Description:
The Century Arabian is one of the most iconic luxury runabouts produced during the golden age of American wooden boats. First introduced by the Century Boat Company in the late 1950s, the Arabian was designed as a high-performance sport runabout that combined sleek styling with powerful inboard propulsion. With a length overall of approximately 19 feet 6 inches and a beam of 7 feet, this elegant craft delivers both agility and stability, making it well suited for spirited cruising on lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. Its refined hull design and balanced displacement create a smooth, confident ride while maintaining the classic proportions that made Century boats highly desirable among boating enthusiasts.
Our workshop faithfully recreates this legendary runabout using premium marine materials-including Western Red Cedar, Mahogany, Teak, and high-grade marine plywood reinforced with U.S.-made Hexcel fiberglass cloth. Each hull is sealed with marine epoxy and finished with multiple coats of System Three marine spar varnish, enhancing durability while showcasing the rich natural grain of the wood. Every vessel is handcrafted by skilled artisans using traditional plank-on-frame techniques combined with modern marine reinforcement methods, resulting in a wooden boat that balances structural integrity with timeless elegance. Typical build time ranges from 4-6 months, depending on interior layout, engine configuration, and finishing specifications.
Clients may customize cockpit seating arrangements, dashboard layout, upholstery, engine options, storage compartments, trim details, wood combinations, and protective finishes-allowing each Century Arabian to reflect personal preferences and intended use.
General Dimensions:
- Length Overall (LOA): 19ft
- Beam: 7'
- Draft: Approximately 24?
- Displacement: Approximately 2,400 lbs
- Propulsion: Single inboard engine
- Hull Type: Classic wooden runabout with planing hull
Performance & Use:
Designed for performance and refined recreational boating, the Century Arabian delivers responsive handling and impressive speed while maintaining the smooth ride expected from a premium wooden runabout. The spacious cockpit offers comfortable seating for social cruising and watersports, while the elegant deck layout reflects the craftsmanship that defined mid-century American boatbuilding. Combining powerful performance with timeless wooden aesthetics, the Arabian remains one of the most admired classic runabouts ever produced.
Disclaimer: Century Arabian 19ft is a design by Century Boats. Wooden Boat USA is not affiliated with or endorsed by Century Boats.
Contact us to explore specifications, finish options, and build schedules for your Century Arabian.
History:
Introduced as Century pushed further into the performance market, the Arabian reflected the growing demand for larger, faster pleasure boats. As horsepower ratings increased during the late 1950s and 1960s, Century responded with models that combined racing-inspired lines with upscale finishes.
The Arabian became known for its muscular profile and powerful inboard engines, marking a transition period when traditional mahogany construction met the rising performance expectations of American boaters. Today, it remains one of the most admired Century models, symbolizing the peak of wooden performance boating before fiberglass production fully dominated the industry.