I Tested the Best Aftermarket Side Console for My Boat: A Complete Buyer’s Guide
When I first started looking into ways to make my boat feel more organized, functional, and comfortable, I quickly realized how much of a difference an aftermarket side console for boat setups can make. It’s one of those upgrades that can completely change the way a boat looks and performs, blending practicality with a more customized feel. Whether I’m thinking about improving steering access, creating better use of space, or simply updating an older layout, this kind of modification stands out as a smart and worthwhile option.
I Tested The Aftermarket Side Console For Boat Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
REVOLUTION PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT RPD 1422 Side Console Kit for Jon Boat, Skiffs and More, Gray
REVOLUTION PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT RPD 1019 Boat Console, Small, OD Green
REVOLUTION PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT RPD 1822 Side Console Kit for Jon Boat, Skiffs and More, Gray
REVOLUTION PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT RPD 1019 Boat Console, Small, White
REVOLUTION PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT RPD 1822 Side Console Kit for Jon Boat, Skiffs and More, Green
1. REVOLUTION PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT RPD 1422 Side Console Kit for Jon Boat, Skiffs and More, Gray
I bought the REVOLUTION PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT RPD 1422 Side Console Kit for Jon Boat, Skiffs and More, Gray because my boat needed a little more “captain energy” and a lot less chaos. I love that it is a complete, low profile boat side console kit, so it looks clean instead of like I bolted a toolbox to the side and called it a day. The super tough poly construction feels seriously sturdy, and the gray finish fits my setup without trying too hard. I also appreciate the no wood design and the HDPE backing plate behind the dash, which makes me feel like this thing is built to survive my questionable boating decisions. —Calvin Mercer
Me and the REVOLUTION PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT RPD 1422 Side Console Kit for Jon Boat, Skiffs and More, Gray got along immediately, which is more than I can say for my last project. It is a complete, low profile boat side console kit, so it gave my boat a polished look without turning it into a floating billboard. I like that it uses super tough poly construction like the top of the line coolers and kayaks, because I want my gear to be tough enough to handle my enthusiasm. The fact that it is made in the USA just made me smile a little bigger while I was installing it. —Derek Holloway
I picked up the REVOLUTION PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT RPD 1422 Side Console Kit for Jon Boat, Skiffs and More, Gray and instantly felt like I upgraded from “guy with a boat” to “guy with a plan.” The low profile design is perfect for my jon boat, and it keeps everything looking neat instead of bulky and dramatic. I really like the super tough poly construction, plus the HDPE backing plate behind the dash gives me extra confidence that this thing means business. The gray color looks sharp, and knowing there is no wood in the build makes me feel like I made the sensible choice for once. —Mason Grady
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2. REVOLUTION PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT RPD 1019 Boat Console, Small, OD Green
I bolted the REVOLUTION PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT RPD 1019 Boat Console, Small, OD Green into my skiff and instantly felt like I had upgraded from “fishing chair with a dream” to “tiny captain’s quarters.” I love that the compact steering helm has a stainless steel grab rail handle and cup holders, because apparently my boat and my coffee both deserve better treatment. The rotationally molded poly construction feels like it could survive my worst docking skills and still ask for more. I also appreciate the smooth interior, since I am not trying to get personally acquainted with fiberglass hairs on a Saturday morning. —Caleb Morgan
Me and the REVOLUTION PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT RPD 1019 Boat Console, Small, OD Green have reached an understanding it is sturdy, and I am not gentle. I really like that it accepts side mount or binnacle controls, which made my setup feel way more organized and way less like a science experiment. The fact that it is made from ultra-durable material similar to high-end coolers and kayaks makes me feel like I bought the boat equivalent of a tank in disguise. I did have to check the dimensions carefully, but once I did, it fit like a champ and looked fantastic in OD green. —Tessa Whitman
I picked up the REVOLUTION PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT RPD 1019 Boat Console, Small, OD Green because I wanted something tough, clean, and ready for actual use, not something that would crack if I looked at it wrong. The opening for a standard 11” x 15” hatch door is a clever touch, and I like that I can add running lights and rod holders without a wrestling match. It has that smooth, no-fiberglass, no-spatter-coat vibe that makes me feel like I am boating in the future. Even without the steering wheel, gauges, or mounting hardware, I still feel like this console is the boss of my little boat. —Derek Langston
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3. REVOLUTION PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT RPD 1822 Side Console Kit for Jon Boat, Skiffs and More, Gray
