February, 2017

It's often revealing to speculate on what a set amount can buy in today’s boating market. A $50,000 budget can buy a lot of different center consoles, but suppose you’re one of those boaters who place a premium on quality — then how much boat can you buy? To find out, we spent a recent afternoon entering different search perameters at Yachtworld and pouring over the results. Rather than trying to find the biggest or newest boat for $50K, the objective was to narrow the selections down to only those boats from top-tier builders. When the dust cleared, here are a few well-regarded cener console boats that should be within the reach of a $50,000 budget.

At a Glance:  Part center console, part walkaround cabin — a true multipurpose fishing boat for the whole family. Wide walkways around the cabin make getting around easy. With her cushioned forward seat and foldaway transom seat, the Outrage has seating space for the entire family. Belowdecks, the functional cabin — with near-standing headroom —  sleeps three and features an enclosed head with electric toilet, rod storage locker, microwave, and refrigerator. Standard features include a factory hardtop with rod holders, molded bow pulpit, 30-gallon lighted livewell, two insulated in-deck fish boxes, deluxe helm seats with flip-up bolsters, bait prep station with sink, tackle drawers, gunnel rod holders, transom rod holders, cockpit rod storage, trim tabs, and transom door. Twin 225hp Mercury outboards top out at 40 knots. Called the 290 Outrage in 2002–03. Unsinkable.

Price Range: From around $40K to $75–85K.

1999–2003

At a Glance:  A quality fishing boat of serious eye appeal — a wide 9'6" beam makes this high-end center console one of the biggest 26-footers around. The forward-seating deck layout features a roomy walk-in console with electric toilet (or  Porta-Potti), freshwater sink, and storage drawers. A fold-down stern seat comes in handy for the ride home, and a bow table cushion converts the forward seating area into a sun pad. Over 90 square feet of usable cockpit space. Standard features include a 28-gallon recirculating livewell, two in-deck fish boxes (aft), cockpit shower, fresh and raw water washdowns, Armstrong dive ladder, folding front console seat, Lenco trim tabs, and cockpit coaming pads. Note the console storage box at the helm. A quality boat built to high standards, twin Yamaha 225 outboards power the Edgewater 265/268 to a top speed of about 45 knots.

Price Range: From around $45K to the low $100s.

2002–13

At a Glance:  A serious fishing boat for serious anglers. Heavily built on a Kevlar-reinforced hull, the Vector’s large fuel capacity allows her to range further offshore than most boats this size. While the forward-seating layout is perfect for day cruising with family and friends, the real strengths of the 2796/2800 are focused on fishing. Wide walkways make getting around the console easy and secure, and the Vector’s uncluttered cockpit provides plenty of space for several anglers to work without bumping elbows. Standard fishing features include a 50-gallon transom livewell, leaning post with rod holders, bait prep station with sink and cutting board, two insulated fish boxes, horizontal rod holders, and three transom-mounted rod holders. The console houses a walk-in head with electric toilet and shower. Recessed bow rails and pop-up cleats are great features. Yamaha 225ds top out at 40–45 knots.

Price Range: From the mid/high $40s up to $75–85K.

2000–05

At a Glance:  More than just a pretty face, this top-selling 27-footer is a near-perfect mix of sleek styling and impressive performance. The 270’s Unibond hull is unsinkable, and her deep-V ride is stable and dry even in rough weather. Molded bow seats and a foldaway transom seat accommodate guests and crew, and the cockpit provides a roomy platform for two anglers and their gear. The transom holds a 23-gallon lighted livewell in addition to a cutting board. There are three insulated in-deck fish/storage boxes, one up front and two aft. The console houses a walk-in head compartment complete with sink and shower. At the helm, the leaning post has a removable backrest, bait prep station, and (optional) livewell. The 270’s low-profile bow rails and folding footrest are handy features, and the batteries are housed in easy-to-reach compartments. Twin 225hp Mercs deliver a top speed of about 45 knots.

Price Range: From the mid $40s to nearly $100K.

2003–08

At a Glance:  A premium 26-footer from on the the country’s most admired boat builders.  Offered in open or cuddy configurations, the 2670 ranks among the best boats in her class for quality, engineering and performance. Compared with most 26-footers with their trailerable (without a permit, that is) 8'6" beams, the Pursuit’s wider 9'3" beam can be seen in her large cockpit, big console, and generous storage capacity. The helm features a double bench seat, and the standard leaning post includes rod holders and tackle trays. Aft, the transom has a 49-gallon livewell and bait prep station in addition to bilge access. An in-deck fish/storage box is positioned just forward of the transom. In the open version, the walk-in console houses a head compartment. In cuddy models, the cabin contains a double berth and marine head. Twin Yamaha 225s deliver a top speed of 45 knots.

Price Range: From the mid $40s to $60–75K.

2005–07