Best Beginner Saltwater Center Console Boats from 16 to 20 Feet Long
For those venturing into the world of saltwater boating for the first time, a small center console offers a blend of versatility, ease of use, and affordability. Center consoles or “CC’s” are practical, with easy access to bow and stern around the console, and typically also have adequate storage space in the bow step and the aft bilge, as well as a cooler under the helm seat.
Center consoles were designed for anglers who needed to walk the perimeter of the vessel in order to fight a fish – thus there is no obstruction to inhibit that movement.
They’re typically built for saltwater use, with all-stainless hardware. Many also have a fold-down Bimini top or a fiberglass or fabric T-Top as an option. (You may not want the T-top on a boat this small if you expect to do a lot of casting—it will interfere. A Bimini will keep you from fighting a fish 360. But, the absence of shade makes you vulnerable to UV. Take your pick.)
These boats provide simple and relatively economical operation powered by a single outboard, typically anywhere from a 60-hp for a 16-footer up to 150-hp. We don’t think you need more horsepower for any of the boats here.
Typically, CC’s have a shallow “draft”, the water depth required to float the boat, which is an advantage when fishing in shallow water, crossing shallow flats or easing up to a beach for a picnic.
Many come as a “package” deal with an engine and an aluminum trailer, allowing you to access a wide variety of locations, and to store your boat in the garage at home. (Be sure to check the specs.)
FYI – the USCG requires that all boats 20’ (6.09 m) and under powered by a 2-hp engine or greater, float level if swamped.
Here’s a look at just a few of the many boats in this category:
1. Boston Whaler 170 Montauk
Length: 17’4” feet
Price: Approximately $48,600
Boston Whaler is synonymous with reliability, and the 170 Montauk is an excellent starter boat. Its unsinkable level flotation design makes it exceptionally safe for beginners, and it features a stable hull that provides a smooth ride, even in choppy waters. It’s equipped with a fuel-friendly 90-horsepower Mercury outboard motor, allowing for a comfortable cruising speed and easy handling.
High Points:
- Unsinkable construction – (This is the builder that set the standard for the USCG.)
- Broad bow adds space forward
- One of the most respected brands in boating
- High-resale value
The spacious cockpit is perfect for fishing or enjoying a day on the water with family. With its classic design and robust construction, the Montauk is a good investment for any aspiring saltwater boater—a boat that can be passed down through several generations and still be as dependable as ever.
See BoatTEST’s review, inspection and test video of the 170 Montauk.
2. Key West 1720 CC
Length: 17 feet 2 inches
Price: Approximately $37,600
The Key West 1720 is the company’s most popular model, combining relatively modest price and good value with light weight and easy towability and storage. This boat is designed with fishing in mind, featuring ample storage, seating for 5, and a forward casting platform. A 70-horsepower Yamaha provides sufficient power for both dayboating and fishing excursions, and the size makes for easy trailering with a mid-size vehicle.
High Points:
- Upswept bow helps keep her dry
- 15-degree deadrise provides quick planing
- 10” deadrise is good for shallow water
The Key West’s shallow draft allows for easy navigation in shallower areas. This combination of features and affordability makes it a good choice for novice boaters looking to explore coastal waters.
3. Sea Pro 210 Bay
Length: 20’8” feet
Price: Approximately $52,000 (slightly over 20 feet but worth considering)
The Sea Pro 210 Bay (formerly the 208) is a build from a company trying hard to build a good boat for a low price point. She draws just 12”, making her good for flats fishing, and her 61 gallon fuel tank is larger than many in class. A leaning post with backrests and a 7” Simrad sonar/gps are standard. Like most “bay boat” CC’s she has less freeboard forward than some multi-mission center consoles in class.
Major Features:
- Sonar/GPS included
- Trolling motor plug included at bow
- Standard livewell
The 210 Bay offers a pro-style layout with multiple flush-deck hatches for good footing fore and aft, lots of storage, standard large aerated livewell and many other features anglers want most.
4. Robalo R180
Length: 18’4” feet
Price: Approximately $65,000
The Robalo R180 is a compact and nimble center console boat deeper than many in class. She has an 18-degree deadrise, making her more comfortable in a chop than many in this report, and drier and safer given her relative high freeboard. Her lightweight design makes for easy towing, and the base package features a 90-horsepower outboard engine.
Major Features:
- 18-Degree deadrise for enhanced ride
- More freeboard and deeper, safer cockpit
- Well-known brand with broad dealer network
This boat is a good choice for inshore fishing and could fish outside the inlets on calm days. Robalo is a well-known brand that retains value well, and the company has a large dealer network for warranty claims. Because she has a higher freeboard – more glass and resin – she has to be more expensive than others of the same length which are strictly bay boats.
A Robalo is in BoatTEST’s Sovereign Boat Club and it has virtually no maintenance issues after 4 years of rugged use.
See BoatTEST’s review, inspection and test video of the Robalo 180.
5. Grady-White Fisherman 180
Length: 17 feet 10 inches
Price: Approximately $63,000
The Grady-White Fisherman 180, like all Grady-White boats, is known for build quality and holding value, though like the Robalo, she is more expensive than some, because of her higher freeboard and the fact she’s not strictly a bay boat. Her quality construction ensures durability in saltwater environments and she is powered by a 150-Yamaha horsepower engine.
Safety Features:
- More cockpit depth than many in class
- Reversible helm backrest for dual use
- Large built-in storage with gaskets
- Standard livewell
The Grady-White Fisherman 180 is a good choice for families who expect to keep the boat a long time, perhaps handing it down between generations. She’s suitable for fishing or family beach hopping — or add a tow pylon and she can tow tubers or skiers.
See BoatTEST’s review and detailed inspection of the Grady-White 180.
Observations
When selecting your first saltwater center console boat, consider what you will use the boat for and where you will use it. If you will only be gliding around in protected water, such as in canals, or in protected bays, or fishing on the flats, and you may only need a low-freeboard boat. Unless you plan to go into open water with a gang aboard and you want to go fast, you will probably not need a 150-hp engine, which is the largest we recommend for these boats.
If you are a beginner, you will need the hand-holding that a good dealer can offer, so take the dealer’s measure before buying. Many dealers don’t want to hear from their customers once they have sold a boat, particularly one in this price range. In such a case, you’re on your own.
The same goes for the builders. Typically, low-priced boats are made by companies that don’t have much infrastructure – read customer service. That costs money, and it goes into the price of a boat.
Whether you're fishing, dayboating, or just soaking up the sun, a center console boat can provide a practical platform for your maritime pursuits — but it may not be the best platform for your application. Consider other boat types as well, such as dual consoles or bowriders.