Chat with Capt. Bob — Find Your Next Center Console Boat Near Portland. It's Free!
Tell Capt. Bob what you're looking for, and he'll connect you with a local Portland-area dealer.
What Makes A Center Console Boat the Right Choice?
Center consoles are the most versatile hull shape on the water: a single console holds the helm at the center of an open deck, giving anglers full walk-around access to fish from the bow, sides, or stern, while still leaving room for family seating and watersports.
Whether you want a simple, affordable center console for weekend trips close to shore, or a serious offshore rig with twin or triple outboards, a hardtop, and full electronics for running well past the horizon, talking it through with Capt. Bob narrows the search fast — no filters, no guesswork, just a real conversation about how and where you actually boat.
Striped Bass Fishing Among Casco Bay's Islands
Casco Bay's scattered islands, coves, and river mouths hold strong striped bass and mackerel fishing right off Portland — classic Maine inshore water within a short run of the harbor.
A center console boat — 360-degree walk-around access and the range to fish skinny water in the morning and nearshore structure by afternoon — is right at home working the bay's islands and coves. Capt. Bob can help sort out what actually fits how you fish around Portland.
Center Console Boat FAQ
What makes a center console boat different from other boats?
A center console puts the helm in the middle of the boat instead of at the bow or under a cabin, opening up a full walk-around deck with 360-degree access — ideal for fishing off any side, moving around while underway, and adding bow and stern seating for non-anglers.
Single or multiple outboards — how many motors does a center console need?
A single outboard is lighter, more affordable to run, and plenty for smaller inshore and nearshore boats. Twin or triple outboards add redundancy, top-end speed, and towing capacity for bigger, offshore-capable center consoles — most boats over about 30 feet run at least two.
How much does a center console boat cost?
Center console prices span a huge range — a basic 20-foot single-outboard model can start in the mid five figures, while a fully rigged 35-foot-plus triple-outboard offshore boat can run well over $300,000.
Is talking to Capt. Bob really free?
Yes — there's no cost and no credit card required to chat with Capt. Bob and get matched with center console boats from local dealers.