Fishability? Luxury? Reliability? that’s Century’s trademark style.

Boasting more than 90 years of building high-quality boats for anglers and families, Century evolved from Lake Michigan, crafting wooden runabout and high-performance boats, to its current base in Florida, with saltwater-fishing boats its specialty. Today the company produces saltwater-fishing boats from 22 to 32 feet, including express, walkaround, center-console and dual-console models.

Century knows how to partner. Vectorply provides latest-technology glass and core materials for all-composite construction. Raymarine high-performance marine-electronics packages and Fusion True Marine entertainment products are standard. Mate Series combination rod and cup holders are also standard, as are Edson steering wheels.

Advanced storage systems throughout the boats keep tackle and other gear handy while preserving fishing room.

Century Boats 2901 Center Console

What do you call a luxury crossover boat designed around a tournament-fishing rig? Century calls it the 2901 Center Console, and it boasts a long list of fishing features presented in comfort and style to please the entire family.

Forty percent of center-console survey respondents say that they consider bow seating important; Century answers with wraparound bow seating, with standard, forward-facing backrests, and a bow table and stand.

But a rare accommodation to fishing efficiency is the double-aerator 62-gallon baitwell (69 percent of respondents say one is plenty), lockable rod storage (important to 26 percent of CC boaters surveyed), tilt-out tackle trays, and a pair of 277-quart insulated and pump-out-equipped fish boxes. Three gunwale-mounted rod holders on each side meet or exceed the needs of 68 percent of CC survey respondents; additional rod holders are on the hardtop, helm seatbacks and transom.

Dial-in your fishing needs with options, including downriggers, outriggers and additional rod holders, plus eye candy such as underwater lights, Helm Master EX electric steering and stereo upgrades. Standard are electric head; anchor, windlass, rope and chain; trim tabs with lighted indicator; and fiberglass hardtop with spreader lights and rod holder.

Century recommends twin Yamaha F300s or XF350s for the 2901 CC.

Survey Says: On Target

• Nice balance of luxury and fishability
• Handy, tilt-out tackle trays
• Dual-aerator livewell provides redundancy

Owners Say

• Center console offers ease of movement and fishability
• Lots of room for fishing gear and plenty of rod holders
• The spaciousness of the layout, along with the cabin room in the center console
• Fishability, big livewell, and well-placed, good number of rod holders

Brand Says

• An eye on even the smallest details
• Passion for perfection
• Solid platforms built to get you there—and back—in safety and comfort

Reader Response

• “Favorite feature? Everything”

Specs

LOA: 29′

Beam: 9′6″

Fuel Capacity: 280 gal.

Dry Weight: 7,000 lb. plus power

Max HP: 700

Certifications: NMMA

More Info

centuryboats.com

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Century has been building luxury runabouts and fishing boats since 1926. In that time, they’ve had many innovations in the boating industry, including fiberglass construction. And although they weren’t the first to fiberglass, they were among the best to bring the traditions of wood lines to it. They were one of the first adopters of the V-drive and the sterndrive as well.

Now Century brings to you the 3200 CC, a modern-day sport fishing boat designed for the serious offshore angler but without forgetting the needs of the family boater.

For fishermen, it’s got a wide cockpit with plenty of deck space thanks to its generous 10′6″ beam. Innovative tackle storage features include a pullout cooler for drinks or bait as well as tilt-out cabinets for utility boxes in the gunwales. This boat has features upon features that’ll satisfy the serious fishing enthusiast and their whole crew.

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Under the premise of if-it’s-not-broken-why-fix-it, the hull of the 2600 is true to its original Yamaha design, retaining a sharp entry and 20-degree deadrise at the transom. But that’s where most similarities to the first generation end. The new models are built with the latest materials available using quad-axis fiberglass and ­vinylester resins. The composite molded-fiberglass stringer system is bonded, and then glassed to the hull. For the final step, the deck cap is bonded to the hull for unitized ­durability and negligible flex. The result is a solid ride that handles the chop like a razor blade.

