Antique Boat Show & Auction

A Century of Century

Friday, July 31 – Sunday, August 2, 2026

Or download the related registration form and email it to events@abm.org:

In 1926, two brothers from Michigan, James and William Welch, took a bold leap into the world of recreational boating. Together, they launched the Century Boat Company, a small shop with big ambitions along the shores of Lake Michigan. Their goal was simple and audacious: build boats that were fast, beautiful, and unforgettable.

One hundred years later, their legacy still thrills us and this summer the Antique Boat Museum is honored to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Century Boats at the 62nd Annual Antique Boat Show & Auction, July 31 – August 2, 2026.

James and William Welch brought complementary strengths to their new venture: James, an engineering mind fascinated by performance, and William, a savvy businessman focused on growth. Together, they built a brand defined by bold ideas and remarkable craftsmanship.

Their very first production model, the Century Kid, debuted shortly after the company’s founding. It was a 14-foot, plank-hulled runabout with seating for three, capable of reaching 35 mph – a thrilling speed for its day. It didn’t just make a splash; it signaled what Century intended to stand for: innovation, style, and performance.

As the company grew, the Welches doubled down on speed. In 1931, Century produced five hulls that went on to set a series of official world speed records, cementing their reputation as one of the fastest names on the water. “The Thoroughbred of Boats” wasn’t just marketing – it was fact.

Through the 1930s and 40s, Century’s designs evolved into sleek, mahogany showstoppers whose chrome accents and polished finishes came to define the golden age of American runabouts. Models like the Sea Maid, Thunderbolt, and Viking radiated sophistication, making Century a status symbol on rivers, lakes, and coastlines across the country.

When the United States entered World War II, Century shifted its entire production to support the war effort. The company built over 3,600 boats under government contract, supplying the U.S. Army and Navy with craft essential to patrol, transport, and training missions.

Their exceptional workmanship and efficiency earned Century the prestigious Army-Navy “E” Award for Excellence in Production, an honor reserved for manufacturers whose output directly strengthened the nation’s wartime capabilities. This period not only showcased the company’s technical skill—it revealed the character and capability behind the Century name.

The 1000 Islands region has always had an affinity for power and polish, making it no surprise that Century boats became summertime fixtures here. Their quick acceleration and reliable handling suited the winding channels of the St. Lawrence, while their gleaming finishes looked right at home tied up at island docks.

Today, Century owners across the region share similar stories: chasing wakes behind a Sea Maid, hearing the growl of an inboard echo off granite cliffs, or stepping onto varnished decks warm from the midday sun. These boats weren’t just recreational vessels; they were part of family traditions.

The story of Century is the story of American ingenuity—from a 14-foot Kid that delighted early customers, to speed records that turned heads worldwide, to wartime production that supported a nation in crisis. Through every chapter, the thread has remained the same: bold design, honest craftsmanship, and a love of the water that the Welch brothers infused into every plank and every hull.

Today, Century boats captivate collectors not only because they’re beautiful, but because they carry stories—of summers, families, speed, and the timeless joy of a wooden boat carving across open water.

Boat Show Video by Cal Lewellyn of Franklin Hill Media

Posters of Previous Boat Shows:

Many of our past posters are available for purchase in the Museum Store in-person or online here.