Center console boats are a favorite among boating enthusiasts, particularly for those who enjoy fishing and recreational boating. They offer excellent versatility, ample storage, and an open deck layout that provides 360-degree access to the water. When looking for the best value center console boats under 50 feet in size, it’s crucial to consider factors like build quality, performance, features, and price. This article highlights some of the best value center console boats in this category, ensuring you get the most bang for your buck.
What We Look for in Value Center Console Boats
Before diving into specific brands and models, let’s explore what makes a center console boat a great value:
1. Build Quality
- Materials: High-quality materials such as marine-grade aluminum, fiberglass, and stainless steel components are essential for durability.
- Construction Techniques: Look for boats with solid hull construction and reinforced frames to ensure longevity.
2. Performance
- Engine Efficiency: Efficient engines provide better fuel economy and range.
- Handling: Boats that handle well in various water conditions are more versatile and enjoyable to use.
3. Features
- Standard Features: Some brands offer a wealth of standard features that would be considered upgrades in other brands.
- Customization: The ability to customize your boat with additional features can add significant value.
4. Warranty and Support
- Warranty: A strong warranty can save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Customer Support: Excellent customer service ensures that any issues are promptly addressed.
5. Resale Value
- Depreciation: Boats that hold their value well over time are a better long-term investment.
Top Value Center Console Boats Under 50 Feet
1. Grady-White Canyon 336
Overview: Grady-White is a renowned name in the boating industry, known for its durable and reliable boats. The Canyon 336 is an ideal choice for those seeking a high-quality center console boat with excellent performance.
Key Features:
- Durable Construction: Built with Grady-White’s patented SeaV2® hull design for a smoother and more stable ride.
- Fishing-Friendly: Features include multiple rod holders, a large live well, and ample storage for fishing gear.
- Comfort and Convenience: Comfortable seating, a well-appointed helm, and a spacious head compartment.
Specifications:
- Length: 33 feet 6 inches
- Beam: 11 feet 7 inches
- Fuel Capacity: 333 gallons
Why It’s a Great Value: The Grady-White Canyon 336 offers a combination of durability, performance, and comfort, making it an excellent investment for serious anglers and recreational boaters alike.
2. Sea Hunt Gamefish 30
Overview: Sea Hunt boats are known for their exceptional build quality and performance. The Gamefish 30 is designed with serious anglers in mind, offering a host of fishing-specific features.
Key Features:
- Fishing-Focused: Includes multiple live wells, insulated fish boxes, and plenty of rod storage.
- Comfortable Ride: The hull design ensures a smooth and stable ride, even in rough waters.
- Advanced Electronics: Equipped with the latest navigation and fish-finding technology.
Specifications:
- Length: 29 feet 9 inches
- Beam: 10 feet
- Fuel Capacity: 228 gallons
Why It’s a Great Value: The Sea Hunt Gamefish 30 provides an excellent balance of fishing features, performance, and comfort at a competitive price point.
3. Boston Whaler 280 Outrage
Overview: Boston Whaler is synonymous with unsinkable hulls and exceptional build quality. The 280 Outrage is a versatile center console boat that excels in both fishing and family cruising. If you are looking for something bigger, the Outrage model line has several boats reaching up to 42 feet in length.
Key Features:
- Unsinkable Hull: Boston Whaler’s signature construction ensures safety and peace of mind.
- Versatile Layout: Spacious deck layout suitable for both fishing and recreational activities.
- Premium Features: High-end finishes, advanced electronics, and comfortable seating.
Specifications:
- Length: 28 feet
- Beam: 9 feet 4 inches
- Fuel Capacity: 186 gallons
Why It’s a Great Value: The Boston Whaler 280 Outrage offers unparalleled safety, versatility, and quality, making it a solid investment for any boater.
4. Robalo R272
Overview: Robalo boats are known for their rugged construction and value-oriented pricing. The R272 is a well-rounded center console boat that caters to both fishing enthusiasts and family boaters.
Key Features:
- Durable Build: Heavy-duty construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Fishing Amenities: Multiple rod holders, live wells, and ample storage for gear.
- Family-Friendly: Comfortable seating, a spacious head compartment, and a sun lounge.
Specifications:
- Length: 27 feet 4 inches
- Beam: 9 feet 6 inches
- Fuel Capacity: 180 gallons
Why It’s a Great Value: The Robalo R272 combines durability, functionality, and comfort, offering great value for those looking for a versatile center console boat.
5. Cobia 301 CC
Overview: Cobia boats are known for their blend of performance, comfort, and value. The 301 CC is a capable center console boat that offers a range of features at an attractive price point.
