A Century of Century
Friday, July 31 – Sunday, August 2, 2026
COVERED DOCKING IS SOLD OUT!
A $25 late fee applies to all registrations received after July 10.
Please note that boat registrations received after Friday, July 17, are not eligible to be judged.
To register, please download and complete the related form and email it to events@abm.org:
Boat, Motor and Amphicar Registration
To register, please download the registration form and email it to events@abm.org.
Helpful Reminders for the Event:
- Boat Safety: Under Brianna’s Law, New York State requires all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, to have a Boating Safety Certificate. ABM has partnered with the USCGA to offer classes held virtually and in-person over the next few months. For more information please visit, NYS Boater Safety Info. (If you hold a captain license, you do NOT need to obtain a Boating Safety Certificate.)
- Bring adequate lines and fenders. The River’s weather can be unpredictable, and your boat’s safety is your responsibility.
- Security: Once the day’s events are completed and the evening gates are secured, no one will be allowed on the museum grounds. Our facility is not set up for overnight lodging. In the case of severe weather, the professional guard service will allow only the owner access to the registered boats.
- For Sale Signs: Personal “For Sale” signs on boats are not allowed, but a communal board in the Haxall Building will be available for listings.
- Smoking Policy: Smoking is strictly prohibited on museum grounds, including docks and buildings.
- Pets: Only service dogs are permitted on-site.
Marketplace Vendor Registration
Auction
The 2026 Boat Show Auction will take place at 1 pm on Saturday, August 1, 2026.
Donate an Item for Auction
We are no longer accepting items for the 2026 auction. If you have a boat, engine, or other related boating object you are interested in donating for museum benefit, please contact Caitlin Playle, Curator and Collections Manager, at 315.686.4104 ext. 231 or caitlinplayle@abm.org.
Consigning an Item for Auction
We are no longer accepting items for the 2026 auction. If you have a boat, engine, or other related boating object you are interested in consigning to the 2026 auction, please contact Caitlin Playle, Curator and Collections Manager, at 315.686.4104 ext. 231 or caitlinplayle@abm.org.
Bidder Registration
Registration will open on July 1st.
TERMS OF SALE
Auction Rules & Terms of sale:
If pick up/delivery of a boat/item by a third party is required, it is the owner’s responsibility and expense to arrange that delivery and to notify ABM as to who will be picking up the boat/item and when.
No proxy bids (one person bidding on behalf of someone else), and no third-party payments allowed; only the owner can complete the registration/titling/payment.
No absentee bidding. At this time ABM does not have the staffing capacity or infrastructure to manage absentee bidding.
Each item for sale is sold AS-IS, WHERE-IS. All sales are final. NO REFUNDS. Items in this auction are from various consignors or ABM deaccessions and/or boats for sale. Some have been pre-used and may contain defects. We have made every attempt to describe each item as accurately as possible. We are not responsible for errors or omissions in the descriptions. Before bidding, you should take appropriate steps to verify the accuracy of the listed item descriptions. You should also take appropriate steps to inspect or validate the condition of listed items prior to bidding on them. We will answer questions to the best of our ability and provide additional information if available for an item upon request during the pre-bidding and preview period.
A 15% Buyer’s Premium is applied to all purchases. The buyer is responsible for sales tax in their own state or jurisdiction at the time of DMV registration. Payment must be made in U.S. dollars. Payment options include cash, check or credit card. All credit card payments will have a 3% surcharge added. Complete payment is required after the conclusion of the auction. The Museum reserves the right to hold items or titles to items until funds clear. All winning bidders must arrange to remove items from the auction location at time of payment.
Payment must be made at the conclusion of the auction. Items that are not paid for and picked up or shipped/hauled within 3 days after auction will be deemed abandoned and those lots will be offered to the underbidder(s). Third-party shipping/hauling is available; buyers are responsible for coordinating payment and delivery arrangements with the shipper/hauler.
Buyer waives any claims for liability against either ABM or the donor/consigner of the property, and neither ABM nor the donor/consigner is responsible for any personal injuries or damages to the property that may result from the utilization of the property sold.
Bidders who abandon lots may receive a “bad bidder” rating that may affect their ability to bid in future auctions.
