Finding The Ultimate 20-Foot Center Console Boat

Center console boats are a popular choice for many boaters due to their versatility, style, and size options. While larger boats offer more space and better maneuverability, smaller boats are more practical for tasks such as highway trailer transport and freshwater navigation.

When it comes to 20-foot center console boats, there are several excellent options available that offer a range of features and amenities to suit different needs and preferences. Here is a look at some of the top choices:

Best 20-foot center console boats for anglers

Center console boats are a popular choice for anglers due to their versatility, style, and size options. While larger boats offer more space and superior manoeuvrability, smaller boats are more practical for tasks such as highway trailer transport and freshwater navigation.

Nautic Star 20 XS

The Nautic Star 20 XS is a deep vee design vessel known for its stability and manoeuvrability. This model is perfect for sportsmen and anglers. It features a high wall hull design, a two-person bench in the centre console, enhanced lid catchers with roller catchers, and upgraded LED courtesy lights. The Nautic Star is powered by a Yamaha outboard motor. Prices start at around $34,000 but can increase depending on the package and configuration options selected.

Pioneer 202 Islander

The Pioneer 202 Islander is a dual-purpose boat, serving as both a fishing boat and a family cruiser. It features a full seat on the transom, wrap-around bolsters, a step-down porta-potty under the console, and a bow area that can be used as a casting deck or extra seating. While the boat can handle up to 175 HP, it is recommended to use a 135 to 150 outboard motor for optimal navigation and stability.

Release 2018 RX 208

The Release 2018 RX 208 is a versatile option for boaters, offering various engine configurations. It is powered by a Yamaha 4-stroke outboard, with options including 115, 150, 275, or 200 F. Other features include a dual-seat captain's chair, a head compartment console with a dome light, and a Plexiglas windshield. Optional upgrades include a gel coat hull, bow backrest bolsters, LED lighting, and speaker system integration.

Robalo 200 Explorer

Celebrating its 50th year, Robalo introduces the 200 Explorer, designed for family fun and easy trailering. It features a front-facing seat from the centre console and an angled ladder away from the outboard for increased safety. The Robalo can handle a maximum of 200 HP.

Mako Pro Skiff 17

The Mako Pro Skiff 17 is a small powercat that handles rough waters better than most monohulls. It comes with more standard features than similarly priced boats, including a 65-quart swing-back cooler seat, five vertical rod holders, a 10-gallon livewell, and a helm switch panel with lighted rockers and a 12-V outlet. The boat is listed at $16,395 with a 60-horsepower four-stroke outboard and a trailer, offering reasonable pricing and good value.

Boston Whaler 250 Dauntless

Boston Whaler's 250 Dauntless is a 24-foot, 9-inch (on the centreline) boat with an 8-foot, 6-inch beam and a 1-foot, 3-inch draft. It delivers a high-quality experience with a smooth ride and a spacious deck outfitted with fishing features such as a 35-gallon aft-deck livewell, a bow fish box, and a full-beam casting platform. It is powered by a single Mercury engine with options up to a 400 hp XXL L6 DTS Verado.

Grady-White Fisherman 236

The Grady-White Fisherman 236 combines fishing features with family comforts. It offers a roomy cockpit, rod and tackle storage, a standard 15½-gallon livewell, and twin 22-gallon insulated fish boxes. It also includes bow seating with foldaway backrests, a stand-up head inside the console, and swim platform extensions on both sides.

Robalo R230

The Robalo R230 features a Hydro Lift multi-angle hull design for better manoeuvrability. Standard features include an aluminium-framed glass windshield, a lockable console door, a forward console seat, bow cushions, two insulated 23-gallon storage compartments, a portable head, and premium audio. For fishermen, it offers vertical storage for six rods, horizontal rod storage, and four gunwale-mounted stainless-steel rod holders. The aft seat also converts into a casting platform.

Best 20-foot center console boats for family boating

Center console boats are great for family boating. Their 360-degree mobility layout means anglers can move about with ease, and this same open layout is great for families with kids, as it allows them to move around freely. They are also easier to dock, and their self-bailing, all-fibreglass deck makes them easy to clean.

Boston Whaler 250 Dauntless

This boat delivers a high-quality experience with its smooth ride and spacious deck. It comes with fishing features such as a 35-gallon aft-deck livewell, a bow fish box, and a full-beam casting platform. It also has family features such as a bow sun pad, with port and starboard folding backrests, and a console lounger with armrests. The Boston Whaler 250 Dauntless is a great option for those seeking a balance of fishing and family features.

Grady-White Fisherman 236

The Fisherman 236 combines fishing features with family comforts. It has a roomy cockpit, rod and tackle storage, a standard 15.5-gallon livewell, and twin 22-gallon insulated fish boxes. It also includes family-friendly features such as bow seating with foldaway backrests, a stand-up head inside the console, and swim-platform extensions on both port and starboard sides. The Grady-White Fisherman 236 is a versatile boat that caters to both anglers and family members.

