Cheetah 16ft (1969) Century boat Custom Built Wooden Boat

The 1969 Century Cheetah is a sleek, low-profile performance runabout that epitomizes the aggressive styling and high-speed spirit of the late 1960s. Featuring a sharp, raked hull and a minimalist, automotive-inspired deck, the Cheetah was designed to look fast even while sitting at the dock. Its design prioritizes aerodynamics and weight distribution, making it one of the most exciting and responsive fiberglass models in the classic Century portfolio. Our workshop builds faithful recreations of the 1969 Cheetah using high-grade composite materials and reinforced fiberglass structures, sealed with premium marine-grade resins. Each boat is handcrafted to replicate the original's sharp contours and vibrant finish, utilizing multiple layers of high-gloss gelcoat for a durable and brilliant shine. The interior features period-correct bucket seating and a sports-style dashboard, all fitted with polished stainless steel and chrome accents. Typical build time ranges from 4-6 months depending on customization. General Characteristics: - Sleek, low-profile fiberglass performance hull - Sport-tuned bucket seating and wrap-around cockpit - Raked, automotive-style panoramic windshield - High-performance inboard V-8 propulsion system Dimension: - Length Overall (LOA): 16 ft - Beam: Approx. 6 ft 6 in - Draft: Approx. 1.5-2 ft - Passenger Capacity: Typically 5 persons - Original Power: Inline 6-cylinder or small V8 inboard Performance & Use: Designed for raw speed and exhilarating maneuvers, the Cheetah is an ideal choice for performance enthusiasts and classic fiberglass collectors. Its hull is optimized for high-speed lake runs and cutting through light chop with precision, offering a thrilling "cockpit" experience for those who want to relive the golden age of American marine muscle. Disclaimer: 1969 Century Cheetah is a design by Century Boats. Wooden Boat USA is not affiliated with or endorsed by Century Boats. The 1969 Century Cheetah was a bold departure from tradition, marking a high-octane entry into the burgeoning "muscle boat" era of the late 1960s. As the marine industry shifted away from the wood-intensive designs of the past, the Cheetah was engineered as a pure fiberglass performance machine, built for speed and visual impact. With its low profile, sharp lines, and aggressive stance, it was Century's answer to the rising demand for sleek, modern runabouts that could compete with the burgeoning offshore racing culture while maintaining the brand's reputation for luxury. The 1969 model year is particularly notable for its "Space Age" influence, featuring vibrant gelcoat colors and an interior that mirrored the high-performance sports cars of the decade. It abandoned the classic mahogany aesthetic in favor of high-strength fiberglass, allowing for a lighter, faster hull that could handle the massive torque of high-output V-8 engines. This transition helped Century remain a dominant force in the performance market, appealing to a younger, speed-focused demographic and solidifying the Cheetah's legacy as a trailblazer in modern fiberglass boat design.