WOODEN BOAT
Century Boat Restoration
At Tahoe Runabout Co., our team specializes in the meticulous restoration of Century wooden boats. For over 90 years, Century’s expert craftsmanship and innovative designs have made them highly coveted among boating enthusiasts. We feel privileged to give new life to these icons of classic boating.
Our restoration process honors the heritage of every Century boat. Combining generations of woodworking expertise with a deep respect for original designs, we return each vessel to its authentic glory. From assessing condition to applying the finishing touches, we tailor our approach to meet the unique needs of each project.
The result is a revitalized work of art, ready once again for Lake Tahoe. As stewards of these classics, we take pride in our part preserving Century’s enduring legacy.
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OUR SERVICES
We can take on projects of any scale, and our restorations help boats which have been damaged or neglected get a second chance to shine.
Whether your entire boat is painted or just has accent colors, we can make it look its best and apply protective coatings to protect the paint and the boat.
Varnish is key for a wooden boat to stand the test of time, and when it’s applied by an expert it can greatly enhance the aesthetics of the vessel as well.
You want to turn heads every time you take the water, and our detailing services can ensure your boat always looks best and is comfortable to ride in.
No boat owner wants to replace part of their vessel, but our team has the expertise and equipment to replace bottom effectively and efficiently.
Annual Inspection
Having experts look over the condition of your boat regularly, correct any issues and apply the right varnish can keep it performing well for years to come.
FAQs
How do you determine the restoration needs for each Century boat?
Determining the restoration needs for a Century boat is a comprehensive process. We start by thoroughly examining the internal structure and external components of the vessel from stem to stern. Our technicians assess the condition of the wood, noting areas of cracking, rotting, or deterioration. We investigate the soundness of joints and connections to identify any weaknesses or separations. Hardware components like lights, gauges, steering apparatus, and metal fittings are checked for condition and operation. We determine if mechanical systems like the engine and drive train are functioning adequately or need overhaul or replacement. Additionally, we examine the electrical system including wiring, connections and control panels. Cosmetic elements such as paint, varnish, chrome and upholstery are evaluated for their condition and originality. This extensive inspection allows us to develop a detailed restoration plan that addresses both cosmetic renewal and structural/mechanical repairs. Our goal is faithful preservation of the boat’s original design and decor while ensuring safety and reliability for the next generation of owners.
What woodworking techniques do you use during restorations?
Century boats showcase masterful woodworking in their construction, and our restorations demand the same level of skill and attention to detail. Many structural components require steam bending to accurately shape replacement parts. Our wood shop can replicate an unlimited range of frames, ribs, planks and other complex curves to match the original structures using this process. We also use pressure treating to stabilize and strengthen wood that is staying in place but in need of restoration. Precision wood joinery, such as rabbet and tongue and groove joints, lend continuity and solidity to the assembly of major components. Wherever possible, we strive to duplicate the exact joints used by Century’s craftsmen. For replacing decking and interior surfaces, we use only the highest grade of appropriate species, cut and fit to seamlessly integrate within the existing boat. In all aspects of our woodworking, we aim to honor the heritage of expertise exemplified in Century’s constructions with our meticulously crafted repairs and replacements.
How is the varnish process different than standard refinishing?
When restoring a Century boat, our varnish technique goes far beyond standard refinishing. After removing old finish right down to bare wood, we prep the surface until it is perfectly smooth and free of any imperfections. The foundation coats are interspersed with thorough sanding to fill pores and create a flawless substructure for the final high-gloss varnish. As we build up layers of finish, we allow 72 hours of curing time between ultra-thin applications. This allows the varnish to harden fully before the next application, preventing running, orange peeling or soft spots between coats. Over the course of the 30-40 coats that typically produce the signature deep, piano finish, environmental conditions must be carefully controlled as well. Temperature, dust and humidity are all factors our experts monitor and adjust for throughout the process. The result of this meticulous approach is a stunning, durable finish that accentuates the warmth and dimension of the wood grain while protecting the beauty of the boat for generations.
Are there certain parts that are more challenging to reproduce?
Among the most challenging aspects of restoration are recreating or replacing unique hardware pieces. Century was known for custom touches like art deco steering wheels, chrome bow light assemblies and specialized gauge arrangements. We exhaust every avenue trying to locate original equipment vendors or parts caches to secure authentic components. If unavailable, we collaborate with machine fabricators to recreate parts. This may involve working from a single sample piece or photos to machine duplicate castings and molds. Our in-house wood shop also builds specialty pieces like flagpoles, boards and console boxes matched to the original boat specs. On all fronts, absolute historical accuracy is our ultimate objective when replacing hardware or custom fixtures. We strive to preserve not just the functionality of the boat but the nuances that make each Century boat special.
How is working on Century boats different than other restoration projects?
For our team, no restoration project stirs more passion than the opportunity to work on a Century boat. Their innovation firsts, like bringing aircraft construction to boat building, and the sheer artistry of their designs constantly motivate us to meet the most exacting standards in every phase of our work. Whether implementing complex structural repairs or applying the 40th coat of varnish, we feel the weight of history guiding our hands to faithfully preserve these works of art. The very last step of re-launching a completed Century restoration is an emotional moment. As the revived boat once again graces the waters of Lake Tahoe, we feel immensely grateful to the original craftsmen who shaped this iconic legacy. We consider it a privilege to carry that legacy forward to the next generation of Century boat enthusiasts.
If you own a Century boat or have always longed to, we welcome you to learn more about our services. Contact us today to connect with true specialists who value these classics as you do. Our shared reverence drives us to honor the heritage and peerless grace at the heart of every project. We see each restoration as a privilege to carry a rich legacy forward to the next generation of enthusiasts on Lake Tahoe.