2005 Gulf Coast Middle Console

Step aboard and the first thing you notice is how open and uncluttered the deck feels for a 17-footer. The helm layout is straightforward, with gauges and switches right where you want them, and sightlines that make running in tight bayous or around oyster reefs feel comfortable. The gunnels are at a confidence-inspiring height, with just enough toe room for bracing when the chop kicks up. Non-skid surfaces keep feet planted, even when things get wet. Under-seat and under-console compartments swallow tackle bags, cast nets, and safety gear, keeping the work area clean. It’s a rig that’s easy to trailer, simple to rinse down at the end of the day, and compact enough to tuck into most driveways without a wrestling match.

This Gulf Coast Middle Console really shines in waters where depth can go from knee-high to deep channels in a heartbeat. Its size and weight make it nimble around sandbars, mangrove edges, and winding creeks, yet it still feels solid when you cross open stretches on breezy afternoons. The efficient hull and outboard combo mean long days exploring back bays or chasing birds over schooling fish without constantly watching the fuel gauge. Its straightforward systems are a plus in areas where you might be trailering to different ramps or running far from marinas, and the easy-clean layout suits a lifestyle that blends fishing, sandbar hops, and family cruising in the same weekend.