Bay Boat vs Center Console: Which is Better For You?

For fishermen looking for the right fit boat and deciding between a bay boat vs center console boat is an incredibly hard decision.

Bay boats are designed to get into shallow rivers, mangrove marshes, and tidal planes.

Center consoles are built to get you in more exposed waters, like bays, inlets, and even offshore.

Table of Contents

• The Difference Between Bay Boat and Center Console Hulls
• Motor Options for Bay Boats vs Center Console Boats
• What Makes Bay Boats Better for Inshore Fishing?
  • Deck space
  • Shallow water access
  • Unmatched storage
  • Easy trailering
• What Makes Center Console Boats Better for Offshore Fishing?
  • 360 Degree fish-ability
  • Designed to go offshore
  • Provide security for fighting larger catches
  • Room for more seating
• Which Boat is More Seaworthy?
• Which Boat is More Family Friendly?
• Bay Boat vs Center Console, Which is More Expensive?
• What Are the Disadvantages of Bay Boats and Center Console Boats?
• Bay Boat vs Center Console at a Glance

The Difference Between Bay Boat and Center Console Hulls

At first glance, bay boats look like center consoles—because almost all of them have a center console.

The difference between the two boats lies in the hull and the deck. Center consoles have deep V-hulls and higher gunnels, making them more suitable for open waters and providing extra security for boaters.

Bay boats have flatter hulls, and the gunnels are very low to the water, making it easier to bring fish over the sides and access shallow inshore fishing locations.

Center Consoles have deep V-hulls. This helps them perform better and have a more comfortable ride in any type of sea condition. The gunnels are higher, too.

Bay Boat hulls have semi-V-hulls and low gunnels. The bottom of the boat is much flatter. While not as comfortable in a chop, the advantage is that it is more stable for walking about and allows for a significantly shallower draft.

The decks are possibly the most obvious visual difference. 

Center console boats have a single flat deck. You can freely walk from the bow to the transom, all on the same level. And always with the protection of the gunnel that is at least knee-high between you and the water.

Bay boats have stepped decks. At the bow, you step up to a flat deck that is level with the side of the boat—there is no railing of any type.

Often the stern deck is the same. These wide flat surfaces make great casting platforms but provide no barrier to the water.

Motor Options for Bay Boats vs Center Console Boats

The motor options are the second major difference between bay boats and center console boats.

Bay boats typically have a single outboard, whereas center console boats are more likely to have two to four outboards.

The extra horsepower and redundancy of engines make them faster, more suited for navigating strong currents—like those found in inlets—and provide a backup for offshore adventures.

Running at over 65 mph in a center console is typical.

So, it seems that center consoles win all the marks, but the bay boat’s single-engine setup has advantages, too. For example, it can nudge its way into shallower waters, is less expensive upfront, and is more fuel efficient to operate. 

But there’s another key advantage, bay boats are perfectly suited for mounting trolling motors. The flat fore and aft decks make installation easy—allowing for that quiet, precise control for the perfect cast.

Most center console boats will need modifications to fit a trolling motor onboard.

Additionally, with the topic of console boats, you must account for center consoles and dual consoles, which can be a confusing subject all on its own.

What Makes Bay Boats Better for Inshore Fishing?

Bay boats were designed specifically for anglers enjoying the protected waters of the intercoastal, lakes, and the Gulf of Mexico. An upgrade from a bass boat without losing the affordability and access to shallow fishing spots of a center console.

In the calm waters they are designed for, the bay boat offers up an unbeatable list of benefits.

Deck space

the flat, raised decks are perfect for casting, fly fishing, and netting your catches.

The raised vantage point also provides a better line of sight for spotting. Up to four anglers can often fit on the deck.

Shallow water access

besides paddling a kayak, a bay boat offers the best way to nose up into the shallows and flats to the prime fishing locations inaccessible by most other boats.

