Century

Hi! Have a classic 1973 Century 18' inboard with the rare sliding top! Boat needs work, but should be an easy restoration. Here's a run-down of the known issues.Hull is solid with a clean bottom and good gelcoat. This is one of the more desirable years with the vinyl look fiberglass deck for reduced maintenance but it still has the mahogany (or what ever you choose) overlays at the bow and stern. Overlays, typically mahogany door skins, need to be replaced. The white vinyl tape boot stripe needs to be redone, easy enough- maybe mix in some red for a more interesting look? But the good news is no really nasty scrapes, no gouges or dings, a little wet sanding and buffing and this hull will look good! It's a solid glass hull with no coring to go bad. Titled in Oregon- clean title in hand.All of the original upholstery can be used as is- it's still pretty soft with good stitching and no tears. The top of the drivers seat back might need to be redyed (sprayed with liquid vinyl) as it is just a bit faded, or it may clean up. I didn't even wipe it down before taking the pictures- it is in generally better shape than it appears. The only real problem with all of the upholstery is that the common steel staples they used have rusted away. A little work with a staple gun.....loaded with stainless steel staples this time- and you should be good to go for years! The material on the sliding top will obviously need to be replaced, a pretty simple piece for any shop to make. Carpets and flooring are all good- some of the underlying wood needs to be replaced.

One of the best parts about this boat is the chrome. Everything is there, and I would just give it a good polish and be happy. Nothing really needs to be re-chromed unless it's headed for a museum. The foot pads, windshield frame, hand rails, ladder, vents, lights- all is very usable as is and will look sharp. I haven't made any attempt to clean stuff up- you're looking at the reality, not some quick spray-can detail or a short lasting wipe-down with vinyl dressing, etc.Two features make this boat stand out as a restoration candidate- the sliding top and the rare hand throttle. Many of these boats have the automotive style shift lever to the left of the steering wheel, as does this one. But very, very few came with the hand throttle- the big knob at the extreme right end of the dash. This knob can be easily pulled/pushed to activate the throttle, then easily locked in any position. You quickly get used to it, and the novelty is always good for some conversation and admiration.Power comes from the venerable Chrysler 318, 225hp with a 1:1 Borg Warner Velvet Drive transmission. Transmission is good- motor needs to be replaced. Nothing has been disturbed so all the original parts are there, fresh water use only (originally from central Oregon). Prop, shaft, and rudder are all good. Original galvanized steel tank (under the rear deck) is good. Straight exhaust exits the transom through chromed tips with rubber flappers to stop backwash. Steering is geared using an automotive style steering box and a drag link, all good.The trailer is solid, tows beautifully, and is appropriate for the era of the boat- it's a 1971. Good, in fact almost new, tires- good bearings, good lights. I towed this home, over 300 miles, without a single issue. Bearings run cool, it's well balanced, has an extra long tongue to facilitate launching if you find yourself at a shallow ramp. Trailer is titled in Washington, clean title in hand. So, why THIS boat? These show up for sale on a fairly regular basis with prices ranging from a couple thousand dollars to well into the teens. But I have yet to see another one with the sliding top and the hand throttle is also very rare. So when you're done with this one you'll have something a bit more unique- and valuable- than the next guy. And, this is a particularly cost effective restoration to do. Used 318 motors are available for a few hundred dollars on Craigslist, and rebuilt long blocks are under $2k. Aside from the sliding top, all of the upholstery is not only usable, but original- adding real value at little to no cost. So....an engine and some wood work, a bit of polishing, and you can be good to go, enjoying a classic conversation piece that sounds awesome going down the lake, puts smiles on everyone's faces, and is a real attention getter.... or makes you some money.

Why am I selling? I turn 65 soon, still have way too many projects, and am looking at moving in the near future. So some of the toys have to go- even if they are my better or more interesting ones. But my loss is someone elses dream and opportunity!

Advertised in other mediums- I reserve the right to end the auction at any time if it sells locally. $100 deposit by Paypal with 24 hours or your bid will be canceled and you will be reported as a non-paying bidder. Full payment by cash or cashiers check in 7 days. Have the money and your friend's/wife's/pastor's approval before bidding. Understand this boat is in Seattle, Washington. I will meet and assist your shipper in picking it up- but you need to pay for and arrange shipping. I will store it for free until September. Please be respectful of others time and money and only bid if you are prepared to follow through. Thanks! Happy Boating!