New Look

Topside, the 2600 sports a modern look as well. Gone is the integrated fiberglass bow pulpit, replaced by the standard windlass. Prospective owners have a choice of 10 hull colors, and the upholstery is accented handsomely with the company logo. The large console offers the requisite room for electronics, an integrated footrest, and heavy-duty rocker switches that are mounted low for easy accessibility yet remain unobtrusive. The starboard-opening head compartment is roomy and equipped with a Porta-Potti. Quick access to the wiring and controls is also available through these spaces. There is one holdover from the past: You’ll still find fixed cleats, but they’ll be replaced with ­pop-up versions in the next model year.

Our test boat was rigged with an optional fiberglass hardtop with an overhead electronics box. To say it’s overbuilt is an understatement. Constructed with Schedule 80 aluminum tubing and anchored at numerous stress points, it’s ready for whatever Mother Nature can throw at it. Spreader lights fore and aft, plus a four-rod rocket launcher are included with this option.

Smart Layout

Sportsmen are going to appreciate the many angling features on this improved 26-footer. The deck layout offers aggressive nonskid for sure footing, an integrated engine bracket for maximizing cockpit space, and a level deck forward for fishing and docking ease. The optional leaning post has flip-back bolsters, another four-rod launcher across the back, and a large tackle storage center. A 94-quart cooler nestles underneath. Additional rod storage is available in the horizontal racks with locking covers under the gunwales. There’s a rigging station in the port corner of the transom with raw- and freshwater washdowns, along with a 42-gallon livewell with acrylic hatch on the starboard side. In between is a comfortable bench seat with a removable backrest. The day’s catch can be stowed in 144-quart deck boxes amidships, plus there is more storage space in the bow.

Solid Build

All compartment hatches are fully finished for easy cleanup, and come with sturdy gas-lift shocks and stainless-steel hardware. Thick, wraparound cockpit coaming bolsters are mounted at a comfortable midthigh height for lengthy stand-up battles. Everywhere you look, it’s easy to tell these boats are built for serious anglers, by ­serious anglers.

Signs of quality construction and attention to detail are evident throughout. The battery-management panel in the port cockpit is neatly labeled and organized, and it’s also enclosed to seal out the elements. Snug hatches, orderly wire harnesses and durable deck hardware are still more ­examples of a commitment to value.

The maximum horsepower rating on the 2600 is 450, although it zipped along nicely with the twin F200 four-strokes rigged on the stern. It spun up to nearly 53 mph at 6,000 rpm. Pulling the throttles back to 4,500 rpm, the GPS still recorded a speed of 39 mph while averaging 17.1 gallons of hourly fuel burned between the two engines. With a fuel capacity of 184 gallons, that works out to a lot of fishing time.

The 2600 is fun to drive too. It’s nimble and ­aggressive coming out of the hole with little bow rise. It ate up a wind-blown chop in the bay, and kept us dry regardless of heading. Hydraulic steering is standard, and the hull responds nicely to tab adjustment. In other words, this is a boat that can run offshore comfortably without breaking your back or budget.

Century is ramping up its dealer network and will be ­exhibiting at major boat shows going forward. Meantime, the versatile and capable 2600 is back, and it’s better than ever

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If outboard-powered cabin boats are the aquatic equivalent of SUVs, then Century’s new 2400 Walkaround qualifies as a luxury model. This boat is fishing friendly, but it is great for family, too. With standard features like a 280-quart insulated fishbox-storage compartment, a 37-gallon bait well, a cockpit rod box, a removable tackle box and lockable rod storage, the 2400 WA is capable of serious angling duty.

||| |—|—| |SPECIFICATIONS| |Length|24′ 6″| |Beam|8′ 6″| |Draft|1′ 3″| |Deadrise|20 ¿ree;| |Fuel|140 gals.| |Price|$81,117| |w/ twin four-stroke Yamaha F150 outboards| With the twin four-stroke Yamaha F150 outboards, the 2400 WA will do 46.5 miles per hour wide open. Cruising at 4,500 rpm, it makes 35.2 miles per hour and burns 17.6 gallons per hour of fuel. A sharp bow entry and 20-degree transom deadrise give the boat a soft ride and stability at rest. While underway, the deluxe captain’s chair offers an unrestricted view and easy operation of electronic components. Hydraulic tilt steering is standard, along with trim tabs and Yamaha’s Command Link system.