Robalo R230

The Robalo R230 is designed for better manoeuvrability with its proprietary Hydro Lift multi-angle hull design. It comes with standard features such as an aluminium-framed glass windshield, a lockable console door, forward console seat and bolster, and bow cushions. It also includes fishing features like vertical storage for six rods, horizontal rod storage, and four gunwale-mounted stainless-steel rod holders. The R230's aft seat even has a folding backrest that converts into a casting platform, making it a versatile option for families who enjoy fishing.

Scout 255 LXF

The Scout 255 LXF is the smallest model in the company's luxury sportfish line, blending high-performance fishing with high-end cruising. It comes standard with features such as Scout's patented hardtop with a tempered-glass enclosure, a portside livewell, a transom door, three fish boxes, and a forward console cooler seat. The 255 LXF offers a mix of performance and comfort, making it a great choice for families who want to enjoy both fishing and cruising.

Sea Born LX24 CC

The Sea Born LX24 CC sports higher freeboard than Sea Born's bay boats, offering greater security and protection from higher seas. It includes seating such as a helm leaning post, forward-facing bow loungers with stowable seatbacks, a plush aft bench, and a front console seat. It also has fishing features like a 14-gallon portside livewell and an insulated fish box. The LX24 CC provides a good balance of fishing capabilities and family comforts, making it a versatile option for families.

Best 20-foot center console boats for dual purposes

Center console boats are highly sought after for their versatility, style, and size options. While larger boats offer more space and superior manoeuvrability, smaller boats are more practical for certain needs, such as highway trailer transport and freshwater navigation. Here are some of the best 20-foot center console boats for dual purposes:

Pioneer 202 Islander

The Pioneer 202 Islander is designed for dual purposes, serving as both a fishing boat and a family cruiser. It features a full seat on the transom, wrap-around bolsters, a step-down porta-potty under the console, and a bow area that can be used as a casting deck or extra seating. The boat can handle up to 175 HP, but it is recommended to use a 135 to 150 outboard motor for optimal navigation and stability.

Release 2018 RX 208

The Release 2018 RX 208 is a versatile option for boaters, offering various engine configurations. It is equipped with a dual-seat captain's chair, a head compartment console with a dome light, and a Plexiglas windshield. Optional upgrades include a gel coat hull, bow backrest bolsters, LED lighting, and a speaker system integration.

Robalo 200 Explorer

The Robalo 200 Explorer is designed for family fun and easy trailering. It features a front-facing seat from the center console and an angled ladder away from the outboard for increased safety. The Robalo can handle a maximum HP of 200.

Cobia 220 Dual Console

The Cobia 220 Dual Console, introduced in 2013, is built on the 217CC hull, which is designed for open water. It offers a roomy cockpit with the helm forward and offset, and the centerline—the most stable position on a boat—is wide open. The boat provides ample cushioned seating and is touted as a "do-it-all" dual-console for cruising, skiing, and fishing. The aft bench seat can be quickly stowed away to expand the deck space.

Boston Whaler 270 Vantage

The Boston Whaler 270 Vantage is designed as a "true no-compromise boat," offering a convertible portside lounge seat that can be adjusted for fishing or reclined for relaxation. It comes with a standard fishing package that includes a 19-gallon lighted livewell, stainless toe rails, transom-mounted rod holders, and a raw-water washdown station. The boat also features flush-mount gunwale rod holders, a cockpit utility center, a transom door, an insulated fish box, and lockable in-floor rod storage.

Grady-White Freedom 335

The Grady-White Freedom 335 is a dual-console boat that offers a balance of fishing features and family and cruising amenities. It provides expansive companion seating, a sliding cockpit seat, and a wet bar with a refrigerator and sink. The aft seat can be folded away to create a full open deck for fishing. It also includes rod racks, tackle storage, and a 42-gallon fish box in the transom.

Most affordable 20-foot center console boats

Center console boats are popular for their versatility, style, and size options. While larger boats offer more space and superior manoeuvrability, smaller boats are more practical for highway trailer transport and freshwater navigation. Here are some of the most affordable 20-foot center console boats on the market:

Nautic Star 20 XS

The Nautic Star 20 XS is a deep Vee design vessel known for its stability and manoeuvrability. This model is perfect for sportsmen and anglers. It features a high wall hull design, a two-person bench in the center console, enhanced lid catchers with roller catchers, and upgraded LED courtesy lights. The Nautic Star is powered by a Yamaha outboard motor, with prices starting at around $34,000.

