Center Console vs Sportfishing Boat: One Captain Explains the BIG Difference!

Are you thinking about going from a center console fishing boat to a large express style or convertible sportfishing boat? If so, this is the video for you, as "The Professor"-- Capt. Ron Edwards explains his experience fishing years in a center console, and then moving to a much larger (and much more expensive) sportfishing boat.
We'd love to hear your thoughts on your experiences with both types of boats, and how they compare with respect to total cost, fuel economy, maneuverability, fishability, and more.
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[@czoubek]

Great stuff, fellas. Can't emphasize the "fat wallet" aspect enough (sadly). When you move to a boat with diesels, AC, generator, toilets, water-makers, ice-makers, gyros, etc. you better budget at least 10% of the boat's value for annual expenses. It's a whole different ball-game when you move from a smaller cc to a sport-fisher. I love both.

[@saltwaterfishinguniversity]

Well said my friend 👍

[@Jassman3536]

Great review guys...and congrats beautiful boat. Y'all got me thinking but we are leaning towards a 375 Grady Freedom. No more CC's and I want to get something under 40'. This way the front section is great for a sand bar and grandkids while the center will keep us out of the sun and I will get Gen set/AC and we can overnight if want to. With a 13.2 beam the stern section is perfect and we can fish in comfort. Trip 450s is close to 60mph.

[@saltwaterfishinguniversity]

Heck of a choice for sure bud. That’s a great boat. Good luck!👍

[@warlordop713]

I like walkarounds. Going from a 22 foot walkaround to a Grady white 282 sailfish. Eventually gonna get taco outriggers. I can’t do center consoles. I need a cabin for my poles and net and a place to take naps in. 😂

[@jimmyera3779]

I surely thought the professor would have talked about the difference in mobility between the boat types. I.e. I live in maryland and typically fish out of ocean city however we have trailered to teaches lair and rudee inlet if the bite was good. Still as always another great informative video

[@TheTeeDay]

Is the motor situation what makes the sport fish so expensive. I’ve seen where a guy upfitted a sport fish to have outboards and it seems like it could be the best of both worlds. Shaved a ton of weight by removing the old engines.

[@saltwaterfishinguniversity]

That certainly has something to do with it. Some would argue the outboards aren’t as ideal for fishing, and they can’t sustain the total hours of a diesel either.

[@Gooselip]

I'm not sure if I want a 42 ft Viking or a fast 42 ft center console with below deck cabin

[@TheTeeDay]

Viking for sport fish and Valhalla for CC

[@richardbeese7635]

Hey guys I'm facing my third surgery for this bone infection going on four months now in some kind of medical facility, I'm really searching for the strength to start at square one again 😢 do you guys still have the stieger craft?

[@saltwaterfishinguniversity]

Sure do bud. So sorry you are having these struggles.

[@gungadinn]

I'm coming from a 46' Hatteras convertible and down sizing to a 32'-39' foot center console. (looking for a deal) No slip fees, cheaper fuel purchased on land, no bottom paint and the ability to transport myself with an annual wide load permit. Operating cost of the center console is 25% of a sport fish or convertible. If I were taking charters, just because I feel confident going out in 4-6 foot rollers, most customers paying the bill won't.

[@saltwaterfishinguniversity]

Good stuff bud. Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@dwaynekinsland2892]

Promo-SM

[@MIHfishing]

1000 guys full of shit wax takes 3000 on a 39 foot boat