Once the rods are stowed, the 2400’s luxurious side comes into play, with a roomy cabin complete with galley, head and convertible dinette. Whether the crew is looking for the fish or a pleasant day on the water, the 2400 WA is up to the task. Century Boats; (850) 767-3169; www.centuryboats.com

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The 2202 Bay Boat from Century features a vee-hull with lifting strakes and a 102″ beam for stability to handle rugged conditions. The 2202 features a 30-square-foot forward casting deck with anchor locker and insulated 125-gallon storage compartment that drains overboard and can double as a fishbox. Ample cockpit freeboard allows for large port and starboard rod lockers. The console has a tall, removable windshield with fold-down handrail, stainless steering wheel, console rod holders and storage locker. The 2202 has a full complement of gauges, lighted rocker switches, cockpit lighting, flush-mount deck hardware and nav lights. The aft deck offers 21 square feet of wide-open fishing space. The engine is set on a jackplate, so there is no engine well to cramp the deck. Under the deck is a 40-gallon aerated, recirculating live well and a 35-gallon live well. The 800-gph bait-well pump with high-speed pick-up can handle plenty of bait. The battery/oil-tank compartment has a molded-fiberglass tray to catch spills and allows room to spare for storage.

Century Boat Company, Panama City, FL; (850) 769-0311; www.centuryboats.com.

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Century Boats has redesigned its popular 26-foot walkaround model, offering improved accommodations below and enhanced fishing features in the cockpit. The result is a boat that can fish hard and take care of the family.

Belowdecks, the 2600 has a good deal of space for a boat of this size, centered around a large, cushioned berth forward. The berth is big enough so that two people could actually sleep there, provided they aren’t very large people. A high-low table on the centerline converts the berth into a dinette when it’s in the “up” position. The berth also has a storage area beneath it, and a thick, pleated backrest that surrounds the seating area.

The Century designers make great use of available space, providing almost 6′ 4″ of headroom down below. The head compartment, to starboard, features a real marine head as optional equipment, or a standard porta-potty. There’s not enough room for a stall shower, but a hand-held shower head lets you rinse off with ease.

Well-Designed Helm

The bridgedeck has the helm station to starboard, with the helm and passenger seats sitting atop two molded boxes attached on top of them. The starboard box contains two tackle drawers, while the port passenger seat sits atop a large storage box. The helm seat also features a flip-down, aft-facing seat so someone can watch the baits in comfort.

A spacious electronics box above the helm comes with a clear acrylic door to keep out water. Actually, the space is divided into two sections, one for general storage and one for electronics, but you could press both into service if you need more equipment space. Gauges are arranged port and starboard of the wheel, with switches below it. Visibility is very good from the bridgedeck because Century chose to design a relatively high platform from which you can easily see in all directions.

The boat’s large cockpit should keep fishermen happy. It comes with lots of standard, fishing-friendly items, like a pair of 140-quart, in-deck fishboxes with macerator pumps that drain overboard. Locking rod lockers under the gunwales hold three rods per side, and there are two smaller lockers aft of those. The port locker contains the boat’s battery switches, while the starboard locker hides the boat’s salt water washdown bibb.

The integrated engine platform has a transom gate to starboard, with a 42-gallon live well on the centerline and a sink and cutting board to port. A small, tilt-out tackle locker beneath the sink holds two plastic tackle drawers. Cushions snap in place along the top of the transom bulkhead, forming a handy place for passengers to sit. There’s also a removable backrest, plus coaming pads that come as standard equipment in the cockpit.

We ran the 2600 WA on a relatively calm day, but the wakes we found showed us that the boat will be a good open-water performer. It has a wide bow, necessary to create all that cabin room belowdecks, so it can pound a little when pushed too hard into a chop. However, the 20-degree transom deadrise helps smooth things out a lot. The 2600 also seemed to be very dry.