Not only does the boat get into skinnier water, but it allows anglers easier access to the water. Essentially, you can reach over low gunnels and lift your catch right out of the water. 

Unmatched storage

because of the raised decks, the space below is ALL storage.

Having dedicated rod lockers and spaces tackle, personal items, and safety gear is a treat on a small boat. The raised decks also allow for deep fish holds and well-designed bait wells.

Easy trailering

The smaller hull size—often between 19 to 26 feet—and lighter single engines make bay boats easier to attach to a trailer, and more suitable for trailering by more vehicles. Plus, it opens up boat launch possibilities extending your fishing range.

What Makes Center Console Boats Better for Offshore Fishing?

Center console boats are fishing machines, too. The difference is they will comfortably get you offshore and trolling in the deep.

If you are interested in getting a center console boat, one great option is the Carolina Skiff and other similar boats!

They are one of the most versatile and popular boats on the water. Here’s why…

360 Degree fish-ability

No matter where your fish is running, you can walk all the way around the flat deck. No steps. Casting is unobstructed with the standard T-top in place of a bimini, yet provides the shade missing from a bay boat.

Designed to go offshore

The deep V-hull comfortably slices through waves. Combined with robust engine packages, center consoles were designed to get anglers offshore. Not in all conditions, but in reasonable ones.

Provide security for fighting larger catches

the higher freeboard that comes above the knee, and often above the thigh, provides security. Both from being knocked down by a wave and for support while fighting a large catch. The high freeboard also keeps the water out.

Room for more seating

Center consoles often have a larger seating area behind the helm—usually wide enough for two people. Other seating options can be found in the fore deck and aft deck.

Which Boat is More Seaworthy?

Center console boat designs are more suitable for larger bodies of water and the weather and sea conditions that can be found on them. Period. The addition of safety gear or electronics won’t change that.

But…the level of seaworthiness—for the conditions a boat was originally designed for—can vary greatly between boat builders.

Here, researching and understanding build quality and manufacturing processes can help you select the best-built boat in each category. 

Which Boat is More Family Friendly?

Both bay boats and center console boats are versatile enough to be serious fishing and recreational boats.

Center consoles have an open layout with plenty of space to walk around. There is built-in seating and room to throw down some big, comfy bean bags.

They have the horsepower and hull shape to get enough speed and wake up to entertain the casual family outing of skiing and tow-behind toys.

Another appealing feature on some center consoles is the ability to house a tiny bathroom in the console area.

Bay Boats, on the other hand, provide wide-open lounging spots on the raised decks. And while their power and wake won’t thrill a competitive wakeboarder, they can keep a family entertained with inflatable tubes.

Bay Boat vs Center Console, Which is More Expensive?

Prices vary wildly depending on size, options, and brand—just like they do if you were trying to compare SUVs to trucks.

A base model bay boat may start at around 18K, but a larger selection is available once you are in the 25K+ range.

Center console boats tend to start at a slightly higher price point of 30-35K and can go ten times that easily. Generally, you may find boats like the Carolina Skiff to be expensive, however, you can purchase used or renovated ones to save some money!

What Are the Disadvantages of Bay Boats and Center Console Boats?

Both types of boats are limited by their ability to handle serious conditions on the water. Even a center console, while capable of making offshore jaunts, is limited to fair weather conditions.

To be able to travel longer distances in more conditions, you’d need to jump to a larger boat, one likely to have a cabin.

And neither a bay boat nor a center console is ideal for loading up with large gatherings on board. If that is your primary desire, a pontoon or deck boat may be a better fit.

Bay Boat vs Center Console at a Glance

Both boats are incredible choices for serious anglers who also want the versatility of a good family boat.

For fishermen searching for Mahi-mahi, tuna, and wahoo and needing to head offshore, the center console is hands-down the right choice.

For fishermen searching for snook and bass in super-skinny waters, the shallow draft of the bay boat will get into the right spots.

Everything else is a bit of a give-and-take and personal preference.