Exactly as its name implies, a dual console boat has two consoles. In the modern world, they are probably the most popular vessel on the water. Defining the word “console” in the context of boating is important before we move on.
It is usually thought of as a panel with a set of controls when someone mentions a console. Mechanical or electronic equipment usually falls under this category. Consoles can also refer to a projection that attaches to a tabletop, which most people aren’t aware of.
Basically, a console is a corbel that supports a dashboard or other flat surface on a boat. In other words, when you think of a DC boat, you should imagine a vessel with two structures—one with a dashboard, the other without. Here you will get the complete details about the best dual console boats that you will choose from.
What Are Dual Console Boats?
A dual console boat offers comfort and versatility to boaters who want to spend time on the water.
In terms of boat design, dual consoles are available in various sizes and applications for a variety of boat classes, which makes them extremely versatile for a variety of activities.
Medium-sized, trailerable dual console boats are typically used for day trips, saltwater activities, and watersports. There is a wide range of sizes for such vessels, ranging from 17 feet to 38 feet in length, with the average length being 25 feet. A wide range of boat manufacturers designs them, including deep vee, updated vee, sea V2(TM), catamaran, and other types.
A total of 934 double console vessels are available on Boat Trader today, including 619 brand new vessels and 315 second-hand vessels that have been identified by experienced yacht dealers and private owners.
6 Best Dual Console Boats
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1. Gradywhite Freedom 375 |
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2. Scout 175 Sport Dorado |
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3. Cobia 220 Dual Console |
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4. Cobia 330 Dual Console |
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1. Gradywhite Freedom 375
Specification
- Beam Amidships: 13’2″ (4.01 m)
- Center Line Length w/o Engines: 36’7″ (11.15 m)
- Bridge Clearance: 9’11” (3.02 m)
- Cockpit Depth: 28″ (0.71 m)
- Hull Draft: 29″ (0.74 m)
- Transom Deadrise: 20 degrees (SeaV2® progression)
- Maximum HP: 1275 (951 kW)
- Fuel Capacity – Standard: 320 gal. (1211 l)
- Weight w/o Engines: 16,250 lb. (7370 kg)
Among our top picks for best dual console boats, the Grady-White Freedom 375 stands out. With plenty of room for hosting a large group of guests, everything about it is well-designed and functional. Wraparound bow seating, two tables, and additional plush seating options are available.
In addition to keeping everyone comfortable, it also cuts down on the amount of time they spend on the boat. A livewell, fish boxes, and a fish box are among the standard features. You will also find air conditioning inside the console area and at the helm.
Features
- The system consists of (2) automatic bilge pumps (a total of 3000 GPH) (11,356 LPH).
- The basics of flotation.
- Stringers & transom are made from composite materials that are watertight.
- Lighting of international standards.
- White pearlescent paint or primer on Yamaha factory-painted engines.
- There will be a wraparound lounge seat installed in place of the foldaway bench seat at the back of the vessel.
- Curtains (black or ivory).
- Easy up bow shade (black or ivory mesh).
2. Scout 175 Sport Dorado
Specification
- Length: 17′ 5″
- Beam: 7′ 5″
- Fuel Capacity: 28 gal
- Max HP Rating: 115 HP
- Draft (aprx): 10″
Budget-conscious boaters will enjoy the Scout 175 Sport Dorado’s dual console design. It’s small, but don’t let that fool you. The boat is packed with fantastic features that will make your time on the water memorable.
No matter if you want to spend some quality time with your sweetheart, go tubing with the kids, or just get a bit of quiet time while fishing at your favorite spot, this DC is built to fit all your needs. The boat has a number of seating options, a swim platform with a ladder, plenty of fishing rod holders, and a stereo for listening to your favorite songs while you’re out fishing.
Features
- In addition to the full bow rail, there is a full side rail for added safety.
- With the boarding ladder and swim platform, you can easily dive into the water and climb back up.
- Towing/water sports activities are made easy with this boat.
