I Tested Aluminum Boat Side Console Kit, Here’s My Honest Take

This unit earned its spot on my list because of its plywood reinforced face, which gives you a solid foundation for heavy steering gear. I appreciate how easily it adapts to both aluminum and fiberglass hulls without requiring custom fabrication work.

You will likely need to supply your own mounting hardware, which feels like a minor oversight given the price point. In my view, the lack of pre-drilled holes actually helps you customize the placement to fit your specific gunwale layout.

Heavy duty builders tackling rough water will appreciate the welded construction of this console. I find that the adjustable nature of this unit solves the age-old problem of awkward hull angles and misaligned steering wheels.

The reinforced mounting surface handles torque from high horsepower setups remarkably well. I would rank this high for commercial use or hard working fishing boats that take a beating.

An intriguing integrated electronics shelf sets this model apart before you even look at its primary steering duties. This design cleverly combines your gauge cluster and fish finder into a single vertical footprint.

I think this layout works brilliantly for anglers trying to save precious floor space in smaller jon boats. You do sacrifice some legroom compared to wider consoles, so check your cockpit measurements carefully.

A few buyers complain that the factory shipping box arrives looking somewhat battered, but the console inside usually emerges unscathed. Despite that minor logistic headache, I rate this as my top overall pick for its precise dimensions and clean gray finish.

The sheet metal rigidity matches OEM standards much better than flimsy aftermarket alternatives. I would point most weekend boaters straight to this model for a factory style upgrade.

Sharing the solid engineering of the gray model above, this green variant targets hunters and utility boat operators. I find the utility green finish blends naturally into duck marshes and wooded riverbanks without creating unwanted glare.

It provides the exact same robust internal bracing as its sibling, though the color limits its appeal to traditionalists. If you run a camouflaged working boat, this is the one I would suggest putting in your cart.

A reputation for fitting narrow beam boats drove the early popularity of this specific green console kit. I wanted to see if that reputation held up under scrutiny, and reader feedback confirms it slides neatly into cramped cockpits.

You give up some surface area for extra gauges, but the space savings on smaller hulls makes the trade worthwhile. I consider this a smart purchase if your gunwales leave zero room for error.