World’s Largest Center Console Boats

A comparison of some of the largest Center Console boats on the Market

When it comes to some of the largest center console boats, there are quite a few to select from. Yet, the center console boat tends to be the boat of choice amongst enthusiasts. The reasons are various and include preferences such as the ease of on deck navigation, the ability to go offshore and have a cabin space, as well as the aesthetics of the design. And while there are smaller CCs on the market, the larger boats do tend to be recognized as being luxurious and elite. Here are some of the World’s Largest Center Console boats and what you need to know about them before you purchase.

 

The HydraSport 65 Estrella

The HydraSport 65 Estrella is set to be the largest Center Console boat in the world. Measuring 65’ L.O.A with a 16’ beam, it pushes the envelope for fiberglass hull design. To compare this vessel to the traditional center console, you will see that the beams on 20 to 40 footers are generally around 8 to 12 feet max. This 16’ beam makes the HydraSport 65 Estrella not only one of the longest CC boats on the market, but also one of the wider beamed vessels as well.

When speaking directly with HydraSports about the 65 Estrella, we were told that it will be a 15,000-gallon boat with 5 Yamaha Motors. It can be predicted that these will be the 500Hps, though this is speculation, as the company has stated that there is a very high cap-off on the horsepower available for this Vessel.

In terms of the cabin and the design, Terri Nuechterlein from Public Relations & Marketing HydraSport, was able to confirm that it will be a 4-sleeper configuration. He further expounded to say that this is the minimum capacity as it could sleep more easily. The 65 Estrella is to have the largest cabin of all Center Console boats with features more commonly found on a luxury yacht’s cabin than on the traditional CC.

The price for the HydraSport 65 Estrella has not been released. If you average the cost per foot for the 3900, 4200, and 5300 it would mean that purchasers should expect at least (and again this is speculation) a 1.2-million-dollar price tag, although more to the 2 or 3 million should be expected as the 2016 Hydrasport 5300 can sell for 1.3 million easily.

The vessel is scheduled to be unveiled in 2018 with a showing at the Miami International Boat Show.

Midnight Express 60 Pied a Mer

The second biggest of the world’s largest center console boats in the world would be the Midnight Express 60 Pied a Mer. Keeping to the look and feel of the Midnight Express brand, the console has a lower head clearance than some of the other CCs on the market. Additionally, the hull has been constructed to have a curved “bullet” like design. This enable the boat to get a 90MPH if equipped with the Inboard diesel option or to gain up to 70MPH with the outboard configurations.

Although the beam is impressive with a span of 15’, it is a foot smaller than the Hydrasport. However, it excels over the HydraSport 65 Estrella in its fuel efficiency. Upon first glance it appears that the 700 Gallon tank as well as the HPs produced are able to deliver the same efficiency as the 65 with half the required fuel. Should this be the case, one should definitively consider the weights of the two vessels when comparing features for potential purchase.

Like most Large Center Console boats, the Midnight Express 60 Pied A Mer is designed with a spacious cabin area. Yet, unlike some of the boats on the market, the sleeping configuration is two large beds rather than four or more single beds. These beds are located under the deck at the bow and the stern (another uncommon feature as most CCs have the beds at one or the other, not both).

Designed with a large bow but larger stern for more seating, the midnight cruiser is ideal for weekend excursions and family outings. The boat is not optimized for the angler, although there is packaging available. As such, it is more suited for the watersports, offshore day fishing, or for cruising purposes.

When we contacted Midnight Express we were told that the base price for quad with 627s is 1.8 to 1.9 million dollars. If upgraded to the diesel engines with 5 to 6 engine configuration the price jumps to around 2.2 million dollars or more based upon layout and features.

The Midnight Express 60 Pied a Mer Hull will be on display in February at the Miami International Boat show.

 

Nor-Tech 550 Sport

There are actually 2 boats which fit in the Nor-Tech 550 Sport Center Console advertisements. The first is the Nor-Tech 550 Sport and the second is a NorTech 560. The difference is that the NorTech 550 is an inboard motor and the NorTech 560 is an outboard motor.

Compared to some of the other largest center console boats in the world, the inboard motor configuration is unique. Per the manufacturer, the design is similar to the 450 sport just longer with a bit more seating. But this is not entirely true. The boat has an upgraded cabin, a closed bow design, a very large size cabin with wrap around sofas, wet bar, panoramic overhead views, etc. While the boat may have the features of the 450 which have made the Nor-Tech popular as a center console vessel, it is clearly a boat which stands apart from others from this manufacturer.

One of the major differences in the design of the deck/seating to that of the HydraSport or the Midnight Express is in the port and starboard style seating. While most vessels tend to have a bow to stern configuration, this vessel uses the side of the hull to make a sort of center aisle to the CC. The bow does have a forward-facing seat as well as a C shaped leisure lounge, but in regard to the overall layout, the seating is sideways. Unique to the Nor-Tech 550 Sport is a stern inclined seating option, allowing an elevated “sun bathing” area when the vessel is idling.

