1953 Century Vagabond 18'
Hull number J5026
This boat was listed as a Century Resorter on ebay in April 2007. From the photographs we determined that it was a Vagabond and decided to try to purchase it. The boat is actually the second one of seven Century Vagabond 18's built in 1950 and 1951. As one of the seven 18' Vagabonds (1950-1951) this is the only one known to still be around. Also of the seven this one was built with the fewest options with wood motorbox and seat backs. 1950 hull numbers went from J5025 to J5030. It looks like only one was built in 1951. That boat would have been J5150. (Century's numbering system changed in 1950 (starting with #25) and again in 1951 (starting with #50). click here for Century numbering information.
The 16' Vagabond was almost as rare, with 10 being built in the same 2 year period. We have herd of two of the 16' Vagabonds.
In 1950 Century only showed the 16' Vagabond 18' in the catalog they just listed the facts about the 18' This photo is a re-worked photo fo the 16' Vagabond. It is sized up and 18' Vagabond features have been added. Some features in the photo may not be 100% accurate. According to the price sheet, any Resorter 18' option including the folding top was available on this boat. Features that were not standard on this boat, was the windshield. This boat could have no windshield, the resorter 16' windshield, the Resorter 18' windshield, the pre-war style rap-around plexi glass windshield, and the high windshield that went with the folding top. The base boat had wood seat backs with 3 cushions, for the front seat only. A stem band instead of a cutwater. Bow and stern lights, the stern pole came without a flag. It also had the Century stern name plate. The decking was Alaskan Yellow Cedar instead of the Avodire. The striping spacing was the wider like the Resorter 16' not the standard 18' Resorter spacing. The front seat did not have the break like the Resorter 18'.
Below are a number of photographs showing just how bad this boat was. Including the porly done repairs. Someone used pressure treated pine to repair the bottom framework.
Another unique feature on this boat is the dashboard. This dash board style and gauge cluster was only used on the Vagabond 18', 16' and the 1950 Resorter 16'. The actual gauge cluster was used on several other boats including the lap strake Viking and the first Skidarts. The steering wheel in this photo is just setting in for the photo. The actual wheel was this type but a cream color.
Rebuilding the transom framework.
Figuring out the new plank layout.
The new planking cut out to rough shape.
The new stem, forfoot, and keel assembeled and ready to install.
Installing the new stem, forfoot, and keel.
A scarf jig for the battens. We like to scarf the battens rather than but join them. It is a stronger joint and only on screw is needed to hold the joint. The but joints were a place where rot often started. When installing the battens you fit them to the bow. take them back onto what ever frame that you are joining them. This jig is then used to cut the angle for the scarf.
The new chines installed.
The boat is just about framed out. We are framing out 5 boats then we will do the planking. This boat is now set aside. Work will resume in the spring.
Fitting the first hull side plank, starboard chine 1 forward. In front of the boat are planks cut out for several boats.
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