The 1955 Century Coronado was Century Boat Company’s new flagship wooden runabout for 1955 and is regarded as one of the most distinctive American mahogany boats of the 1950s. It was designed to compete in the growing luxury-performance market and was heavily influenced by the styling of contemporary automobiles. Century Boats - Since 1926
This1955 Century Coronado had restoration that started in 2011 and was completed to a usable, running condition in 2023. Last on the water July 2026. This boat does come with a spare transmission as well as some additional parts.
Length: approximately 20 feet
Construction: updated with 5200 plywood bottom completed in 2019
Hull/deck: newer sides and decks
Windshield: distinctive curved, wraparound windshield, an automotive-inspired feature
Interior: Updates to interior was done in 2021, not period correct but can be done for additional charge. The period correct flooring is included. The hardtop and folding top frame are also included and would require restoration. The top of the stern light is missing.
Top: removable Landau-style top does need updating
Engine: powered by a Cal Connell Cadillac 331 V8 producing 250hp (rebuilt engine, with rebuild/replacement recently of the starter, generator, carburetor, fuel pump, and ignition system), automatic bilge pump and bilge blower, fuel tank has been cleaned up with a spin-on water-separating fuel filter
Style: long, low, sweeping lines with abundant chrome and brightwork
Seating: a spacious three-cockpit/runabout arrangement
Character: fast, flashy, and deliberately styled more like a 1950s luxury automobile than a conventional boat.
Trailer: boat comes with Ram-Lin trailer with new tires, electric brakes, serviced bearings, and lights. The trailer is serviceable but could benefit from some cosmetic work.
The 1955 model is particularly significant because it was the first year of the Coronado, and the earliest boats had mahogany decks; the 1955–56 boats are considered especially desirable by classic-boat enthusiasts.
Contemporary Sports Illustrated described the boat as having glowing mahogany topsides, white two-toning, chrome, the wraparound windshield, Landau top, and red-and-white interior—essentially a “dream come true” on the boat-show floor.
In short: the 1955 Coronado was the Cadillac of Century’s wooden runabouts—a 20-foot, high-performance mahogany boat with dramatic automotive styling, powerful inboard power, and a lavish interior. It is one of the landmark American classic boats of the 1950s.
