The Blue Arabian UPDATE. She Floats, And Drops Jaws!

Ohhhhhhhhhh! Dammmmmmmm that is fine!
Are you ready for the big Lake Hopacong Show this weekend? The Blue Arabian is. Flag and all! And best news yet, she floats. I know to many is the general boating community that is the cost of entry. But for those of us abnormal folks, floating is a bonus extra.

Like the day it was delivered.

Cant wait to take pics out on the water!
All kidding aside, she is all done and she is spectacular. The bold look is jaw dropping no matter how you look at it, and that is a huge reason to head to Lake Hopatcong this weekend. There are only two in the world done correctly like this, and after this summer is headed to New Zealand. So this could be your one chance to see one. Doing one yourself? Buy a plane ticket. Gas is cheap, drive, whatever it takes. Thanks to Katz’s Marina for the photos.

These are not official shots, but sure gives you a general idea! WOW

Knowing what went into this finish makes it even more amazing.
For those of you that are thinking about flying in, Lake Hopatcong is just 45 minutes west of NYC.
When judging a Century, is floating a point deduction?
Stunning is a good word for it. I can appreciate it but don’t necessarily lust after it. Beautiful work by Katz as always.
That is one beautiful boat!! Nothing finer ever came out from Manistee (or wherever she was built). I’d love to meet that thing on the water!! A work of art! Lucky folks in New Zealand!!
Nice, interesting how the hatch hinges.
The boat is spectacular ! On the naming front, the thoroughbred breed of horse was founded in the late 1600’s by three Arabian stallions. Their names were The Godolphin Arabian, The Darley Arabian and Byerley Turk. Possible names there? Ride a Thoroughbred!
How about Somethingroyal. Secretariat’s mother.
Watching the progress on this beauty has been great, thanks for all the updates.
OK BRIAN FAIR GET ON THE PLANE
A truly stunning example of the many fabulous crafts that came out of Manistee. They set the fashion trend in pleasure boating, set speed records, and went faster than most on the water – just like Thoroughbreds do. ‘Course, I’m partial – I’ve had many Century Boats and they all floated and went like – well you know!!!!
Georgeous! Congratulations to the Katz Crew for a stunning restoration.
The 56 is stunning. I like the way it gleams chrome and clear varnish.
My Dad had a 55 blue Arabian in the mid eighties with a 6cyl chrysler crown, fun boat.
Those of you in central Florida will soon see a Blue Arabian. A local restoration shop is just about finished with a complete restoration. The boat will stay in central Florida and it will look every bit as good as the Katz restoration.
Hi Peter, I’m very interested to stay in touch. Us Blue Arabians should stick together. Great to know there is another boat being brought back to life. My contact is
thegatehouse@slingshot.co.nz
Yes Peter we are very aware of the Richard Arnold one. As I recall Seth shared a lot of info regarding the finish. can’t wait to see it. The magic of this finish is that each boat is different because of how the grain takes on the stain
Yes it’s looking very Bristol am standing in front of her as I post….
Cant wait to see this Blue baby. Its been a long time searching and a whole heap of fun. Look forward to meeting some of my internet friends at the Lake this weekend.
Philip, we look forward to meeting you on beautiful Lake Hopatcong this Saturday. Should be a fun day for all!
Congrats Philip. Beautiful boat. Sorry I won’t be there to see it and meet you in person. Maybe in a few years in NZ.
That boat is a knockout. Love the blue!
Looks great but they forgot something … can anyone pick it out?
Aluminum trim on inside.
The correct steering wheel inserts???
Me?
the aluminum trim on the interior is missing… also the transom vent screen should be chrome looks like it is painted blue….
Did this model have an embossed logo on the seat back?
no logo until 1958 (resorter 19 and 16 ) they were chrome vinyl at that time. the rest of the line got the logo in 1959. the embossed logo with the century name was first used in 1962 into the 1970s…
Hey Phillip,
Its too bad that its just going to get all scratched up….From all the women trying to claw their way onboard for a ride!
Looks Great!
Everyone involved should be very proud of this outcome. She is truly stunning.
Would love to see a story on the other Blue Arabian in Fla.
Yes, the anodized aluminum wraps around the cockpit area back to the engine room.
Absolutely stunning! Truly a breath of fresh air, when looking at varnished mahogany all day. One of the all time best looking centurys ever built and in my opinion the best Arabian. Congrats to all that took part in the restoration.
Dan Lynch in Tenn. has a 56 Century Arabian for sale. Has a 331 Chrysler Hemi complete rebuild.