“Best Of All Times” Century Race Boat Collection – June 19-21, 2015

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Century Kid - Circa 1928

Vintage photo of “Century Kid” Race Boat – Circa 1928 (Century Boat Club photo)

IF YOU LOVE THOROUGHBRED HORSE RACING, Churchill Downs was the place to be last weekend for the 141st running of the Kentucky Derby – where American Pharoah brought home the ‘Run for the Roses’ in the final stretch.

IF YOU LOVE THOROUGHBRED RACE BOATS, Conneaut Lake, PA is the place you need to be the weekend of June 19-21 for the Century Boat Club’s 32nd annual Thoroughbred Round-Up.

This popular event, which is being held in conjunction with the Allegheny Chapter ACBS Boat Show, and will feature a full range of Century boats, as well as many other classic boat marques from the region. – Texx

centuryboatco

Century Boat Club President Mr. Thomas Holmes notes: “The Century Boat Company started in 1926 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin building hydroplane race boats and quickly became known as the “fastest boat on the lake”. A number of the young men who won races driving Century race boats in the late 1920’s and 1930’s became successful Century dealers. The 2015 Thoroughbred Round-Up will have a “best of all times” collection of antique Century race boats on display. It will be a major feature of the event.”

“Pre-registrations for this year’s show are indicating a significant display of all varieties of Century Boats from antique, classic and modern models.” – Thomas

26CenturyKid - Copy

The first load of Century Kid boats shown leaving the Milwaukee, Wisconsin plant in 1926. (Century Boat Club photo)

1930 Century Line

Best Of All Times – Century Race Boat Collection
June 19-21, 2015 – Conneaut Lake, PA

The 2015 Century Boat Club Thoroughbred Round-Up will be held in conjunction with the Allegheny Chapter A.C.B.S. Boat Show on June 19-21, 2015.

This will be an opportunity for eastern USA Century club members and their Thoroughbreds to participate in the 32nd annual club boat show.

Our show is on the grounds of the old Century Dealership – Reimann’s Marine Service of Conneaut Lake, PA. For many years this dealership was in the top 10 of sales for Century. Records indicate Reimann’s sold over 100 Century boats in the period from 1950 to 1975.

The grounds that were the marina are now a public park with dockage.

wbc CENTURY display

Photo of Wawasee Boat Company – Another major Century dealer typical show room back in the day. (Century Boat Club photo)

Club historian Frank Miklos notes: Texx – In addition to the vintage Century race boat display, it is looking like we may end up with a significant number of different Century Coronado models this year which is exciting. Right now we have 40+ Century boats registered both on land and water displays.

Here are just a few examples of some classic Century boats that are now registered for the boat show.

0030-59Coronado-Arnone

0051-68Coronado-Roskowski

Marion Roskowski’s 1968 Century Coronado 21′ powered by a 300 Chrysler “Wood Bye”.

0015-42Seamaid172-Prebis.

0016-84Resorter18-Howell

0029-42Seamaid17-Lowrie-b

00xxd-35Cyclone-Miklos

Race boats that are scheduled to be at the show will include:

1927 Century Kid (the oldest century known);
1931 Hurricane;
1934 Cyclone (shown above);
1935 Century 225 racer;
1937 Thunderbolt;
1937 Whirlwind;
1940 Whirlwind;

There are a few others that we are still trying to get to the show. But these are the ones committed. Not all of these are restored but still very interesting to see these rare race boats on display in one location. Others that I would still like to come also is a 1930 Cyclone, a 1931 Midget, a 1931 Blackdemon and around a 1935 Cyclone. These 4 are not restored but are still interesting to see. – Frank Miklos

0041-22-LibertyTheSecond

Conneaut Lake Historical Society 1922 HNS Unlimited Racer Liberty V8 “LIBERTY THE SECOND” – Land Display

31hurricane

Special thanks to Thomas Holmes and Frank Miklos for sharing the vintage photos and information on the upcoming 32nd Century Boat Club Thoroughbred Round-Up. The folks from the Century Boat Club are extremely dedicated and knowledgeable, always willing to lend a hand to help. For more information on the show you can visit www.centuryboatclub.com .

Century-Race-header

You can also see photos of many of the boats that are now pre-registered for the event by Clicking Here.

All indications are that this is shaping up to be another huge, successful event in PA.

Texx
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44 replies
  1. Frank Miklos
    Frank Miklos says:

    Note: Joanne Lowrie, is my aunt. The boat is our families original Century. It was bought new November 7, 1941 by my grandfather Arthur F Lowrie Sr. and his brother Stanton. It is a 1942 Century Seamaid 17′. It has remained in the family since new. My uncle Arthur F. Lowrie Jr. owned it from 1967 till his death last year. And now my Aunt owns it and plans for it to be kept in the family for many years to come.
    Here is a photo of it, Summer of 1942. Stanton is at the wheel.

  2. Ryan
    Ryan says:

    Very cool! Would love to see those old outboard racers. Here is a photo of the only known surviving Lyman 13′ reverse lapstrake racer. Lyman had success racing their speed tenders in the late 1920s. Bill Lyman designed the 13′ reverse lapstrake racer and they were tremendously successful in class “c” racing and set several speed records. This particular racer was built in 1930 (one of the very first) and has an original 1930 Elto Super C racing outboard hanging on the back (not shown in the particular photo).

    • Bartlomiej
      Bartlomiej says:

      Would LOVE to see a HI-RESOLUTION photo of this boat posted on the Lyman website, or Lyman FB… So many good things “told” about the boat yet all I ever see is small low-res crappy photos! Lets get something HI_RES!