3. Cobia 220 Dual Console
Specification
- LOA: 21 ft 07 in
- Beam: 8 ft 06 in
- Draft: 18 in
- Weight (approx. with engine): 3,460 lbs
- Fuel capacity: 89 gal
- Deadrise: 20 deg
- Maximum HP: 250 hp
- Transom Height: 25in
- Maximum Capacities: 9 persons or 1,600 lbs
It’s no secret that Maverick Boat Co., which owns the Cobia brand, knows fishing. 220 Dual Console was introduced by the company in 2013 as the big brother to 180 Dual Console. According to Johnson, the Cobia 220 DC is designed for open water and built on our 217CC hull. It is generally true that a dual-console cockpit has plenty of room due to the helm being forward and offset. A boat’s centerline – the most stable position – is now open instead of being restricted by the console and leaning post.
This Cobia dual-console offers plenty of cushioned seating and boasts its ability to be used for cruising, skiing, and fishing. In contrast, Cobia designed its aft bench seat so that it could be stowed away quickly, thereby expanding its deck area. There is under-gunwale storage for rods and gaffs, as well as flush-mount vertical holders on the 220 DC. There is also an option for a raw-water washdown package and a 25-gallon livewell – for the aft port corner. “The boat even has coaming pads and covering boards that provide anglers with the ability to lock in and get straight up and down on big fish digging for bottom,” Johnson says., which owns the Cobia brand, really know fish. After introducing the 180 as a big sister, the 220 Dual Console was launched in 2013.
“Our 217CC hull was designed for open water, which is the basis for our Cobia 220 DC,” Johnson emphasizes. A dual-console boat typically has a very roomy cockpit, since the helm is located forward and offset. With such an open centerline, the most stable position on a boat is no longer limited by a center console or leaning post.
A key feature of this model is its cushioned seating, a device that Cobia touts as an all-in-one dual-console that can be used for cruising, skiing and fishing as well. Cobia, however, designed the aft bench seat to fold away quickly, expanding the deck space. There are flush-mount vertical holders and rod and gaff storage under the gunwale of the 220 DC. Raw-water washdown and a 25-gallon livewell are options for anglers in the aft port corner.
“In fact, the boat is equipped with coaming pads, which allow anglers to lock in and track down big fish burying themselves in the mud,” Johnson says.
Features
- Stainless steel insert in black rub rail.
- There are USB ports throughout the room as well as cupholders.
- Washroom system that uses freshwater.
- Electric steering with digital technology.
- Cockpit that self-bails.
4. Cobia 330 Dual Console
Specification
- LOA : 33ft 06
- Beam: 10 ft 09
- Draft: 26.5
- Ibs weight(approx with engin): 9,981
- Fuel capacity: 275 gel
- Deadrise: 21 gal
You might enjoy what the Cobia 330 Dual Console has to offer if you’re in the market for a boat with it all. It has a lot of fishing features that cater to avid anglers, as you can tell from the sheer number of them.
Aside from insulated fish boxes, a 28-gallon live well, four aft gunnel rod holders, under-gunnel rod storage, a radar with antenna, and a Garmin transducer, the boat is equipped with lots of other features as well. This dual-console boat is perfect for those who are crazy about fishing.
Features
- Let yourself relax and stretch out with your concerns behind you as you step aboard.
- This brand-new Cobia 330 Dual Console is designed to provide stress relief as a standard feature due to its vast size, abundance of amenities, and plenty of comfortable seating.
- You’ll be able to go fishing, cruising, or spend the day at the sandbar with this boat thanks to its outstanding layout and vacuum-infused, high-performance hull.
- The summer kitchen features a sink, refrigerator, wine cooling cubby, in addition to a large counter made of Corian that can be used to display appetizers.
- In addition to being ideal for picnics or happy hours, a hidden bow table also doubles as an additional table for a large forward sun lounge.
- Passengers can step onto the beach without being soaked by stepping onto a bow boarding ladder.
