Difference between a "Top End Boat" and a "Cetre Console"??

[billp]

Guys,

Won't be able to get the new born in a yak for a few years, so I am starting my search for a boat. Probably won't purchase until next year, but I can at least put my feelers out there.

I want a Centre Console just for the fishability of them, don't care about the luxeries of other boats, just want something I can motor out in and pull fish in.

So looking at different brands and most have a centre console and a top end model, but I can't really see much of a difference, top end may be a side console?

I'm looking at a 5.5m so I can head outside on the better days, and be comfortable chasing the macks around the bay as well.

Any advice you can give me would be appreciated.

Bill.

[Funfisher]

What I would call a "top end boat" would have the console a lot closer to the back of the boat either on the side or centre.

[Scope]

I'm no expert but I would tend to agree with what tristan said. Usually a side console towards the back

A top end boat would be made for the norther territory/ far north queensland - hence the name. I think they're usually designed for barra/bream/threadies in the estuaries, whilst still being able to head offshore to chase pelagics or bottom bash.

[billp]

Looks like I will just have to go to the boat show then for a sticky beak. Will be a good excuse to take the 2 month old for an outing .

[regulated]

Whats your budget like mate. If you can spend some cash look at a good plate boat, if not a tinny. After you see shane or teds boat cutting through the waves you will understand why. Ride is so much better. I can still get to the same places but if it chops up it hurts.

If you do have to go a tinny get a centre console that was built for that purpose. Mine has seats and it gets in the road big time.

[Formosa-fisher]

Mate, I have had two c/consoles now and would not have anything else. I agree with "regulated" that seats can get in the road and as a result I chose not to put seats into my new boat. When I head out for a serious fish, I don't take seats with me. When I take the wife and kids out, I take out the folding camp chairs for them. It's the only way to go.

I have friends in brissy and darwin who have owned side consoles and had run them in the bay or Darwin Harbour and enjoy the side console on a really good day, but got really wet as the weather turned and they the were 8km from the boat ramp. The side consoles have a very low (if any) windscreens and being next to the side of the boat you will get wet in a cross wind in chop.

Also, I have two young kids a went for a boat with very deep sides for the kids safety. Centre consoles I have found generally are a lot deeper than the side consoles.

Hope it helps.

Ff