As to your CC comments...
"super large center console boats with three or four outboards. Talk about money to burn! I have to wonder who buys this type boat and how long these expensive, go fast, open style fuel guzzling rockets?"
At first glance it might seem that way but a lot of the popularity is cost savings for buyers who would like nice Sport Fishing boat. While some are just after speed, others are after speed to the fishing hole. The fastest boats on the water right now are the CC's, much like lakes where the fastest are the bass boats.
Also like the bass boats years ago the competition has been to have the biggest and fastest.
Interestingly, for decades Boston Whaler dominated the CC Market but then competitor after competitor gained business. Many of the builders were and many still are relative small builders. We have quite a few in South Florida operating out of warehouse strips. While Boston Whaler and Grady White may be readily available, companies like Seavee, Contender, Jupiter, Yellowfin, and Freeman may have a long waiting time.
HCB which has had the biggest, although may not now, is simply a reincarnation of Hydrasports. They go up to 65' and five or six engines up to 2700 hp or more. As long as talking speed, don't overlook Fountain, Cigarette (Up to 59' and 2700 hp) and Nor-tech are in this field. For them the CC has replaced their high performance inboards which typically had larger Mercury Racing Inboard outboards and so for the performance boat enthusiast, CC's also have been a lower cost option. They have led to the resurgence of these builders as they now provide the speed at a lower price.
There are more center consoles sold today in South Florida than any other type boat. I understand they make no sense to trawler boaters, but I'm thankful for anything that gets boaters out on the water. They also do have more than their share of accidents with operators not experienced or not experienced with speed and with operators under the influence, using them as party boats or to and from the party.