With twin 200-hp Yamaha HPDI outboards, the 2600 cruises at 38.1 mph at 4000 rpm, while burning only 17.1 gph, according to Yamaha’s own performance tests. Wide-open, the 2600 reaches 51.7 mph at 5500 rpm.

The 2600 WA comes with a lengthy standard-equipment list, which includes hydraulic steering, a self-bailing cockpit with stainless-steel drains, electric trim tabs, and a stainless-steel boarding ladder. It’s all backed by a ten-year, transferable warranty, so peace of mind comes standard, as well.

Century Boats, Panama City, FL; (850) 769-0311; www.centuryboats.com.

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Century’s new 2900 Walkaround brings you the best of two worlds. When you stand in the center of the boat and look aft, you see a large cockpit that would suit even the most seasoned tournament angler. Face the bow and you’re confronted by downright cozy accommodations that would appeal to most any family fishing team. It’s a combination that’s hard to beat.

Let’s start forward. Remember when outboard-boat cabins were spartan, unfinished areas best suited for storing rusty tackle boxes? Those days are now a distant memory thanks to boats like this. For a 29-footer, the 2900 has a remarkable amount of room belowdecks, and the level of finish is excellent. The cabin overhead sports a sleek vinyl headliner material called Gabrino Light, and there are classy touches such as recessed lighting around the back of the seating area.

Cabin Amenities

A convertible berth at the forepeak serves double duty as sleeping quarters for two or as a dinette, thanks to a high/low table and drop-in filler cushions. There’s a storage bin forward, a round Bomar hatch overhead, and a portside galley with an oval sink, a Kenyon alcohol stove, and a refrigerator and microwave. An enclosed, stand-up head to starboard comes with your choice of a porta-potty (standard), a manual marine head, or one that’s fully electric.

To top it all off, an aft berth beneath the bridgedeck increases the boat’s sleeping capacity. Century has done an outstanding job using the space available, as this is a very functional and livable cabin, something that’s relatively rare on a boat of this size.

The bridgedeck has the helm to starboard. It affords excellent visibility due to the fact that you’re sitting above the mid-berth. Both the helm and passenger pedestal seats sit atop molded fiberglass boxes. The port box contains an insulated ice chest and storage, and has an aft-facing seat for watching the baits. The starboard box contains four tackle drawers. A large box above the helm can be used simply for storage or for flush-mounting a sizable array of electronics.

Fishermen will appreciate the spacious cockpit with twin 45-gallon fishboxes in the sole that drain through individual macerator pumps, and standard cockpit coaming pads. The integrated transom bulkhead contains a bait-prep station to port with both fresh and salt water, plus a 45-gallon live well on the centerline. There was also an optional seat on our test boat that folded up for additional passenger seating.

Batteries are housed in the transom bulkhead, and a transom gate to starboard lets you get to the engine platform easily. The cockpit has a starboard rod locker that holds three outfits, and two hatches to port for access to the battery switches and the raw-water washdown hose.

Deep, wide walkways to the bow make the 2900 a true walkaround. It should be easy to go forward, even in rough weather, and the high, welded, stainless-steel bow rail provides an added measure of security. In the very bow is a molded-in pulpit with an anchor roller, as well as a cushioned bow seat for catching some rays.

Our test boat was rigged with twin 250-hp Yamahas on the transom and cruised at 35.6 knots at 4000 rpm, reaching 45.3 knots wide open at 5400 rpm, according to Yamaha’s own data. We ran the boat in sloppy seas off the Florida Keys and it behaved very well, keeping spray down to a minimum, and only pounding when we pushed it unreasonably hard.

All Century boats are built using the company’s exclusive, patent-pending RIB System, which is a foam-filled fiberglass stringer grid system that utilizes strategically placed transverse bulkheads for maximum strength. A molded urethane transom means there’s no wood to rot, and Century backs the boat up with a ten-year limited hull warranty.

The 2900 Walkaround should prove a great boat for the fishing family. If that sounds like you, check one out for yourself and you’ll discover just how much boat Century delivers for the money.Century Boat Co., Panama City, FL; (850) 769-0311; www.centuryboats.com

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