Hunt 32CC: A Luxurious Take on the Center Console

History has long painted center consoles as bare-bones fishing machines, but Hunt Yachts’ 32CC challenges that stereotype. This 32-foot center console blends the utility and performance anglers expect with refined comforts that broaden its appeal to families and casual cruisers.

From Spartan to Sophisticated

Traditional center consoles were optimized for fishing: rod holders lining the gunwales, in-deck bait wells and fishboxes, and minimal seating to preserve a 360-degree deck for fighting fish. Over time builders began adding creature comforts to make these boats more versatile for family outings, beach picnics and short cruises. The Hunt 32CC is a refined example of that evolution, maintaining the functional advantages of a center console while integrating well-executed living features.

Smart Interior Layout

One of the most impactful changes to modern center consoles has been enlarging the console to accommodate a head. Hunt goes further on the 32CC by extending the console across the port side to the rail. That design choice eliminated a side passage but created practical storage for fenders and opened space for a compact galley—Hunt calls it a “gallette.”

The galley’s companionway is positioned on the port side facing aft, giving secure access via a lockable pocket door and facilitating direct communication between the galley and cockpit. With a beam of 10 feet, 6 inches, the 32CC provides standing headroom at the galley and in the head on the starboard side—an advantage not possible on many narrower center consoles.

Natural light floods the cabin through the open companionway, side ports and a one-way portlight in the console’s forward fascia, keeping the below-deck space bright even with the door closed.

Galley and Head Features

The galley is compact but well-equipped: a microwave, an insulated icebox with a removable soft-sided cooler, and ample locker storage at eye level and under the counter. Although there’s no dedicated sink in the galley, the head’s sink serves for washing dishes and utensils.

The head itself is more than a token compartment. With a bifold door, standing headroom and a functional layout, it includes a molded sink, Corian countertop, electric freshwater toilet, towel rack, clothes hooks and a mirror. A freshwater transom shower complements the head’s capabilities, providing a real shower option after a day on the water.

Berth and Stowage

A single berth under the foredeck offers a cozy overnight option—ideal for a solo angler or small children. Racks along the berth’s inboard and outboard sides provide rod storage for up to four fishing rods, keeping gear organized and accessible.

Deck Comfort and Versatility

Outdoor comfort is where the center-console format shines for families. The 32CC’s transom features a double seat with clever hinges that fold out of the way when stowed, and removable corner seats are available as an option. The helm’s double seat converts to a leaning post with a folding cushion, while pivoting armrests/bolsters add security when cornering or in rough water.

Abaft the helm is a molded multipurpose area. Options include a sink, countertop and a DC refrigerator as on our test boat. Buyers may also select an entertaining leaning post—equipped with an electric grill, inverter, drawers and cabinets—or a fishing leaning post, which includes a 30-gallon livewell with top access, sink, tackle station and dedicated storage.

Forward Seating and Amenities

The forward cockpit offers a comfortable J-shaped seating area that accommodates up to eight adults. The optional removable teak table is ideal for meals and drinks, while clever details like a lifting electric candle for evening ambiance and a starboard-side locker for long items enhance usability. Numerous drink holders—one folding out of a bow backrest—add practical conveniences.

Construction

C&C Fiberglass Components of Bristol, Rhode Island, molds the Hunt 32CC’s composite components. The hull bottom uses a solid laminate while the topsides and deck are cored with PVC foam for stiffness and light weight. Hunt applied inventive tooling solutions to mold the complex deck features, including a removable box used to create a toe-kick beneath the starboard gunwale so the multifaceted deck section can be removed cleanly from the mold.

Power and Performance

Our test boat was powered by Yamaha F300 outboards mounted on an Armstrong bracket. These 4.2-liter V6 engines run quietly and with minimal vibration, aided by their 60-degree cylinder bank angle. Using Yamaha Helm Master joystick control, the engines offered precise, intuitive maneuvering at the dock and in close quarters.

In test data recorded a few days before our run, the 32CC accelerated from 0 to 20 mph (17.4 knots) in 4.81 seconds with two people aboard and full fuel and water—an engaging performance. During our outing in light conditions, cruising at 4,000 rpm produced about 30 knots while sound levels measured around 84 dB(A), making conversations comfortable. Trim-tab and outboard trim adjustments revealed a sweet spot at zero tab and engines trimmed slightly out.

On the high end, the boat reached a top speed of 50 knots. While impressive, the reviewer preferred more relaxed speeds to better enjoy the surroundings. A more economical cruise at 3,500 rpm (about 25 knots) delivered roughly 16 gallons per hour, or 1.8 mpg in calm water—confirmed by test data as the most fuel-efficient speed under those conditions. Slowing to plane at about 10 knots reduced burn to roughly 10 gph, though efficiency dropped to about 1.1 mpg.

The 32CC’s deep-vee hull is typical of Hunt designs: it leans into high-speed turns and holds its line without nervousness. Steering felt smooth and precise, and the boat remained on plane down to low speeds with confidence and control.

Conclusion

By combining fishing capability with real onboard comforts, the Hunt 32CC makes a compelling case for what a modern center console can be. It remains practical and rugged enough for dedicated anglers while welcoming family and guests with thoughtful interior features, generous forward seating and a versatile cockpit. Well-built, enjoyable to drive and attractively finished, the 32CC brings luxury and utility together in a compact center-console package.

This article originally appeared in the July 2015 issue.