5. Pursuit DC 235
Specification
- L.O.A: 24′ 4″ (7.42 m)
- Beam: 8′ 6″ (2.59 m)
- Hull Draft (motors up) (motors down) : 1′ 9″ (0.53 m), 2′ 8″ (0.81 m)
- Clearance w/Hardtop (from waterline): 7’ 2” (2.18 m)
- Approx: Dry Weight
- (single F300 engines) : 5,350 lbs. (2,427 kg)
- Fuel Capacity: 105 U.S. gallons (397 L)
- Fresh Water Capacity (opt.): 9 U.S. gallons (34 L)
- Holding Tank Capacity: 13 U.S. gallons (49 L)
- Max. Horsepower: 300 hp (224 kw)
- Deadrise: 21°
Pursuit DC 235 is a dual console boat designed to deliver the consistent performance required for water sports. With this dual , you can do everything from water skiing to wakeboarding to tubing to sport fishing.
A Yamaha F300 engine gives it the power and speed you’re looking for. A variety of seating options, fishing features, and customization options are available.
You might also like : Best Wake Boats
Features
- Stainless steel rod holders are mounted under each bow seat, with a 15 gallon insulated recirculating livewell fitted to the gunwales.
- A vinyl ester resin and engineered fabric hull is constructed by hand lamination
- Plywood Transom Made from Three Plies of Resin-Infused Plywood
- Infused Fiberglass Structural Grid System with Integrated Bilge Water Management System.
- Structures supported by foam-filled grids.
- The water line, bronze through-hull fittings are used.
- Drain for bronze garboards.
6. Scout 275 Dorado
Specification
- LOA: 27 ft. 6 in.
- Beam: 9 ft.
- Draft: 16 in.
- Deadrise: 22 deg.
- Fuel capacity: 163 gal.
- Max up: 400 Courtesy Scout Boats
Late last year, Scout, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of dual-console fishing boats, unveiled its 275 Dorado. Currently, the 275 D can go from 100% comfort with complete wrap-around seating for the cockpit to 100% open-cockpit fishing in fewer than ten seconds.
As most people fish from the cockpit, dual consoles are located in the middle of the ship’s stern sections, providing the easiest access to the cockpit.
With the porcelain head and various arrangements available, the Plush Boom Seat is ideal for parents whose families love to be on the water. The fishing enthusiast will have plenty of facilities and space with floor fish bins on the port and starboard sides, freshwater and raw drawers, vertical and horizontal rod holders, a fold-down wave door, and a swim platform in order to catch fish.
Features
- A family like yours would be perfectly suited to this home.
- With the shade and beauty provided by the built-in hard top, you can enjoy all your water activities.
- There are a variety of ways you can customize your boat in order to make it perfect for you.
- A boat that cannot be sunk and is safe.
How to choose the best dual console boats?
Right now, there are a lot of DC models on the market, so choosing the right one can be quite challenging. The question is, when you are unsure of what you should look for when buying a dual console boat, where do you begin? To help you narrow down your choices, we’ve provided a few tips.
1. Establish What You Intend to Use the Boat For
The space in dual consoles is generally quite large. When fishing is going to be your primary activity, though, it’s always a good idea to make sure it has enough space for all your fishing gear and accessories.
Ensure your DC has adequate seating for the number of passengers you plan to have onboard and is configured in a way that appeals to you if you want to use it for entertainment and day cruising.
2. Figure Out Your Must-Haves
There is no such thing as an ideal DC, as we are all creatures of comfort. It is therefore crucial that you identify those features that you are not willing to compromise. For example, if you plan to fish in your DC, ensure it has enough gunwales, rod holders, and livewells.
The stereo system and LED mood lighting onboard might come in handy if you plan on entertaining. It might be a good idea to get a DC with convenient features such as showers and heads if you intend to stay overnight occasionally.
3. Set a Budget and Stick to It
You might enjoy looking at luxury boats outside your price range and “window shopping,” but don’t go overboard. Analyze your budget and determine how much you can realistically spend on a DC.
Make sure you also take into account its recurring maintenance costs. In addition to boat insurance, marina fees, repairs and maintenance, storage, etc., these costs may occur as a result of docking your boat at a slip.
