Century 2301 CC

While a number of models are in production in home-state Florida, USA, we have just three here at this point in time: the 1701, 2001 and this the 2301.

These are all centre consoles and Century Boats produces these preferred fishboats up to 34 feet (10.5 m) in quite a few different sizes for anglers in their country of origin.

But if the Century models now on our shores are accepted by the boating public as we think they will be, we will see more of the range in the not too distant future.

The 2301 is a good example of a family day and serious offshore fishing boat and it performs both disciplines well. Good use has been made of the deck space and, while family entertainment may be underway up front, the serious business of game fishing could be happening aft.

With the comforts of a very large bowrider, a hull that is capable of taking on some serious offshore weather, and the privacy of the head-come-change room, the 2301 will appeal to the throngs looking for a cross-over boat with the utmost in functionality.

Around $84,990 pulls it up. Other than adding a depth sounder or chart plotter of your choosing there really isn’t anything more to spend your money on other than fuel.

The hull is foam filled which effectively makes every hatch an insulated ice box. The wall of the liner at this point is raised to divert water lying topside around the bow and aft so it won’t end up running down ones back when the boat is underway at speed. 

A removeable table top is fitted with drink holders and supported with a dog-leg post that attaches to the side of the liner, so occupants limbs are not inhibited as they would be with a standard central post support.

The anchor well is huge. In fact, it probably needs a false floor to keep the stowed ground tackle within easy reach. If the anchor is resting on the bowsprit there is a snub installed to prevent it accidentally being deployed; you don’t see too many manufacturers offering this sort of item as standard. In fact, we can’t think of any!

The centre console is a work of art with a forward-facing seat that complements those around the bow table. It, too, has stowage under a hinged seat base.

The bimini canvas top is supported on a rail network that is outrigger ready and host to a large overhead console in which the VHF radio and some of the switch gear is installed, along with a pair of hatched nooks for key and phone stowage.

Helm instrumentation doesn’t take up much room on the lower section and a fascia above the stainless-steel wheel will easily receive a pair of 12-inch electronic cabinets. The flat dash top behind the acrylic windscreen is bare but installation of mounted items here may impede the skipper's all-round view.

A hatch on the starboard side of the console allows one to step down into the head. The toilet is removable for servicing and Fusion’s iPhone dock stereo is installed, with its remote control fitted to the helm station.

A press-stud flap on the aft wall of this compartment allows easy access to the wiring at the back of the helm. In front of the toilet, a short cupboard with a front door grants access to the pair of batteries for crank and house duties, along with water pump.

Back topside, the double helm seat is a comfy affair upholstered top and front to facilitate a good lean, while the backrest is high and fixed in position. This seat base has a practical drawer set accessed from the aft side in which various game fishing tackle and gear may be stowed.

The transom has a short door portside for easy access to the boarding platform. The remainder is traced by a removable cushion to facilitate easy fishing. No doubt a bait-rigging table of sorts could be brought into play using mounting brackets.

A forward-facing hatch at the transom opens to reveal a set of removable tackle trays and, with the retaining clip on the swinging door released, the door lowers to give uninhibited access to the isolating switch gear.

Central in the transom, a live-bait tank may be accessed with the seat cushion installed or not.

Complementing the rod holders, which form part of the bimini frame overhead, are two rebated modules in the cockpit liner to hold rods, gaffs and tag poles.

All thru-hull fittings below the water line are bronze while those above are stainless steel.

The manufacturers seem to have left no stone unturned in the quest for longevity of life of this boat and its fittings. They quote the use of chrome-plated epoxy-coated stainless-steel fasteners, urethane ‘no rot’ high density transoms, stress-resistant multidirectional fibreglass and Armorcote/Image gelcoat, which has outstanding weather resistant properties and offers a consistent gloss. 

Well, the 2301 certainly looks the goods. The finish is refined and blemish free and try as we may we could not find fault with it.

At pelagic trolling speed of 6.2 knots and 1300rpm, the Yamaha was consuming 6.05 litres per hour. Sliding onto the plane at just over 11 knots the outboard was running at 2100rpm and using 13.6 lph. WOT was 5200rpm using 87 lph for 36.5 knots.

More importantly, 3500rpm gave 24.6 knots for 33.3 lph, 4000rpm returns 28.7 knots for 46.6 lph, and 4500rpm sees 32.5 knots and 56.8 lph. So this is a pretty fast offshore boat for hightailing it to the fishing grounds.

The 2301 CC was responsive and its big shoulders at the forequarters ensured there were no issues with spray coming aboard.

Getting a boat that is so practical yet elegant is a tough call, but Century Boats seem to have achieved that with their 2301. 

We also loved their 1701  and now all that remains to be tested is the 2001. These are all great boats and if Century gets a hold of our fishing-driven trailerboat market, the big Yankee brand will gain for a whole new chapter in its long and revered history.