Best Center Console Options for Small Boats and Pontoons
Answering your search for a center console for boats, this guide highlights five durable, weather-ready options and who they’re best for. These selections suit small boats, RIBs, skiffs, Jon boats, and pontoons where a compact helm, good storage, and stable mounting matter. If you need a compact, rotomolded console or a sturdy side-console kit, one of these choices should fit your vessel and budget.
Summary of selected products:
- REVOLUTION PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT RPD 1019 Boat Console, Small, White
- REVOLUTION PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT RPD 1019 Boat Console, Small, OD Green
- DeckMate Premium Pontoon Boat Console (White)
- REVOLUTION PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT RPD 1822 Side Console Kit for Jon Boat, Skiffs and More, Gray
- SFriding Aluminum Boat Steering Console Mount with Plywood Reinforced Face
REVOLUTION RPD 1019 White Boat Console
Best for: small boats and RIBs needing a compact, durable helm. Features include a compact steering helm with a stainless steel grab rail and cup holders that fit side mount or binnacle controls. The material is rotationally molded poly designed to withstand lifetime use without cracking, yellowing, or chipping. This white option is versatile for coastal and freshwater use. Caution: color options differ by model, so verify color compatibility with your boat’s interior scheme.
Why this is selected: The rotomolded construction mirrors high-end cooler and kayak materials for toughness. It offers a clean, integrated look with practical grab rails and cup holders, making it a solid choice for limited deck space and everyday boating tasks.
REVOLUTION RPD 1019 Green Boat Console
Best for: boaters who want color matching with their deck or hull. This version uses the same indestructible, rotomolded poly construction as the white option, with durable exterior that resists cracking and yellowing. It accepts similar controls and includes the same stainless grab rail and cup holders. Caution: verify availability of color in stock for your specific vessel.
Why this is selected: It shares the same material strength and modular fit as the white model while offering a different color to better blend with varied boat interiors and styles. Choose this if you prefer a coordinated appearance and identical performance characteristics.
DeckMate Premium Pontoon Boat Console (White)
Best for: pontoon boats that need a sturdy, fully covered helm with matching vinyl. Features include a plastic helm with a matching 32 oz marine-grade seat vinyl access panel and a solid rotational molded plastic construction. It also features a large removable access panel for easy service. Caution: for non-pontoon boats or smaller decks, ensure mounting space supports the console’s footprint.
Why this is selected: DeckMate’s pontoon-focused design emphasizes easy service and coordinated appearance with vinyl seating, offering a practical, water-ready option for pontoons that prioritize aesthetics and straightforward maintenance.
REVOLUTION RPD 1822 Side Console Kit
Best for: Jon boats, skiffs, and other boats needing a full-side console with robust construction. It features a complete, boat side console kit made from the same tough poly as the other Revolution consoles and is available in Clay color along with White, Black, Tan, Gray, and Green. Caution: side consoles may require additional mounting hardware and alignment checks for secure fit on narrower hulls.
Why this is selected: This kit expands the console concept from a compact helm to a full side-console configuration, giving boaters more control options and better reach for instrumentation and controls on longer hulls.
SFriding Aluminum Boat Steering Console Mount
Best for: boats needing a lightweight, adjustable-height mounting solution for steering consoles. This mount uses aluminum alloy with a plywood-reinforced face for steering wheel mounting and allows height adjustment and a flat top for depth finder installation. Caution: aluminum mounts may require anti-corrosion coatings in saltwater environments.
Why this is selected: It provides a strong, adaptable mounting option that can support a depth finder or other instruments, making it a practical match for DIY installations and vessels with custom layouts.
Buying Guide: Center Console For Boats — Key Considerations
- Vessel type and size: Small boats, RIBs, skiffs, and pontoons benefit from compact, rotomolded consoles. Inflatables and narrow hulls may require side-console kits for required space.
- Material and durability: Rotomolded poly is highly impact-resistant and weather-tolerant. Aluminum-based mounts suit lighter weight applications but require corrosion protection in saltwater.
- Mounting and compatibility: Check whether your steering controls are side-mount or binnacle. Confirm mounting holes and hardware compatibility with your boat’s deck or cockpit.
- Aesthetics and color: Console color should coordinate with deck trim or seating. Some models offer multiple color options to match interiors.
- Access and maintenance: Removable access panels simplify maintenance. A larger access panel is helpful for pontoon consoles.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the most durable material for a boat console?
Rotationally molded poly is known for toughness, impact resistance, and resistance to cracking and yellowing, making it a common choice for rugged boating conditions.
- Do I need a side-console kit or a full center console?
Choose a side-console kit if you already have some console components and need a secondary mounting option. A full center console is better for boats needing a dedicated helm and easy instrument access.
- Is a colored console essential for small boats?
Color can help with visibility, matching interiors, and reducing glare. Availability varies by model, so pick a color that complements your boat’s design.
- Can I install depth finders on these consoles?
Yes, most consoles offer flat tops or integrated mounting surfaces suitable for depth finders and other accessories, though some installations may require additional brackets.
- Are these consoles suitable for saltwater use?
Durable rotomolded plastic and aluminum mounts are generally suitable for saltwater, but you should protect exposed metal hardware with anti-corrosion treatments and rinse after use.