Description

1970 CENTURY RESORTER RC READY RUNABOUT

FULLY BUILT AND READY TO DISPLAY BOAT MODEL

Dimension approx.: 32″ (long) x 9″ (wide)
RC READY - hatches open for easy installation of your RC equipment, propeller(s) and motor (not included)
The model is already built. THIS IS NOT A MODEL SHIP KIT

By 1970, the Century Boat Company had already lived through more than four decades of innovation—beginning with the Welch brothers’ fast racing runabouts of the 1920s and evolving into one of America’s most recognizable builders of stylish, high‑performance pleasure craft. The Century Resorter, introduced in the 1950s and refined through the 1960s, had become one of the company’s signature models: an open‑deck, versatile speed boat equally at home pulling skiers, cruising lakes, or showing off its sleek automotive‑inspired lines at the dock.

The 1970 Resorter arrived at a pivotal moment. Century had completed its transition from wood to fiberglass, and the Resorter reflected that shift with crisp contours, bright gelcoat finishes, and a hull designed for durability and speed. The styling echoed late‑1960s automotive trends—clean angles, bold accents, and a confident stance that made the boat look fast even at rest. At 18 feet, it offered the perfect balance of maneuverability and presence, making it one of Century’s most popular models of the era.

What truly sets the 1970 Resorter apart, however, is the rare 427 cubic‑inch Ford V8 option. Listed in the 1970 Century Dealer Pack with the handwritten caveat “NO WARRANTY,” the 427 was a special‑order engine—powerful, demanding, and offered only in extremely limited numbers. Boats equipped with this engine are now among the most sought‑after Resorters, prized for their combination of raw performance and rarity. The 427 transformed the Resorter from a capable ski boat into a muscle‑boat icon, delivering the kind of acceleration and sound that defined American power boating in the early 1970s.

Collectors today often highlight originality when evaluating a 1970 Resorter. Boats retaining their original hull numbers, factory gelcoat, and dealer documentation—especially those with very low hours—are considered exceptional finds. Many have undergone careful restoration work: rebuilt engines, refreshed upholstery, updated ignition systems, and protective canvas additions like bimini tops and full covers. Yet the most valuable examples remain those that preserve the authentic look and feel of Century’s 1970 craftsmanship.

The 1970 Century Resorter represents a convergence of style, performance, and cultural significance. It captures the moment when Century fully embraced fiberglass, when American boating leaned into automotive flair, and when high‑performance options like the 427 created legends still talked about by collectors today. For enthusiasts, a well‑documented 1970 Resorter—especially one carrying the rare 427—is more than a speed boat; it is a piece of Century history, a symbol of the company’s boldest era, and a prized artifact of classic American boating.