After considering your projections, consider whether a brand new, fresh-off-the-factory boat is a better option than a used dual console boat that’s in great shape.
4. Consider Where You Intend to Use Your DC
You should also consider the marine environment in which you will be boating. When traveling offshore, choose a boat model with a deep-V hull which will enhance your stability when navigating rough, choppy waters. In contrast, you may be able to get away with a shallower hull if you intend to use it for shallow fishing on lakes.
5. Identify What You Wish To Use The Boat For
The interior of dual-console boats is relatively spacious in general. Nonetheless, it is always a good idea to ensure the vessel has adequate and secure storage space for all your fishing gear and accessories, especially if fishing is your primary activity.
Conversely, if you’re planning on using your dual-console vessel for primarily day cruises and entertainment, make sure you have adequate seating. It is important to ensure that the seating configuration will suit all of the passengers you intend to bring aboard and that the capacity can accommodate all the passengers you intend to have aboard.
6. Draw-up Your Essentials
Comfort is something we all love, we can all agree on that. Boats with dual consoles aren’t all created the same. You must therefore identify those features that cannot be compromised. Suppose you are primarily interested in using your dual-console boat for fishing. If it’s a fishing boat, you should look for rod holders, gunwales, and live wells that will catch your attention.
As another example, LED mood lighting and a stereo system might be amenities you appreciate having in your DC boat if it’s mainly used for entertainment. It is a good idea to get a DC boat with convenient features, such as a shower or a head, if you plan to stay on the ship occasionally.
7. What’s Your Budget?
It is fun to browse luxury boat models beyond your budget and “window-shop”. There is, however, no point in chewing on something you can’t handle. Analyze your budget for a dual-console boat and establish how much you can afford to spend.
The price should be considered in addition to fuel costs and recurring maintenance costs. If you plan to dock at a marina, you will also need to pay marina fees, storage fees, boat insurance, and repairs.
Assess whether getting a new shiny boat straight from the factory makes sense, or whether it would be better to buy a second-hand dual console that is still in good condition.
8. Where You Plan To Use Your Vessel
If you intend to boat in a marine environment, you should take this into account. If you plan to fish in shallow lakes with your dual-console boat, you will need a vessel with a relatively shallow hull.
For offshore excursions, however, you may want to consider a model with a deep-V hull for extra stability while navigating choppy, harsh waters.
9. Pick the Right Boat for Your Lifestyle
There are a lot more storage spaces and passengers on DC boats that are the same size as center consoles. Above are a few tips to help you select the right dual console boat. We recommend starting with any of the six options we’ve reviewed.
Conclusion
Our top pick is “Gradywhite freedom 375” which will offer features like Easy down shade, lots of convenient amenities available, and many more. Several years have passed since the introduction of dual console boats. Over time, however, their popularity has managed to increase for a variety of reasons. The reason for this is that most buyers prefer outboard engines, a reasonable cabin size, and adequate seating and storage in the cabin.
A dual console boat offers more advantages than a standard center console boat for different uses, especially in different environments. It is our guarantee that you will be able to choose one of the best dual console boats on the market by using our guide. You can even choose one out of the five vessels we’ve mentioned above and be confident you won’t be disappointed.
Frequently Asked Questions related to the best dual console boats
Will you fish on a boat with a dual console still?
There are many new dual console boats that offer excellent fishing capabilities, including rod storage, live wells, installed rod holders, and more.
There is no walkway around the ship except for the central console, but the spacious cockpit is still great for fishing.
When is a center boat console more meaningful than a dual boat console?
For hardcore anglers, the center console remains a great option. You can get a lot of fishing done on a cruise if you opt for a center console.
What are the standard dual boat models?
With double console boats becoming more common, many boat manufacturers now offer dual console models. One of the most famous brands is EdgeWater, while the other is Everglades.
When is there more meaning in a double console than in a middle console?
Additionally, dual console boats are preferred by buyers who do not intend to fish exclusively.