    • Frank Miklos
      Frank Miklos says:

      Photo taken from my dad’s first Century. It was a 1948 Century Seamaid 17.5′. Dad bought the boat in 1955 from the original owner Everate Osterling.

  3. Frank Miklos
    Frank Miklos says:

    Shortly before Reiniman’s marine closed . Our 1955 Coronado running with Reiniman’s marine in background. This boat was bought new from Reiniman’s in 1955 by Bud Augustine. My dad went to the factory with the marina owner to pick this boat up, Good Friday 1955. This boat will be at the show..

  4. Paul Pletcher
    Paul Pletcher says:

    I was the lifeguard at Midway Hotel and saw some of those boats back in the 1960s. Anyone else (Frank?) know that spot off Midway out in the lake where you can stand up? I found it one day water skiing 🙂

  5. Al Benton
    Al Benton says:

    Hats Off – to Thomas Holmes and Frank Miklos and the Century Boat Club for all of their efforts in bringing these fabulous Century boats together in one place this summer.

    Almost makes me want to own a Century!

  6. Mike K
    Mike K says:

    hmmmmmm, a story dedicated to centurys and m fine is strangely quiet!, must be taking the high road! or od’d on bacon.

    • Frank Miklos
      Frank Miklos says:

      It is not registered as of today.. That is the 39 Thunderbolt that was owned by Bill Monroe, Chickie IV. I’m not even sure who owns it today.

      • cutwaterguy
        cutwaterguy says:

        i believe thats bill munro at the right in the photo. i don’t know where the boat is either, maybe stayed with the family.

  7. Don Ayers
    Don Ayers says:

    If I had a list of boats I would like to ride in the 39′ Thunderbolt would be close to the top.

    I’ve never seen it in person but sure would love to someday…and get a ride.

    It would be neat to compare with the CC 16-foot Hydro.

    • Frank Miklos
      Frank Miklos says:

      The 1935 225 Century racer that will be at the show, (not restored) is a very interesting boat. (built as a racer). There were 3 different 225 racers that Century Built one in 34, a different hull in 35 and a third starting in 1936. The original Thunderbolts (1931-37) Also were built as a racer. Initially it was in the 125 cu class later 151 class . Century also had a 125 Racer in 1934, that was similar to the thunderbolt but a different bottom design. The later Thunderbolt hull 1938-40 would have raced in the 225 class. but actually built as a Gentleman’s Runabout. Some raced including Chickie IV. Here is a photo of Chickie IV when fairly new. At this time it still had it’s original Graymarine 216/103hp engine. Note it still had the original stern exhaust.

  8. Frank Miklos
    Frank Miklos says:

    We have contacted many century race boat owners but if any of you people in woody boaterville know of any please let the owners know about this gathering… Most will be on land display.. So condition is not the issue. Of the ones coming the Kid may go in the water and the 1937 Thunderbolt should be in the water…

  9. Frank Miklos
    Frank Miklos says:

    Here is a photo of the 1935 Century 225 Racer that will be at the show. It is owned by Peter Kreisale of Clayton, NY. Until last year’s show at Clayton the boat was thought to be a custom built boat by a builder in Cincinnati. Appearently this hull was bought without hardware and engine. (all optional at the time) Then it was fitted out by the Cincinnati builder.

  10. Texx
    Texx says:

    Thanks Frank for sharing your great photos and knowledge of Century boats here today. The early race boats are wonderful to see and learn about.

    The benefit of attending an event like the Thoroughbred Round-Up / Allegheny Chapter ACBS Boat Show is not only to see the boats in person, but also to learn about the 80-plus year history of the Century marque.

    I am interested to learn more about the “Black Demon” and if any were built / exist today? – Texx

  11. Dane
    Dane says:

    I’d like to learn a little more about the 1942 Seamaids. Why were there two different 17′ models and what were the differences, other than transom shape?

    • Frank Miklos
      Frank Miklos says:

      There appearently was some dislike for the streamed line design. So century returned the traditional style Seamaid in 1942 which went away in 1940.. It was no big deal to do … both boats would have been built on the same building jig. bottom frames stringers, are the same, side frames and decks are unique to each model. But the side frames on the traditional style boat were the same as the 17′ utility of the same time. So the only thing that was really unique was the decking. It was a no brainer for the company to offer both styles of 17′ Seamaid. the 17 and the 172 (streamlined).

      • Dane
        Dane says:

        Thanks Frank, and Tommy,

        This helps to understand the motivation behind the different 17′ models.

    • Texx
      Texx says:

      Good question. Hopefully Frank Miklos (or the Century Boat Club Guys) will chime in and answer that question Andy.

    • tommyholm
      tommyholm says:

      a Cyclone was replicated by Mark Mason of Gilford, NH a few years ago. It is lodged at the NH Boat Museum near his business.

    • Frank Miklos
      Frank Miklos says:

      not at this point.. There were several different cyclones over the years.. Actually in the 1930s each year’s hulls were altered…. Tweaking was done for speed… Bottoms changed quite a bit from 1933 – 1939 .. but the upper side of the boat appeared very much the same… We own a 1928 and a 1934. They are both cool boats but completely different hulls…

  12. don vogt
    don vogt says:

    Sounds like a fabulous show, Tommy. Particularly having all the coronados represented for the 60th anniv. would be neat to have I think some of the 60’s that were made into 61s? there too. will look forward to a great report at show time. thanks.

      • Wicked Wood
        Wicked Wood says:

        This event looks like its going to be an outstanding display of Century boats. I will show my 61 Resorter in water and looking forward to a week on Conneaut lake

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