(3/21/12) When I acquired the 1981 Century Resorter (late in 2011) its upholstery seemed entirely inappropriate for a boat. I didn't like its color, nor its "shape." The padding seemed too "plush," and not "yacht-like." Boat styling of this era seemed (to me) to have been influenced by automobile designs -- styling that was by then, a few years old and very "dated." (Should I say "stale?")

My redesign of the front seat is making more and more sense to me. It's lighter and stronger than the original, and adds structure to the rather wobbly, original motorbox. (BTW, you can't see it in these photos, but there is a "drop-in" storage container under the aft motorbox cushion.)

The color below is "truer" than above.

Next photo shows the new back panel of the front seat. That line on the left shows where the bottom of the new "beam" is located. Today I decided to carpet the back of the panel -- outside the center portion which forms the forward wall of the "motorbox." So only a small portion of the panel back will be seen, and the carpet will hide the "wrap" of the vinyl wrapping the back cushion. See the original hooks, and the two vertical struts that a) stiffen the back and b) mate with the front of the motorbox?

(Yes, that's a '49 Caddy.)

I'm really pleased with the boat's new seats, upholstery and carpet. IMO, the leather-colored vinyl looks quite elegant and serviceable. The hull's interior will be very smooth and will nicely accept the new neutral-gray carpet -- to be glued in place. (Stringers look healthy; can't believe Century used particle board to support the lower upholstered "rails" -- rails I cut down to be narrower than originals, as I did the upper rails. Click here to see them -- in very poor color rendition.)

The next photo shows the motor box with one of its two cushions in place. I won't make final cuts on the plywood base of the second (forward) cushion until everything else (cross beam, front seat and motorbox) are in place, all "matched up" and connected.

The two cushions on the saw horses are the "back" and "seat" of the aft seat. The fwd seat's "seat" is much thicker, 6" total, containing 3" of very dense foam under 3" of less dense (softer) foam.

The carpet is "less silver" in color than this computer scan:

3/22/12 -- The carpeting has been installed and a few of the upholstered items have been trial fit. I'll review a few of the modifications that have been made, or are "in process."

• Both the fore and aft deck panels have been made of 1/4" marine plywood, covered in vinyl. The vinyl has not been "wrapped."
• The original red/green navigation light (by Century) has been replaced with a Perko model, located further aft on the panel so it (and the personal burgee) can be reached from the front seat, while underway.
  
• The non-functioning original tachometer has been replaced with a new one.
  

• A new "GPS" speedometer is under consideration is on order.
  

• The radio/cassette tape player, amplifier, and four loudspeakers have been removed.
• A new amplifier with USB input (for iPad, etc.) and two new loudspeakers will be installed, but hidden from view.
• The original front bench seat has been replaced with one of a different design. The seat base has been changed to provide better access to the battery area. The new seat back is separate from the base and easily removed for access, especially to the front of the engine. The new seat back fastens to the motorbox (using original hooks.)
• A "beam" has been installed athwartships to a) support the seat back and b) support the new ski tow ring.
• The motorbox is all new. Its top is made in two sections, both topped with 2" cushions. Lifting the aft cushion reveals a storage "tray," which is removable.
• The upholstered side rails have all (upper and lower, fore and aft) been made narrower than the originals. The lower rails will be fastened to the boat with "capped" screws. The upholstered panel supporting the shift/throttle is also smaller than the original.
• The aft seat base has been reconfigured, providing access to -- and making room for -- a tool box under the rear seat cushion.
• The aft seat back upholstery has been reconfigured, requiring the addition of two SS brackets to hold the back "up" and its three original upper brackets "hooked" against the aft deck. Previously, screws were driven through the vinyl.
  

• The aft deck panel is made like the fore panel, with its gas filler cap moved to align with the fuel tank fill tube -- which required the ensign pole socket be moved off center.
  

  The vinyl covered aft panel before the three openings were trimmed:

  

  The vinyl covered aft panel after trimming:

  

• Arrangements have been made to have the hull painted (for the 2012 season) from gunwales to (new, "old style") waterline. If the weather cooperates, we'll begin preparation about March 28 for painting with urethane paint. Below the water line will have to wait. April 4 -- weather has not cooperated; painting now on hold 'til after Easter.

Above, Motorbox Before -- Below: Motorbox After
(The side rails not installed in the "after" photo.)

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