Whether you’re fishing, playing water sports, going on safari, sailing, or just sitting on a sand bar with friends and family, dual console boats can be perfect for all kinds of water activities.
How about the two-console boat ride?
In red waters as well as in the middle, boats with dual consoles are usually used. Many manufacturers use the same coils in the dual console version as they do in the central console version.
Can You Use a Dual Console Boat For Fishing?
It is possible. New dual console models often include excellent fishing features, such as live wells, rod holders, and storage areas.
Despite not being able to walk around the boat like you can on a central console boat, a dual console boat provides an expansive cockpit for fishing.
Which Is Better, Between A Double Console And A Middle Console Boat?
Your primary purpose will determine what you should do. I recommend a dual console boat if you do not intend to fish as your primary purpose. Because of its versatility, it is perfect for varying water activities, such as water sports, sailing, safaris, sitting on sandbars with family and friends, and fishing.
Hardcore anglers, however, should consider a center console. Fishing with a center console is the best way to spend a lot of time on the water.
What Are The Popular Dual Boat Brands?
The popularity of dual console boats continues to grow among boat manufacturers these days. In the boating industry, some notable brands include Edgewater, Wellcraft, Everglades, Grady-White, Pursuit Boats, Boston Whaler, Cobia, etc.
When does a dual console boat make more sense than a center console boat?
Buyers who don’t want to use their boats primarily for fishing frequently choose models that feature two different consoles. Dual console boats are the best option if you plan to enjoy a wide range of water activities such as fishing, water sports, cruising, and sitting on sand bars with family and friends.
When does a center console boat make more sense than a dual console boat?
Center console boats continue to be the best options for serious fishermen. A center console boat may be the best choice if you intend to spend most of your time fishing on it.
Can you still fish on a dual console boat?
That’s right! In fact, many dual console boats of recent model years include wonderful amenities such as rod storage, live wells, rod holders, and many others for an exceptional fishing experience. Because of its size, the large cockpit makes it perfect for fishing, even though the angler cannot move around the entire boat like on a center console.
How is the ride on a dual console boat?
When riding in rougher seas, dual console boats have comparable ride quality to center console boats. When constructing the same type of boat, several manufacturers use the same hull design for both center consoles and dual consoles.
What are popular models of dual console boats?
Dual console boats continue to gain popularity among boat manufacturers, and more companies are introducing them. Two of our favorite brands on the market are Everglades and Edgewater.
What are the advantages of having dual console boats?
Dual-console boats have their perks, the most prominent of which is the ability to use them for pretty much anything you can imagine. The following are a few other advantages:
1. Due to the availability of both stern and bow cockpits, the boat offers an expansive seating area. A larger model can accommodate up to a dozen people, while larger models can seat up to eight people. Despite their small size, smaller models also have impressive seating capacities, with most having no less than six adults.
2. Winds and adverse weather can be controlled by closing the helm with center windshields and swing-out doors on most models.
3. Different trim levels and sizes are available for dual console boats. Therefore, even for those with a limited budget, there are undoubtedly some boat models to choose from.
4. Fishing and family boating are two of the main reasons why dual console boats are so popular. Since most models tend to have additional fishing features such as integrated gunwale rod holders, fish boxes, live wells, coaming bolsters, etc., they tend to be more expensive than most other boats.
What are the disadvantages of Dual-Console Boats?
It is inevitable that boats that function in more than one way will have some shortcomings, particularly when it comes to specific usage. Dual console boats are no different. There are a number of downsides, including:
1. In contrast to a center console model, you won’t be able to fish 360 degrees.
2. Wake ski boats have features such as ballast tanks or wake-shaping trim tabs that watersports buffs may overlook for common activities such as tubing and kneeboarding.
3. There is a significant difference between a dual-console boat and a walkaround or power cruiser in terms of cabins and head compartments.
Clinton Mora is a reporter for Trending Insurance News. He has previously worked for the Forbes. As a contributor to Trending Insurance News, Clinton covers emerging a wide range of property and casualty insurance related stories.