Best Center Console Jon Boat: Top Picks for Durable, Compact Steering
Looking for a center console upgrade for a jon boat? This guide highlights five top options designed for small boats, skiffs, and RIBs. Each pick emphasizes rugged rotomolded construction, compact dimensions, and ease of mounting. Best for weekend anglers, DIY boat owners, and anyone upgrading an open-top craft without sacrificing steering control. The table below compares key details to help you choose quickly.
| Product | Material / Build | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| REVOLUTION RPD 1019 Boat Console Small White | Rotomolded poly | Small boats needing a durable helm | Compact, lifetime durability |
| REVOLUTION RPD 1822 Side Console Kit Gray | Poly construction | Jon boats and skiffs requiring a full side console | Complete kit |
| REVOLUTION RPD 1019 Boat Console Small White | Rotomolded poly | Smaller vessels with integrated cup holders | Similar to other 1019 model |
| REVOLUTION RPD 519 Boat Console Mini White | Rotomolded construction | Mini console for bench or deck mounting | Compact footprint |
| SFriding Aluminum Boat Steering Console Mount | Aluminum alloy, plywood reinforced | Wide compatibility with aluminum or fiberglass boats | Adjustable height |
REVOLUTION RPD 1019 Boat Console, Small, White
The REVOLUTION RPD 1019 Boat Console in White is built from rotomolded poly to resist cracking, yellowing, and chipping. It offers a compact steering helm with a stainless steel grab rail, and cup holders to accommodate side-mount or binnacle controls. This unit is designed for small boats, skiffs, or RIBs that demand a lifetime-durable upgrade. Best for: small boats needing a sturdy, weatherproof helm with integrated cup holders. Caution: appears limited to compact installations; verify mounting space before purchase.
REVOLUTION RPD 1822 Side Console Kit for Jon Boat
This complete Side Console Kit for Jon Boats combines a low-profile design with rugged poly construction. It matches the top-tier durability found in leading coolers and kayaks, offering a dependable upgrade for skiffs and similar craft. Best for: boat owners who want a full side-console kit with a tough, long-lasting build. Choose this if you need a ready-to-install kit rather than a single console unit. Limitation: color options are gray or clay-like shades depending on availability.
REVOLUTION RPD 1019 Boat Console, Small, White
This is another entry in the 1019 series, highlighting identical rotomolded poly construction and a compact helm. It’s designed to fit tight cockpit layouts while providing long-term durability. Best for: buyers who want a proven, compact console with universal mounting options. Caution: ensure your side-mount or binnacle controls match the cup-holder configuration.
REVOLUTION RPD 519 Boat Console, Mini, White
The RPD 519 Mini White offers a smaller footprint suitable for bench seats, flybridges, or forward deck mounting. Its rotomolded construction emphasizes resilience in harsher marine environments. Best for: vessels needing a compact helm with reliable durability. Better for limited space; avoid if you need a larger console with more instrument mounting options.
SFriding Aluminum Boat Steering Console Mount
The SFriding Steering Console Mount uses aluminum alloy with a plywood-reinforced face for wheel mounting. It is adjustable in height and compatible with both aluminum and fiberglass boats. Best for: builders seeking a customizable, adjustable console mounting solution for mixed boat types. Caution: aluminum mount may require corrosion protection and proper sealing in saltwater conditions.
REVOLUTION RPD 1422 Side Console Kit Gray
RPD 1422 is a Complete, Low-Profile Boat Side Console Kit withSuper Tough Poly Construction. It’s designed to mirror the rugged durability of top-tier coolers and kayaks, with a gray finish that blends with many hull colors. Best for: boats needing a sleek, low-profile console without sacrificing strength. Limitation: availability of color options may vary by season.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Center Console for a Jon Boat
- Durability vs. weight: Rotomolded poly consoles offer durability without excessive weight, ideal for small jon boats.
- Mounting compatibility: Confirm mounting points, bench seats, and deck areas before selecting a kit or standalone console.
- Size and footprint: Measure your deck space to ensure the console fits without crowding the steering area.
- Control configuration: Check compatibility with side-mount vs binnacle controls and whether cup holders meet your needs.
- Color and styling: Choose a color that matches or complements your boat’s hull and existing hardware.
- Complete kit vs. individual components: A complete side console kit saves time, while individual consoles offer customization flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a center console best for on a jon boat? It provides a dedicated steering area, integrated control options, and a cleaner deck layout for fishing and navigation.
- Are rotomolded consoles durable enough for saltwater use? Yes, rotomolded poly is designed to resist cracking, chipping, and yellowing in marine environments.
- Can I install a console on a small jon boat myself? Many kits are designed for DIY installation with standard mounting points, but verify fitment for your hull and controls.
- Which console is best for limited space? The Mini or Small White 1019 models are ideal for tight cockpit layouts while maintaining essential features.
- Is a complete side console kit better than a single console? For ease of install and cohesive aesthetics, a complete kit can be more convenient, especially for first-time upgrades.
- Do aluminum mounting options work with fiberglass boats? Yes, but you should verify compatibility with your hull and consider corrosion protection in saltwater environments.