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Manufacturer Century Boat Builders
Model Sea Maid Runabout
Year 1948
Length 19’6″
Bottom New 1990
Last in Water Unknown
Engine Details
Manufacturer Gray Marine
Model Fire Ball
Horsepower 140
Year 1948 Overhaul in 1990
Cylinders Six
Condition Good
Trailer TBD
HULL AND DECK STRUCTURES
The hull construction is of 3/8″ planked Mahogany, over White Oak framing with Oak battens utilized on the hull interior. Fastenings are a combination of bronze screws and bolts. A visual inspection of the hull sides did not reveal any sign of checking, or protruding planking. The hull sides are protected in uniform coatings of varnish, and have a smooth, damage free finish. An inspection of the hull interior did not reveal any deficiencies. All accessible structural members inspected and found to be in well preserved condition. The removal of fastenings was not performed at this time, however there was no outward evidence of fastener failure sighted.
BOTTOM
According to the documentation provided the bottom was replaced in 1990 with the planks set in 3M5200 for a water tight seal. The stem, stern post, keel, floor supports and transom interior were found to be easily accessible, in good visual condition. The transverse frames that were accessible were noted to be free of splitting and checking. The bronze bolts and screw heads that are visible were clean and dry, corrosion free. The bilge spaces were observed to be very clean and dry. The single bronze through hull fitting was clean and dry, free of visible corrosion. The factory thru hull was absent a seacock, which is not to current ABYC Standards but was typical for this vintage.
STEERING SYSTEM
The steering system was inspected and found to be installed to good marine practice, well secured. The wheel was spun and the rudder observed to turn without difficulty. The manual linkage system was observed to be in good serviceable condition. The rudder blade was found to be properly aligned and supported.
MACHINERY AND SYSTEMS
The propulsion power is supplied by an in line six cylinder Gray Marine gasoline engine, rated at 140 horsepower by the manufacturer. The engine was not demonstrated to run at this time, and a visual inspection only was performed. The engine beds and mounts, wiring harness, fuel line, cooling hoses and exhaust system were found to be to good marine practice, without area of concern. The air intake was found to be fitted with a secured spark arrester. The appearance of the engine was found to be clean and dry, without fuel or oil leaks present. The painted fuel tank is chocked and strapped in place against the transom interior. The tank has been removed, inspected, cleaned and painted for corrosion protection. The basic 12 volt DC system also appears to have been refurbished during the last restoration. The engine is coupled to a paragon reverse gear, also found to be in good visual condition. It is worth mention that many of the comparable listings available of like kind and quality, restored vessels have modern replacement engines, which to a collector may not be as desirable as the original manufacturer’s equipment.