Century Resorter (I think)

[David Tabor (sailordave)]

Driving home from the family's town I just about gave myself whiplash as I spied a Mahogany outboard boat sitting in a front yard. Obviously I pulled over and went to check it out. 1958 Century, I think Resorter w/ a 50 hp Merc. Supposedly was restored in the early 90's, winterized in '98 and then the owner got sick and eventually died. Wife is now selling. Was $6000 now $3000. Any thoughts out there? Come on don't be shy, I know everyone here has an opinion!! Thanks, David

(TN,AN,HSMWDASMAIB)

[ishmael]

I think of these and other similar as having four or six banger inboard Grays or Kermaths. Tell us some more of your impressions.

Jack

[This message has been edited by ishmael (edited 09-28-2001).]

[jeff pierce]

Give it a careful look over. As long as there's no structural problems, and you love it, I'd say buy it. I say this not from extensive experience with old boats. Its just I have had too many experiences seeing something I really liked, then losing out on it because I spent too much time trying to rationalize it. It'd be a different story if you were talking about laying out $20k. $3000 is not a whole lot of money in the world of boats. (unless, of course you only have $2000)

Now if you really want our opinion, go take some pictures and post 'em. I would be very interested in seeing them, since I am building something similar.

[Scott L]

There has been an ad in our local paper, Syracuse NY. 1963 Century Resorter,Mahogany needs restoration Trailer, Hoist 2400. I have not looked at this boat or called the ad but it may give you an idea of what they are worth

[rdapron]

Sailordave

You can ascertain the value on a couple tracks.
As Jeff touched on, if this is the boat of your dreams or childhood I would say go for it. The other base is that of the market. Having messed around with mahogany runabouts for the last 15 years I can say that for a variety of reasons (some good and some not) Century’s do not command as high of a resale as other makes. To take this a step further, outboards seem to command the lowest portion of desirability in the market, hence the lowest resale prices. In my opinion I would perform a gut check, scope the markets (magazines, clubs, the net), inspect the boat (with help if needed) and make your decision. Also, to my knowledge Century never did make an outboard Resorter. My guess is you are looking at a 15’ Palomino. Check….

http://www.centuryboatclub.com/decade/50s/Outboards/50soutboards.htm

rob

[David Tabor (sailordave)]

It prob. is a Palomino. Sure looks the same. Including the blonde wood aft of the cockpit. Not sure if I want it bad enough to clear out a space in the garage for it. Wife just wants to know if it's powerful enough to pull a skier. May just have to get a F-@$$ boat for her. D

[Dale Harvey]

The four cyl. fifty was one of Merc's better motors, but older ones were designed to corrode away rapidly when exposed to saltwater. After setting it will have to have a new water pump impeller, or it will crap out and ruin the motor the first time you run it. If the steering is frozen, make sure it is the cable that is stuck and not the motor. If the gimbel bracket where the motor turns appears to have been cooked with a torch, forget it. A stainless prop is a big plus, but make sure the hub splines were greased and the prop will slide off easily. Dump out all old gas and if any was left in tanks, consider new tanks. Add a cannister style water seperating fuel filter if you want to avoid a lot of trouble. It should be capable of pulling a single skier of moderate weight, but maybe not salom off the beach. Restored is a much overused term. You really need to know what products have been used on the boat, and even if they still look good, a fresh coat of varnish and paint are in order. It would have to be concours level to fetch 6k. It would have to have a very good motor and need nothing beyond finish topcoat on boat to get me to look at three. On the other hand, three grand doesn't buy much of a boat, and unlike glass junk you might be able to get your money back out of it someday.

[David Tabor (sailordave)]

I saw it again this evening and it must be the Palomino; there was a horse head emblem on the side about 2 feet forward of the transom. Seems to be reasonably sound, didn't have a lot of time to look it over. Dale:Thanks for the pointers, I may make a low offer and just use it as a project boat.

[dasboat]

A california perspective.
Out here,this type of runabout would set you back from about $1,500 W/trlr and motor,to about $5,500 in real good shape.
If the merc.is in good repair,pulling a skier or two is not difficult(correctly proped).
These are suprisingly easy to work on ,as most everything is accessable and the layout of structural parts not complicated.

If all parts are there,and the boat is useable"as is",$3,000 doesn't seem out of line.
How about a picture of the innards and outards with some comments about where you see problems.
Sounds as if you could have yourself a fun project as well as a great toy when finished.
Darryl

[bob goeckel]

i'd offer very low, you may be surprised, hold some folding money in your hand and tell them you'll take it right now for cash and get it out of their yard and take good care of it. this works often(you can always come up). i'd be hard pressed to say it would be worth $3000.00

[Henri]

I have a friend in Brooklyn Park, MN who is just completing a 20 year complete restoration of a 1948 Century Resorter with a Continental 6 cyl inboard. This particular boat is now at least a 9.95. The boat is in his garage, the engine was re-installed about 3 weeks ago, and I do not know if its been launched as of this date. Anybody in the MSP area wants to see it, let me know.

[This message has been edited by Henri (edited 10-02-2001).]