Century 17' Sportsman Custom Built Wooden Boat

The Century 17ft Sportsman is an elegant yet sturdy utility runabout, featuring a wide-open cockpit and a functional design that emphasizes comfort and space. With its distinctive varnished mahogany decks and classic upright windshield, the Sportsman offers a commanding view of the water and an inviting atmosphere for social outings. Its balance of traditional beauty and utilitarian strength makes it one of the most versatile models in the vintage Century lineup. Our workshop builds faithful recreations using premium marine Mahogany, Western Red Cedar, and Teak-reinforced with fiberglass cloth and sealed with high-grade marine epoxy. Each boat is handcrafted using traditional plank-on-frame methods, finished with multiple coats of marine spar varnish to achieve deep gloss and long-lasting protection. The interior is updated with modern marine-grade vinyls while retaining the period-correct aesthetic and polished hardware. Typical build time ranges from 3-4 months depending on customization. General Characteristics: - Open-cockpit layout with ample walk-around room - Classic mahogany engine box with integrated seating - Upright, framed glass windshield - Reliable inboard propulsion system Dimension: - Length Overall (LOA): 17 ft - Beam: Approx. 6ft - Draft: Approx. 2ft - Passenger Capacity: Typically 5 persons - Original Power: Inline 6-cylinder inboard Performance & Use: Designed for stability and smooth cruising, the 17′ Sportsman is ideal for social gatherings, fishing, and steady lake transit. Its hull is engineered to provide a soft ride even in light chop, making it the perfect choice for enthusiasts who value a dependable, classic wooden vessel for elegant waterfront leisure and family memories. Disclaimer: Century 17ft Sportsman is a design by Century Boats. Wooden Boat USA is not affiliated with or endorsed by Century Boats in any way. The Century 17′ Sportsman is a cornerstone of mid-century maritime utility, representing the quintessential "all-purpose" family boat of the 1950s. Introduced as a versatile open-cockpit runabout, the Sportsman was designed to bridge the gap between a serious fishing vessel and a comfortable family cruiser. Its hallmark was a spacious, uncluttered layout that provided maximum floor space, making it a favorite for everything from coastal exploring to lake-side camping trips. During its peak production years, the Sportsman was celebrated for its rugged construction and classic aesthetics. While other models in the Century "Thoroughbred Fleet" focused on high-speed racing or executive luxury, the Sportsman focused on reliability and seaworthiness. Its deep, wide hull design offered a sense of security in rougher water, ensuring its place as one of the most practical and enduring wooden boats of the era, beloved by generations of boaters for its honest craftsmanship and timeless silhouette.