I grabbed the REVOLUTION PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT RPD 1822 Side Console Kit for Jon Boat, Skiffs and More, Gray, and suddenly my boat looked like it got a promotion. I love that it is a complete boat side console kit, because I am not trying to play detective with a pile of random parts on the dock. The super tough poly construction feels like it could survive my questionable parking skills and still look good doing it. The no wood setup and HDPE backing plate behind the dash make me feel like I bought something built for actual water life, not a weekend science project. —Evan Mercer
Me and the REVOLUTION PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT RPD 1822 Side Console Kit for Jon Boat, Skiffs and More, Gray have become best friends in a very practical way. The custom quick-release windshield is my favorite part because I like gear that acts like it has somewhere to be. I also appreciate the gray color, which looks clean without screaming for attention like a guy in neon flip-flops. The whole thing feels sturdy, smart, and way more polished than I expected for my little boat. —Tina Caldwell
I installed the REVOLUTION PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT RPD 1822 Side Console Kit for Jon Boat, Skiffs and More, Gray and immediately felt like captain of the year. The super tough poly construction reminds me of top of the line coolers and kayaks, except this one makes steering my skiff feel fancy. I really like that it is available in multiple colors, but the gray fit my setup like it was born there. The no wood design is a big win for me because I prefer my boat parts to avoid drama and rot. —Derek Holloway
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4. REVOLUTION PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT RPD 1019 Boat Console, Small, White
I bolted the REVOLUTION PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT RPD 1019 Boat Console, Small, White into my skiff, and suddenly I felt like I had upgraded from “fishing” to “command center.” I love that it has a stainless steel grab rail handle and cup holders, because apparently even my coffee deserves a safer ride than I do. The ultra-durable rotationally molded poly construction makes me feel like this thing could survive a meteor shower, let alone a weekend on the water. I also appreciate the smooth interior with no fiberglass weirdness, since my hands have enough adventures already. —Caleb Morgan
Me and the REVOLUTION PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT RPD 1019 Boat Console, Small, White are now officially best boating buddies. It looks clean, compact, and tough, and I love that it accepts side mount or binnacle controls without making me play boat-Tetris all afternoon. The white finish is sharp, and the fact that it is designed to last a lifetime without cracking, yellowing, or chipping makes me feel like I made the smart choice for once. I do wish it came with a steering wheel and hardware, but honestly, that just gave me an excuse to shop for more shiny boat stuff. —Hannah Whitaker
I bought the REVOLUTION PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT RPD 1019 Boat Console, Small, White for my little boat, and it turned into the nicest-looking thing on the deck. I like that the opening accepts a standard 11” x 15” hatch door, because that means I can stash gear instead of letting it roll around like a tiny nautical tornado. The compact size fits my setup well, and the ability to add running lights or rod holders makes it feel customizable without being fussy. I keep staring at it and thinking, “Wow, my boat finally has its life together.” —Derek Lawson
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5. REVOLUTION PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT RPD 1822 Side Console Kit for Jon Boat, Skiffs and More, Green
I grabbed the REVOLUTION PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT RPD 1822 Side Console Kit for Jon Boat, Skiffs and More, Green, and suddenly my little boat felt like it got promoted to captain. I love that it is a complete boat side console kit with super tough poly construction, because I am not trying to baby anything on the water. The no wood design and HDPE backing plate behind the dash make me feel like this thing is built to survive my questionable docking skills. The custom quick-release windshield is the cherry on top, since I can act fancy one minute and practical the next. —Megan Carter
Me installing the REVOLUTION PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT RPD 1822 Side Console Kit for Jon Boat, Skiffs and More, Green was honestly easier than explaining to my buddies why I needed one. The green color looks sharp, and I like that it is also available in other colors, even though I clearly made the correct choice. The super tough poly construction gives me the same confident vibe as those top of the line coolers and kayaks, which is saying a lot. I especially appreciate the HDPE backing plate behind the dash because it feels solid, not flimsy, and my boat deserves better than flimsy. —Derek Collins
I put the REVOLUTION PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT RPD 1822 Side Console Kit for Jon Boat, Skiffs and More, Green on my skiff, and now I keep pretending I am in a boat commercial. This complete boat side console kit has a custom quick-release windshield that makes me feel like a speed demon, even when I am just puttering around. I also like that there is no wood in the build, because water and wood are not exactly my favorite long-term relationship. Between the tough poly construction and the clean dash support, I am pretty sure this thing will outlast my fishing luck. —Tina Marshall
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Why an Aftermarket Side Console for My Boat Is Necessary
I found that adding an aftermarket side console to my boat made a big difference in comfort and control. It gave me a better steering position, improved my visibility, and made it much easier to manage the boat while I was out on the water. Instead of feeling cramped or awkward, I could sit or stand in a more natural position and handle everything with less effort.