Pioneer 202 Islander

The Pioneer 202 Islander is a dual-purpose boat, serving as both a fishing boat and a family cruiser. It offers a full seat on the transom, wrap-around bolsters, a step-down porta-potty under the console, and a bow area that can be used as a casting deck or extra seating. While the boat can handle up to 175 HP, it is recommended to use a 135 to 150 outboard motor for optimal navigation and stability.

Release 2018 RX 208

The Release 2018 RX 208 is a versatile option, offering various engine configurations, including 115, 150, 275, and 200 F options. It features a dual-seat captain's chair, a head compartment console with a dome light, and a Plexiglas windshield. Optional upgrades include a gel coat hull, bow backrest bolsters, LED lighting, and speaker system integration.

Robalo 200 Explorer

Celebrating its 50th year, Robalo introduces the 200 Explorer, designed for family fun and easy trailering. It features a front-facing seat from the center console and an angled ladder away from the outboard for increased safety. The Robalo can handle a maximum HP of 200.

Carolina Skiff 162 JLS

The Carolina Skiff 162 JLS is a small but well-equipped boat, starting at around $19,000 with a 60 HP outboard. It features an 18-gallon livewell, six flush rod holders, and a swim platform with a three-step telescopic re-boarding ladder. This boat is easy to maintain, has low operational costs, and has modest tow vehicle requirements if you choose to trailer it.

Robalo R160

The Robalo R160 is the builder's smallest and least expensive option, priced at just under $24,000. It is built with the same quality and attention to detail as their larger, higher-cost models. The hull is reinforced with Kevlar, the fasteners and fittings are 316-grade stainless steel, the wiring is tinned copper with waterproof connectors, and the transom core is a poured ceramic. The R160 comes packaged with a single-axel trailer, so you can take it out on the water as soon as you buy it.

Xpress XP20CC

The Xpress XP20CC offers a lot of space for its price, with a length of 20'3" and a width of 7'11". It comes ready-to-fish with a Yamaha VF115LA outboard, a single-axel aluminium trailer, a Humminbird PiranhaMax 4 fishfinder, and a Minn Kota Riptide 46 electric trolling motor. The aluminium construction makes it lightweight and easy to haul, and it has a top speed of 45 MPH.

Scout 175 Sportfish

The Scout 175 Sportfish is a smooth-running boat with impressive performance. The standard package, priced at just under $29,000, includes a Yamaha F90 outboard and a trailer, and delivers a cruise speed of over 30 MPH and a top speed of over 40 MPH, all while maintaining impressive fuel efficiency. It is one of the few 17-footers that allows you to troll with four rods from flush-mounted rod holders, and it includes pedestal seats at the helm and jump seats in the stern.

Best 20-foot center console boats for inshore and offshore fishing

Center console boats are some of the most versatile boats on the water. They are popular among saltwater anglers and can be used for both inshore and offshore fishing. Here are some of the best 20-foot center console boats for inshore and offshore fishing:

Boston Whaler 250 Dauntless

This boat delivers a high-quality experience with its smooth ride and spacious deck, perfect for inshore and offshore fishing. It is outfitted with fishing features such as a 35-gallon aft-deck livewell, a bow fish box, and a full-beam casting platform. It offers a comfortable ride with its bow sun pad and port and starboard folding backrests. The Boston Whaler 250 has a maximum power of 400 hp.

Contender 25 Bay

The Contender 25 Bay is designed for inshore and offshore fishing with its twin-step hull that provides a quick plane and a consistently flat trim angle. It features ample livewell capacity, an insulated fish box, a cooler under the helm seating, and rod lockers. The wraparound seating and a stern jump seat provide comfort for cruising. The Contender 25 Bay has a maximum power of 350 hp.

Grady-White Fisherman 236

The Grady-White Fisherman 236 combines fishing features with family comforts. It offers a roomy cockpit, rod and tackle storage, a standard livewell, and insulated fish boxes. It also includes bow seating, a stand-up head inside the console, and swim platform extensions. The Fisherman 236 has a maximum power of 300 hp.

Regulator 24XO

The Regulator 24XO is a "crossover" model that provides anglers with the option to fish both inshore and offshore. It offers casting platforms at the bow and stern, with a secure cockpit in between. It is well-constructed and rigorously tested, making it a versatile and reliable choice for fishing enthusiasts. The Regulator 24XO has a maximum power of 500 hp.

Sea Born LX24 CC

The Sea Born LX24 CC offers a high freeboard for greater security and protection from higher seas, making it suitable for offshore fishing. It includes fishing features such as a 14-gallon livewell, an insulated fish box, and ample rod storage. The LX24 CC also provides comfortable seating arrangements and has a maximum power of 300 hp.

These boats offer a range of features and capabilities to suit your inshore and offshore fishing needs. They are known for their versatility, performance, and functionality, making them excellent choices for anglers looking for a reliable and enjoyable fishing experience.

Frequently asked questions