The rise of the mega center console has been one of the most dramatic shifts in modern boating: open fishing boats have grown into long, powerful bluewater machines that demand serious horsepower and serious budgets. Yet many anglers still want a well-built, well-equipped boat in a more conventional size—something trailerable or easily handled for family weekends and coastal fishing. Fortunately, several new center-console models around 30 feet deliver that balance of fishability, comfort and quality. Below are three standout coastal center consoles that combine offshore capability with civilized accommodations for owners who value both performance and practicality.
Pursuit S 248
The Pursuit S 248 is a compact yet capable center console designed to blend serious fishing features with creature comforts in a trailerable package. At 25 feet, 8 inches long and 8 feet, 6 inches wide, it fits well for owners who want an easy-to-manage boat without sacrificing systems anglers expect—inedible fish boxes built into the sole, a live well, and thoughtful rod, lure and line storage.
Cruising amenities include a cushioned transom bench that folds out to increase seating and bow lounges with individual backrests so passengers can comfortably face forward when heading offshore. The bow backrests swivel aft and lay flush against the inwale, giving a clear walkthrough without the need to remove and stow cushions—an important convenience on a smaller boat where storage is limited.
The console layout is purposeful: the head door opens from the forward end, making entry easier into the fiberglass compartment, and finishes, latches and stainless hardware reflect robust workmanship. Pursuit offers the S 248 with a single propulsion option—a 300-hp Yamaha outboard—mounted to a helm area arranged to maximize space between the wheel and leaning post for comfortable driving during runs to the fishing grounds or evening cruises. An optional hardtop with helm enclosure enhances the boat’s sporty profile and can extend the season by keeping passengers sheltered on blustery days.
Everglades 285cc
The Everglades 285cc drew attention when it launched in late 2022, earning recognition at the Newport International Boat Show. With a wide 9-foot, 6-inch beam, high freeboard and a single-level deck offering a roomy passage around the console, the 285cc is engineered as a true 360-degree fishing platform. It comes outfitted with angler-focused gear such as insulated fish boxes, a live well and secure toe rails for stable footing when battling fish.
Powered by twin 300-hp Yamahas, the 285cc has an advertised range near 300 miles at a cruise speed around 31 knots, with a top speed approaching 48 knots. The hull uses Everglades’ variable-deadrise deep-V construction with high-density closed-cell structural foam, a design the builder highlights for buoyancy and durability; the company also offers a lifetime hull warranty on this model. Early owners even crossed the Gulf Stream to Bimini aboard the 285cc, underscoring its offshore capability.
Everglades borrows features from its larger models for this center console: optional Seakeeper stabilization, a dive door, and a reversible helm/mezzanine seat that rotates 180 degrees. Yacht-style touches—diamond-stitched two-tone upholstery, teak at the helm, and teak ladder-style bow backrests—raise the finish level. Practical details such as a casting platform at the bow that converts to a table and a molded fiberglass hardtop with integrated handholds make the boat equally at home entertaining or chasing fish.
Sailfish 312 CC
At 32 feet, 6 inches overall, the Sailfish 312 CC brings Sailfish’s offshore pedigree into a slightly larger center-console format. It rides on the company’s sixth-generation Variable Degree Stepped hull, which gradually transitions deadrise from 24 degrees forward to 22 degrees aft to improve efficiency and stability. Power choices include twin Mercury Verados (300 or 350) or twin Yamaha F300s; with the Yamahas, factory testing shows a top speed near 47 knots and a most-efficient cruise at about 25 knots consuming roughly 16 gallons per hour.
The 312’s broad 9-foot, 9-inch beam creates a spacious, deep cockpit with gunwales at hip height—an important safety and comfort feature for families or crews working offshore. The layout blends fishing essentials—live wells, bait wells, coaming bolsters, a transom gate and holders for up to 29 rods—with creature comforts such as cushioned seating fore and aft, a private head, and a convenient dive door for dockside boarding. Under the hardtop, generous headroom of 6 feet, 3 inches adds a level of comfort that helps a full day on the water feel less cramped and more enjoyable.
—Jeanne Craig
This article was originally published in the February 2023 issue.