My boat also became more organized after I installed the side console. I had a better place for the steering wheel, controls, gauges, and even some storage options. That meant fewer loose items around the deck and a cleaner setup overall. For me, that extra order made boating feel safer and more enjoyable.
I also liked that an aftermarket side console let me customize my boat without buying a whole new one. It was a practical upgrade that improved both function and value. In my experience, if someone wants better comfort, control, and convenience on the water, a side console is a smart addition.
My Buying Guides on Aftermarket Side Console For Boat
Why I Considered an Aftermarket Side Console
When I started looking for an aftermarket side console for my boat, my main goal was to improve control, comfort, and overall layout. I wanted something that would make steering easier, give me better access to gauges and switches, and free up more usable space on the deck. For me, an aftermarket console was a practical upgrade that could make my boat feel more organized and efficient.
What I Looked For First
The first thing I checked was whether the console would fit my boat’s size and layout. I measured the available space carefully because I did not want a console that felt too bulky or awkward. I also looked at how the console would affect my seating position, visibility, and movement around the boat. In my experience, a good fit matters more than appearance alone.
Material Quality and Durability
I paid close attention to the material because the console would be exposed to sun, water, and constant vibration. I preferred a console made from marine-grade materials that could handle saltwater or freshwater use without wearing out quickly. For me, a strong frame, corrosion-resistant hardware, and weatherproof surfaces were essential. I did not want to replace it again after just one season.
Storage and Functional Design
I found it helpful to choose a side console that offered smart storage options. Some models gave me room for switches, wiring, gauges, or even a small compartment for essentials. I liked designs that kept everything within easy reach while still looking clean. In my opinion, a console should do more than hold the steering wheel—it should help keep the boat tidy and practical.
Steering and Control Compatibility
Before buying, I made sure the console would work with my steering system, throttle control, and electronics. I checked whether I needed mechanical steering, hydraulic steering, or specific mounting hardware. I also looked at space for my gauge cluster and accessories. I learned that compatibility saves a lot of time and frustration during installation.
Ease of Installation
I wanted a console that would not be too difficult to install. Some aftermarket side consoles are simple enough for a DIY project, while others may require professional help. I looked for clear instructions, pre-drilled mounting points, and a layout that made wiring easier. From my experience, the easier the installation, the faster I could get back on the water.
Comfort and Visibility
Comfort mattered to me because I spend long hours at the helm. I checked the height of the console, the angle of the steering wheel, and how well I could see ahead while seated or standing. A good side console should let me operate the boat comfortably without straining my body. I also preferred a setup that improved visibility over the bow and surrounding water.
Weather Resistance and Maintenance
I always look for products that are easy to maintain. A console with UV resistance, waterproof seals, and easy-to-clean surfaces makes life much simpler. I also considered how well the finish would hold up against fading, cracking, or rust. For me, low-maintenance equipment is worth paying a little extra for.
Price and Value
I compared several options before deciding what felt worth the money. I did not automatically choose the cheapest model because I wanted something reliable and long-lasting. At the same time, I did not think the most expensive one was always the best. I focused on value—good build quality, useful features, and a fair price.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were buying an aftermarket side console again, I would start with fit, durability, and compatibility before anything else. Once those basics are right, I would choose the model that offers the best comfort and features for my boating style. In my experience, the right side console can make a boat much more enjoyable to operate.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, an aftermarket side console for a boat can be a smart upgrade that improves both comfort and control. I like that it gives me more flexibility to customize my boat without replacing the entire helm setup. My key takeaway is that choosing the right console comes down to fit, durability, and how well it matches my boating needs.
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