Key Features:
- Performance: Twin Yamaha engines provide excellent power and efficiency.
- Fishing Features: Includes multiple live wells, rod holders, and ample storage.
- Comfort: Spacious seating, a well-designed helm, and a comfortable head compartment.
Specifications:
- Length: 29 feet 7 inches
- Beam: 10 feet
- Fuel Capacity: 232 gallons
Why It’s a Great Value: The Cobia 301 CC offers a perfect blend of performance, fishing features, and comfort, making it a great choice for value-conscious boaters.
6. Sportsman Open 282
Overview: Sportsman Boats are designed with a focus on family-friendly features and fishing capabilities. The Open 282 is a versatile center console boat that offers excellent value for its price.
Key Features:
- Family-Friendly: Comfortable seating, a spacious head, and plenty of storage.
- Fishing Capabilities: Multiple rod holders, live wells, and fish boxes.
- Modern Technology: Equipped with advanced navigation and fish-finding electronics.
Specifications:
- Length: 28 feet 2 inches
- Beam: 9 feet 3 inches
- Fuel Capacity: 205 gallons
Why It’s a Great Value: The Sportsman Open 282 provides a balance of fishing features and family-friendly amenities, making it a versatile and value-packed option.
7. Pursuit S 328 Sport
Overview: Pursuit Boats are known for their high-quality construction and luxurious features. The S 328 Sport is a center console boat that offers both performance and comfort.
Key Features:
- High-Quality Build: Durable materials and solid construction ensure longevity.
- Luxurious Features: Comfortable seating, a well-appointed helm, and premium finishes.
- Performance: Twin Yamaha engines provide powerful and efficient performance.
Specifications:
- Length: 34 feet 6 inches
- Beam: 10 feet 10 inches
- Fuel Capacity: 300 gallons
Why It’s a Great Value: The Pursuit S 328 Sport offers a combination of luxury, performance, and quality, providing excellent value for discerning boaters.
8. Everglades 273cc
Overview: Everglades Boats are known for their innovative designs and high-quality construction. The 273cc is a capable center console boat that offers a range of features for both fishing and recreational boating.
Key Features:
- Innovative Design: Features like the patented RAMCAP construction for a solid, unsinkable hull.
- Fishing Amenities: Multiple rod holders, live wells, and ample storage for gear.
- Comfort: Comfortable seating, a spacious head compartment, and a well-designed helm.
Specifications:
- Length: 27 feet 3 inches
- Beam: 9 feet 3 inches
- Fuel Capacity: 157 gallons
Why It’s a Great Value: The Everglades 273cc combines innovation, durability, and functionality, offering excellent value for money.
9. Scout 305 LXF
Overview: Scout Boats are known for their stylish designs and high-quality construction. The 305 LXF is a versatile center console boat that offers a range of features for both fishing and recreational boating.
Key Features:
- Stylish Design: Sleek lines and modern aesthetics make this boat stand out.
- Fishing Features: Multiple rod holders, live wells, and ample storage.
- Comfort: Luxurious seating, a well-appointed helm, and premium finishes.
Specifications:
- Length: 30 feet 5 inches
- Beam: 9 feet 10 inches
- Fuel Capacity: 228 gallons
Why It’s a Great Value: The Scout 305 LXF offers a combination of style, performance, and quality, making it a great choice for value-conscious boaters.
10. Key West 263FS
Overview: Key West Boats are known for their durability and value-oriented pricing. The 263FS is a versatile center console boat that caters to both fishing enthusiasts and family boaters.
Key Features:
- Durable Build: Heavy-duty construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Fishing Amenities: Multiple rod holders, live wells, and ample storage for gear.
- Family-Friendly: Comfortable seating, a spacious head compartment, and a sun lounge.
Specifications:
- Length: 26 feet 3 inches
- Beam: 9 feet 3 inches
- Fuel Capacity: 175 gallons
Why It’s a Great Value: The Key West 263FS combines durability, functionality, and comfort, offering great value for those looking for a versatile center console boat.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding the best value center consoles under 50 feet, these ten options offer a combination of quality, performance, and features at competitive price points. Whether you’re a serious angler or a recreational boater, these boats provide excellent value for your investment, ensuring you enjoy your time on the water to the fullest.
By considering factors such as build quality, performance, features, warranty, and resale value, you can make an informed decision and choose the center console boat that best meets your needs and budget. Investing in a high-quality, value-oriented boat will provide you with years of enjoyment and satisfaction on the water.
For more boat buying tips, check out: New or Used Boat? Weighing The Pros and Cons