Nor Tech boasts that this is a high performance and well-designed hull. With a L.O.A of 56’ a beam of 12’ and a 600-gallon fuel capacity, it does rival the other boats in the market for a place as one of the largest center console boats. Draft is 36” However, consideration should be given to the beam width as it is more akin to that of the 30 to 40’ vessels and not to the largest Center Console boats.

The price for a new, very well equipped Nor Tech 550 Outboard starts around $2 million. Price should not be the only factor when considering a vessel. Quality is vital and Nor-Tech definitely delivers. The outboards are equipped with 7 marine engines, so you are paying for the performance as well as the build. Midnight express will beat this vessel on price, but not on the performance or the materials used. Something to think about. Sometimes the price is not the best factor for determining the quality of the Center Cruiser you need.

5300 Hydrasport Suenos

Currently the largest of the HydraSport Center Console boats, the 53 Suenos is the starting point for looking at a large Center Console boat from HydraSport.  When the boat was introduced in February of 2015, it was the largest of the Center Console boats on the market. However it has been surpassed by the other prior boats mentioned. Yet, there is something to be said about the Center Console which passed the 40 foot mark such as the Boston Whaler 420, Sea Vee Fisharound, and even their own 4200 Hydra Sport Siesta, and that is that the brand is innovative and pushing the boundaries.

The 5300 Hydrasport is 52’11” LOA with a 13’ beam. This is 3’ shorter then the 65 which will be released in 2018. However, the ratio for the beam to the length is ideal and lends the boat to having better handling and control than the thinner and longer vessels. The power on the boat is variable as it is an older Center Console option. On the new models, expect to find the seven marine 557 outboards in a quad configuration. On the older boats you may find a Mercury 350 or a Yamaha 350 quad setup. Keep in mind that if purchasing a pre-owned vessel that attention should be given to ensure that the motors are not post market. If they are, then check with the seller for a transferable motor warranty.

The HydraSport 5300 Suenos is the winner of the 2015 innovation award from the Miami Boat Show. The starting price for a Suenos averages around $945,900 new.

 

Intrepid 475 Panacea

If you are looking for a boat which is large but not bulky and hard to get from one marina to another, then the 475 Intrepid Panacea may be what you are looking for. This Intrepid boat borderlines the largest center console boats in the world as well as the average large center console. The LOA being 47’6” it is 3 feet shorter than the 50’ mark which typically places a vessel into the large craft market. Compared to the boats listed above, the beam is larger at 13’8” allowing for a more stable ride than the Midnight Express or Nor Tech selection. The deadrise is also substantially lower than the other boats mentioned at 21 degrees. The HydraSport, Nor Tech, and the Midnight Express all have deadrises of 30 degrees or more.

Where the main difference lays is in the HP and the fuel capacity. The Intrepid 475 is generally equipped with a quad to quad outboard engine configuration. This allows for a maximum of 2,228 HP. The other boats mentioned have a far higher cap, some even boasting that they do not have a cap. Additionally, the fuel capacity for the vessel is lower than the rest at 550 gallons. But then again, you do have a reduction in the LOA which puts this CC under the 50’ mark and thereby at a lower Displacement and overall weight then the other vessels.

The intrepid 475 Panacea is intended for angler purposes and so the deck as well as the gunwale, cabin, bridge clearance, and such features are designed for quick access to the various sections of the boat. Rocket Rod holders, rod holders, and angler packaging can be changed based upon your needs.

“We pride ourselves in leading in innovation for our market by listening to our customer base which drove us to build the 475 Panacea which was the first of this style boat and the others all followed.”

Base price for the Intrepid 475 starts at around $700k.

SeaHunter Tournament 45

Though it is the smallest of the largest center consoles boats in the world, the SeaHunter Tournament 45 is still a major contender for anyone looking for a quality boat. The vessel is designed with a quad powered outboard motor configuration. The HPs on the Center Console allow for 60MPH top speeds and a fairly suitable cruising speed.

When looking at the length, this SeaHunter boat is a bit larger than it advertises, almost by a half a foot with a LOA of 45’4”. The beam is 12’. In terms of the design and purpose for the SeaHunter Tournament 45, the boat maintains the brand identity of the company as a serious angler vessel. As such there are two fifty-gallon live wells, several deck storage areas, tackle areas, the availability of a baiting station, multi-level center console hardtops, configurations for a bow casting deck enhancement, and a slew of rocket holders for the ship.

This center console should not be considered a luxury craft. It is designed for functionality and for fishing. Those looking, or the more luxurious large center consoles may be best looking at the HydraSport boats.

Starting Price for the SeaHunter Tournament 45 is around $590K

What is the best of the largest Center Console boats in the world for sale?

The size of the boat as well as the features should be based upon the functionality of the boat and where you wish to use the vessel, not solely upon the price. Should you find that you wish to compare some similar vessels, or if you need more information about a certain manufacturer to help you decide which center console boat for sale is right for you, please visit the manufacturer review pages on Vessel Vendor.

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