Centre Console Advice

[allniter]

Hi to all,
I was wondering if anyone had any advice on which centre consoles are good allround performers for bay work.
Looking to sell the signature 470f soon , it's been a great safe boat for my son and i - we usually fish overnight inside the bay, but it's never been a real practical fishing boat as there just isn't enough room at the rear for any more than two people comfortably, having to crawl thru the cuddy cab to anchor is a pain in the arse,etc.
Currently looking at a 5 metre Clark Abalone 500sf centre console, two stroke 90 h.p. Johnson oceanpro all 1999 model,
for under $20,000.
Can anyone give any advice on this or similar 5 metre c/consoles please ?
{ eg. maybe Quintrex Legend, Allycraft,etc.}
any advice would be appreciated
regards darren

[BladeRunner]

Hi Darren I have a Clark Abalone 5 meter was once a tiller steer.I fitted a centre consele andbrought a trampoleen type canopy have a 60 hp yamaha on back .
the sides are deep and I have alluminim round bar welded just above the floor to give
a bit more strength along the sides. You will find they are a wet boat and you will need to carry wet weather gear on board . Apart from the down side it is easy for me to move and launch by my self.Been to Masthead and further on a good day. BladeRunner

[Big_Kev]

I don't think it will matter what center console you get it will be a wet ride at times.
I had a cuddy cab before my center console and there has only been a few times I wish I still had it. But more times I am glad I changed.
The center console is much better for fishing and much easier to manouver, getting out the front is a big benifit for fishing.
I can still get sleep on the floor, as much as I did in the cab anyway.
I got a Formosa and I have been more than happy with it. It was the cheapsest around at the time and was a little known brand.
I have not had a problem with it and fish all areas of the bay and offshore crossing the South Passage bar. It is a 4.75 powered by a 60 4 stroke, good package and cheap to run.
I would recomend them.
Cheers Kev. :) :)

[allniter]

Thanks for the advice fellas,
Bladerunner - it concerned me a little that the later model abalone is only 2mm sides and 3mm bottom & transom.
Although they seem to have more supports on inside of hull. ??? ???
Kev, I hear what you're saying, I don't seem to ever get much sleep in the cab anyway - so i thought about just rolling up some mattress foam to keep stored in side pockets,
and roll them out onto floor - wullah!! instant bunks. ;D
Perhaps a small hardtop which could somehow have clears
clipped to it at front and sides, which could be rolled down at night and zipped together for protection from wind and rain??
Would look poxxy but practical :o :o :o :o
Most alloy cuddy cabs at about 5m or smaller seem to be tiny in the cab and i think a waste of space .
ho-hum - If only there was a perfect boat :-/
Maybe a centre cab if i won lotto ;D
regards darren

[Big_Kev]

Yeah Darren the rolled up foam is about all I use.
And If you can get one with a wider console will help if you go for the T/top. (around 600mm)
T/top with rocket launchers for rod storage and the side clears like you said and at least you will stay dry.
Just be sure that under floor is strong for the t/top mounting.
I would love to have one on my boat and would have if I was getting a new one now.
Cheers Kev. :) :) :)

[mackmauler]

I have rod holders right around my boat that will take poles to support a tarp, it can be hard to line up the poles with eyelets on the tarp so use the fold on eyelet makers they sell at camping shops for those other spots.

[Big_Kev]

Rob you have forgotten to mention how many refugees you can fit on board that budget vessel. LOL.
Cheers Kev. :)