The Boating Forum - Can anyone advise - Potential Century 2600 CC purchase

I am potentially going to purchase a relatively low hour Century 26CC.... I have read through all the threads and some mention it can be a rough rider in the chop.

Most people speak of the "older models" pre 2000... I am looking at a 2001 with twin Yamaha 150's on it. Im just wondering if any former or current owners out there would like to comment.

I owned 2 Grady 247 advances prior... and liked both of them even though many comment they tend to ride rough and slap in the chop.

I understand the fuel vs deadrise debate and understand the century will not ride like a contendoregualtor...but my family needs seating and like cushions and a head in the console.

Im not a hardcore fishing person... and mostly only hit the ocean on nice calm days and hit up the local spots on the waterways when its rough out there. There seems to be alot of seating on the Century for family and freinds when we head out and that is a big plus.

The bow area on the 2600 seems nice with the large bow cushions and the console foward seating.

If anyone wants to offer some ideas on the build quality vs my 1997 and 1998 grady white Advance or some info on ride comparisons it would be much appreciated.

I will gladly update to share my experience as well.

Thanks!

My dad owned a 1998 and if I ever meet the designer of that boat the first thing I will do is punch him square in the kidney! I swear that boat took years off my life. I have not ridden in a newer model. I have heard they improved the design and ride, but I have no personal experience with the newer models. I can say that the boat was pretty solid, especially considering the pounding it took. I remember that for some reason, the inside of many of the compartments delaminated and all the gelcoat came off. Some of that was from dolphin pounding on the compartment lids but it still should not have happened. Our boat had 150's and it was plenty of power. No matter what, a sea trial needs to happen pretty early in the process with the reputation of that hull. If the ride meets your expectations you can negotiate from there. You should not have trouble finding some chop to run through around Boynton Inlet. Good luck with the purchase. I hope you find what is best for you and your family!

I owned a 23 Century for all of five months and thought it was a great boat. I was told repeatedly that Century's were crap. I think every boat has a purpose and anything might fill your requirements without being perfect. Is the dealer good? Are they close? These are my big Q's... If you are going hard core offshore fishing... buy a better brand. Mixed bay, fish, ski, cocktail... I'd mainly worry about the motor (Yamaha all the way) and the dealer.

just my .02 Hope you find the right ride and have a great time doing it! Aint boats fun?

My dad owned a 1998 and if I ever meet the designer of that boat the first thing I will do is punch him square in the kidney! I swear that boat took years off my life.

:rofl:

A friend of mine had the older model. As he says, it was the best twin engined, bay boat, he ever had because the only place you could comfortably run it was in the bay.

I've got a 2000 26 CCF with twin Yammy OX66's. I like the boat---looks, rider, maintainabilty, cost of ownership and good support from Century factory.

For all the reasons above plus great ride and looks--I'd buy another Century in a minute!!!