Center console (British English: centre console) sometimes abbreviated as CC, is a type of single- decked open hull

boat A boat is a watercraft of a large range of types and sizes, but generally smaller than a ship, which is distinguished by its larger size, shape, cargo or passenger capacity, or its ability to carry boats. Small boats are typically found on i ...

where the helm is in the center. There is a cabin on some models; these are usually located in the bow and hold small berths for sleeping. Small berths may also be located inside the console and under the deck of larger center console boats. An advantage of this type of boat, especially in fishing, underway, and at rest, is that person can walk all around the boat from stern to bow with ease which aids in various activities by removing obstacles which may be encountered with other boat designs. The console of a boat is where all the controls are located, including steering, ignition, trim control, radio and other electronic devices, switches etc. It may have small storage space and/or a

head A head is the part of an organism which usually includes the ears, brain, forehead, cheeks, chin, eyes, nose, and mouth, each of which aid in various sensory functions such as sight, hearing, smell, and taste. Some very simple animals may no ...

. In general, there is no weather protection or berths, making the design ill-suited to cruising. To provide limited relief from sun or rain, or for mounting items such as antennae, radar, lights and outriggers, the console may have a "T-Top" or "Hard top" which is a structure permanently mounted to the boat above the console. These are not universal to all center consoles because it may interfere with fishermen's casting or the boat owner's preferences. Some boats, including center consoles like the one pictured here may have a

Bimini top A Bimini top is an open-front canvas top for the cockpit of a boat, usually supported by a metal frame. Most Biminis can be collapsed when not in use, and raised again if shade or shelter from rain is desired. Bimini tops differ from dodgers ...

instead, while some may not have anything permanently or semi-permanently attached. Most center consoles are powered by

outboard motor An outboard motor is a propulsion system for boats, consisting of a self-contained unit that includes engine, gearbox and propeller or jet drive, designed to be affixed to the outside of the transom. They are the most common motorised method o ...

s and may be equipped with one or two which is common, to five or more in the case of very large center console boats. A center console boat is popular as a

yacht tender A yacht tender is a vessel used for servicing and providing support and entertainment to a private or charter yacht. They include utilitarian craft, powered by oar or outboard motor, and high-speed luxury craft, supporting superyachts, powered by ...

ship's boat A ship's boat is a utility boat carried by a larger vessel. Ship's boats have always provided communication with the shore and with other ships. Other work done by such boats has varied over time, as marine technology has changed. In the age o ...

and for fishing. One survey by

Sport Fishing Magazine ''Sport Fishing'' is an outdoors magazine about recreational marine fishing owned by Bonnier Corp. It is a sister magazine of '' Salt Water Sportsman'' and ''Marlin Marlins are fish from the family Istiophoridae, which includes about 10 spec ...

found that 30% of respondents owned center consoles, which was a larger percentage than other boat designs. Center console boats typically range in length from 18 feet to 40 feet, though some may be larger.

References

Nautical terminology Boat types {{Ship-type-stub