Feature: The Rise Of Large Center Consoles

Supersize Center Consoles Dominating the AquaScape
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Center consoles (CC) have always been a part of the boating fabric in America and many of the homegrown brands stateside have participated in the export of these vessels overseas. As customers pushed the companies for more features and amenities onboard as well as greater range, faster speeds and overall greater capability, this helped lead in the continual growth (in size) of the CC. Customers had a range of builders to choose from however, as one builder launched their largest yacht, the competition was always watching and soon fielded their 'answer' too.

HCB Yachts still holds the title for largest CC with their enormous 65 Estrella but their CC competition has been hot on their heels with vessels just a touch smaller but equally as capable. Names like Midnight Express didn't let them get too far ahead with the introduction and launching of the 60 Pied-a-Mer - perhaps the most unique-looking of all the mega center consoles-. Following not too far behind is Cigarette Racing's 59 Tirranna - also a beautiful boat-. Nor-tec has also been fielding large 50-footers with the Nor-tech 560 as well as companies like SCOUT with their 50-footer, the 530. As you can see, it has not been a quiet progression and this competition is fueling the growth in size of CC's.

HCB Yachts 65 Estrella is undoubtedly the champion for HCB Yachts, at least length wise, but the Sueños model has carried the mantle for this manufacturer for a while. The Sueños was pushing 53-feet and being offered with 4 and 5 stacked Mercs or Yamahas on the stern. With the significant increase in size of the Estrella model HCB Yachts had to offer the 65 Estrella in a maximum sextet configuration. However, Quint 425 Yamaha outboards can also work. The Estrella offers an LOA of 65-feet with a beam of 16-feet. Draft is just 36-inches with the engines out of the water and 48-inches with them down. Fuel capacity onboard is around 6,550 LT and 454 LT for fresh water storage. "For the perfectionist, the Estrella is an impeccably conceived and artfully crafted Mega Center Console Yacht giving you high-class luxury and comfort without sacrificing performance."

Midnight Express always produced a good looking CC and when they tried to challenge HCB for the largest title, their 60 Pied-A-Mer came up 5-feet short. The beam is also 1-foot slimmer at 15-feet but the interior is spacious offering a 30-feet section in the center console area that can fit up to two 'master' cabin regions. The fuel capacity is also significantly less at up to 3,785 LT and 378.5 LT of fresh water capacity. The 60 Pied-A-Mer has the looks on the exterior providing aggressive yet sleek and sensual lines to the eye. "With 60 feet of fiberglass to work with, you can design your Midnight Express in any color and design you want. Options include side entry dive doors, full power sunroof, and a multitude of seating, you can design the 60′ for as much shade or sun as you want!"

The 59 Tirranna from Cigarette Racing caused a stir when it launched in 2019. Like the Midnight Express 60 Pied-A-Mer the 59 Tirranna also has a 3,785 LT fuel capacity and even at a blistering 43-knot cruise speed can still give you a 780 nautical mile range. It isn't just the ability to run hard offshore it is also about comfort while running hard. There is a gyro on the boat as standard to help keep the boat stable. Below deck you will find Poltrona Frau leather-finished interior with accommodation in the V-berth with dedicated head.

The sleek, long waterline of the Nor-Tech 560 Sport Center Console will get you hooked according to the manufacturer. The 560 puts alot of emphasis on the on-deck experience with a myriad of external seating locations -quite extensive for a boat this size-. Being significantly smaller than some of the aforementioned boats the beam will not be as wide but it still boasts a 12-foot width. With 2,271 LT of fuel onboard coastal and offshore cruising is easy. Outboard or inboard power can also be facilitated. The 12-foot beam also makes it trailerable on the road.

The Scout 53 LXF takes the center console to a new level and almost puts in in a category of its own. At 53.5-feet long it has an enormous near 15-foot beam and a draft of 31 inches. Fuel capacity onboard is 3,312 LT with minimum horse power output of 1,700 horse power depending on the engines used or a maximum of 2,400 horse power. It has gyro as standard equipment to help keep your offshore exploits stable. Private master stateroom, convertible sofa-to-berth, private aft berth, enclosed separate shower, enclosed separate head, galley and hanging closet...and plenty of other hidden storage make this boat a popular choice for boaters.