infusion technology. Essentially what this does is that the whole structural construction of the boat is made up of one single piece. The hull is bonded onto the composite structural beams and pieces, creating a single structural shell of a boat. Dimensions start with an LOA of 28″, a beam measuring 9′ 6″, a 21-degree deadrise, and a draft of 1′ 8″.
You will know it takes fishing seriously with its two 100-gallon fish boxes built right into the floors and a 28-gallon transom live well. There is the walk-through transom door that is complemented by vertical rod holders fore and aft. Twin Yamaha F300 engines max its power at 600HP, and with a fuel capacity of 200 gallons, it packs some serious open sea fishing capabilities.
Scout 277 LXF
The LXF stands for luxury sportfish, and it shows as soon as one comes aboard the Scout 277 LXF. Touted as a performance machine, it is clearly made to stand out in its class. This boat is 100% hand lain construction and the attention to detail shows in its sleek lines. Its design has given it the distinction of having the best strength to weight ratio in its class. A 164-gallon fuel tank provides all-day cruising with a decent range in its twin Yamahas that give a maximum of 450HP.
An overall length of 27′ 9″, beam measuring in at 9′, A deadrise of 22 degrees, and a draft of 1′ 4″ are the essential numbers you need to know about the Scout 277 LXF. This center console comes equipped with a transom door and a new outside swing-in boarding door. A recirculation livewell is complemented by two additional in-floor fish boxes. The cockpit is exceptionally spacious and provides plenty of room for angling activities.
Everglades 295cc
Look no further than the Everglades 295cc if you are looking for a boat to cruise the waterways on the weekend but still pack the same features that a dedicated angler boat has. Everglades counted for a design that will be extremely low maintenance allowing the boat to be enjoyed by families on an afternoon ride in a snap. The Everglades 295cc is the balance between a hardcore fishing machine and a fun ride. Twin Yamaha F300 outboard engines comprise the power plant, maxing out at 600HP. An overall length of 28′ 7″, a beam of 9′ 3″, a 22.7-degree deadrise, and a relatively deeper 2′ 4″ of a draft are the dimensions of this boat.
Comfortable seating in front of the console complete with cup holders ride up front and fit snugly into an unsinkable deep V hull. A circulating 34-gallon livewell with a see-through acrylic lid starts off the fishing storage features and continues on with a 75 qt Yeti cooler as well as a 66-gallon aft fish box and one 105-gallon fwd.
Sea Chaser 27 HFC
The Sea Chaser 27 HFC center console boat is every bit as fun as a family boat and a fishing vessel with bells and whistles that cater to entertainment as well as serious fishing. The 27 HFC is designed to be every bit as hardworking as your fishing vessel while not forgetting about the needed space and amenities for a fun afternoon ride. The manufacturer backs up the100% composite construction quality with a full five-year hull warranty. Diamond pleated upholstery comes as a standard on this boat and is an excellent indicator of the other little details that make this one stand out.
Its length overall is pegged at 27′ 3″, a wide beam of 9′ 6″, a 20-degree deadrise, and a draft of 1′ 3″. These dimensions lend versatility to the vessel in terms of usage. The beam provides stability both when fishing and entertaining. A 40-gallon livewell tank is in the leaning post, and another 30-gallon is located in the port quarter. The 181-gallon capacity fuel tanks feed the single Suzuki Df350A giving it a range of 400 miles.
Robalo R302
When you see powder-coated hardtops with rod holders as a standard feature on a center console boat, you know its a good indication of how serious that boat is on fishing. The Robalo R302 is the flagship center console boat of the company, replacing the Robalo R300. A 20-gallon cooler/livewell with a see-through plexiglass lid and a bait station with a pressurized water system starts off its fishing-friendly features. A 55-quart cooler is molded into the under center casting deck hatch. 40-gallon fish boxes under both port and starboard bow casting deck hatches continue on to cushioned bow seating.
A neat feature is the full transom seat that folds down into the transom wall that also includes a protective cover. Electronics come standard with a Bluetooth stereo system with LED spreader lights as well as dual-color map lights. An electric freshwater system equipped with an 8-gallon holding tank completes the package. With an LOA of 29′ 2″, a beam measurement of 10′ 6″, a 1′ 9″ draft, and a deadrise of 21 degrees its got the right dimensions for a perfect weekend fishing trip or family getaway. You can choose from Yamaha’s F300XCA or Mercury Verado 300XL for the power plant that maxes out at 700HP.
Caymas 28 HB
If you are looking for a boat that can both deliver professional fishing features as well as providing top-notch family creature comforts, the Caymas 28 HB may very well be what you are looking for. It boasts of a patented Michael Peters Stepped-Vee Ventilated Tunnel Hull, which delivers both speed and a dry ride. An LOA of 27′ 7″, a beam of 9′ 4″, a draft of 1′ 5″, and a deadrise of 18.5 degrees all combine with that patented hull to deliver the promise of fuel efficiency. Its 120-gallon fuel tank capacity can feed any of the engine options, from Yamaha, Evinrude, Mercury, or Suzuki for a maximum of 425 HP.
The Caymas 28 HB fishing-friendly features include the non-skid casting deck, huge capacity storage compartments for fishing gear or tackle. Two 35-gallon aerated livewell and baitwell add to the fishing features. Cushioned seating, as well as ample space, allow for unfettered family cruises as well. Deep gunwales provide an extra layer of security for the passengers.
The list above is by no means exhaustive, but those boats really rack up the search points on being both fishing and family-friendly equipped among center consoles. Ultimately the choice one makes boils down to what they will be using the boat for the most. The great thing is that you don’t have to choose between a family boat or a fishing workhorse, as all of these boats can do the job and more.