Center console boats give you 360-degree fishing access and easy movement around the deck. But most center consoles start at 20 feet or longer, making them tough to trailer and expensive to dock. You need something smaller that still works like a real fishing boat.
The Italmar Open 16.50 delivers center console benefits in a 4.99-meter package. This boat fits your garage, launches at small ramps, and handles tight marina slips while giving you the fishing layout that serious anglers demand.
Real Center Console Design in Compact Size
The Open 16.50 puts the helm station in the middle of the boat, just like larger center consoles. You get clear sight lines in all directions and easy access to every corner of the deck. The central console houses your controls, switches, and storage in one organized location.
Side bulkheads provide safety barriers that keep passengers secure during rough conditions or sharp turns. These raised sides also create natural rod holders and gear staging areas around the boat’s perimeter.
The self-draining cockpit handles water from waves or washdown without requiring constant bailing. This feature keeps your deck dry and safe during active fishing or cruising.
Storage That Handles Real Fishing Gear
Most small boats force you to choose between passengers and equipment. The Open 16.50’s storage design accommodates both through smart space allocation. Large lazaret compartments swallow tackle boxes, coolers, and safety gear without cramping passenger seating.
The bow area includes dedicated storage for anchors, lines, and fenders. You can pack for full-day fishing trips or weekend cruising without leaving essential items behind.
Built-in features include:
- Complete cushion set for passenger comfort
- Multiple storage compartments for organized gear
- Central console storage for electronics and charts
- Rod storage along the gunwales
Stable Platform for Serious Fishing
The Open 16.50’s 2.10-meter beam provides stability that rivals much larger boats. This width creates a steady platform for casting, fighting fish, or moving around the deck during active fishing.
The boat’s 350kg weight without motor gives you solid tracking through choppy water while remaining light enough for easy trailering. A 40hp engine provides plenty of power for reaching fishing spots quickly while maintaining good fuel economy.
Six-person capacity means you can bring family or friends without overcrowding the fishing space. The center console layout keeps passengers out of your casting zones while giving everyone access to the action.
Easy Handling for Any Skill Level
Single-cable steering keeps boat control simple and responsive. The central helm position gives you excellent visibility for docking, anchoring, or navigating tight spaces. Steel pulpit and cleats provide secure anchor handling and line management.
The boat’s compact size makes it perfect for smaller lakes, rivers, and protected coastal areas where larger center consoles can’t operate effectively. You get into shallow fishing spots that bigger boats can’t reach.
Standard navigation lights and electrical systems meet safety requirements for extended trips or evening fishing. The bilge pump handles any water intrusion automatically.
Accessible Center Console Fishing
The Italmar Open 16.50 proves you don’t need a huge boat to get serious fishing capability. This compact center console delivers the layout, storage, and stability that make fishing productive and enjoyable.
Experience how center console design works in smaller waters – visit us to see the Open 16.50’s fishing-focused layout and discover why smart anglers choose boats built for their specific needs.