Pick up/Shipping: Boats/items must be removed from ABM’s grounds ASAP starting Sunday, August 2nd or NO LATER THAN 10 AM MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2026 unless special arrangements have been made with ABM. Vehicles are not permitted on campus for the removal of boats until 9 AM SUNDAY, AUGUST 2, 2026. Any necessary movement and securing of items is at the sole risk and responsibility of the owner. The owner must present the item’s Bill of Sale when the item is removed.Boats/items left at ABM after 10am Monday, August 3rd, WILL BE MOVED AND STORED AT THE PURCHASER’S EXPENSE for a fee of $50 a day. If pick up/delivery of a boat/item by a third party is required, it is the owner’s responsibility and expense to arrange that delivery and to notify ABM as to who will be picking up the boat/item and when.
2026 Auction Items
Items are described as best as possible based on the information and images provided. Careful review of photos and items in person is strongly encouraged.
1950s Evinrude Lightwin
3HP engine that has been in storage for the past 30 years but was running when put away. All proceeds support the Museum.
Honda 4-stroke outboard
Long shaft model; in good visual condition, running status unknown. All proceeds support the Museum.
Universal Fisherman Engine
Single-cylinder inboard engine with built-in transmission. Needs restoration before running. All proceeds support the Museum
15’ 1939 Thompson
This nicely refinished outboard boat was built by Thompson. The lines and design are representative of its time. The motor is a restored 22 HP Johnson PO-39. When last tested, the motor turns over well with good compression and should need minor attention before running it. From the Museum’s collection. All proceeds go to the direct care of the collection.
Photos coming soon
1940s LeJay Electrol
If you bought a brand-new LeJay electric outboard, the company didn’t expect you to need another until the early 1960s. It claimed its outboards were “built to give satisfactory service for 25 years.”
In one of their early brochures, LeJay invited owners to drive to a “favorite lake or stream, take out the car battery and run the outboard as long as (they) wished. Then replace the battery in your car and recharge it as you drive.”
Running condition unknown. From the Museum’s collection. All proceeds go to the direct care of the collection.
17′ 1935 Willits Brothers Canoe
This 1935 Willits Brothers canoe is an open style cruising canoe that was raced from 1935-2002. It was built with full length western cedar strips outside and full cedar planking inside instead of the usual ribs with planking outside. In 1972 the bottom planking was rebuilt with marine plywood glued in with glass and epoxy and the exterior was covered with Dynel and acrylic plastic died white. The sailing rig was designed by Thomas Zuk. He and his son Larry both raced this canoe and won American Canoe Association races in it.
Canoe is in rough shape due to years of racing and needs restoration. From the Museum’s collection. All proceeds go to the direct care of the collection.
USS Constitution Model & Purported Fragment
This model of the USS Constitution was made by John H. Fowler in 1938. All 500+ pieces were handmade. The model was built on a one-tenth scale and measures 20 inches long. It won first prize at the Endicott Lions Club’s First Hobby & Craft Exhibition in March 1939. The 3.5” x 2” piece of wood is purported to have been given to a Mr. Porter in 1928 by a worker who worked on the 1927-1931 restoration of “Old Ironsides”. The worker’s name is unknown therefore the origins of the wood fragment cannot be verified. From the Museum’s collection. All proceeds go to the direct care of the collection.
Slalom Kayak
This slalom training kayak was the first of six built from the same mold. It was built in 1954-55. Made of fiberglass it has sustained some damage over the years from use. From the Museum’s collection. All proceeds go to the direct care of the collection.
15′ 1952 Lyman
The 15’ Lyman outboard runabout model was considered to be the workhorse boat of the Lyman line. The 1952 version was the most popular outboard runabout of all those offered by American boatbuilders. It displays Lyman’s characteristic construction of mahogany and Douglas fir marine plywood on steam-bent oak frames. From the Museum’s collection. All proceeds go to the direct care of the collection.
Photos coming soon
1948 Atlas Royal
The Atlas Royal represents the post-World War II boom in the marine industry when every business equipped to handle boats and motors wanted to profit from consumer interest. Atlas Royal motors were marketed by Outboard Marine Corp. through store outlets such as Standard Oil’s Esso and Humble gas stations. Sears, Speigel, and Montgomery Ward were other companies that also sold motors at store outlets. From the Museum’s collection. All proceeds go to the direct care of the collection.
12’ International DN Ice Boat
The DN is the world’s most popular ice boat for recreational and racing sailing. It features a narrow, single-person cockpit, three steel blades in tricycle style arrangement and a steeply raked mast. This DN needs restoration but comes with rigging and sail. All proceeds support the Museum
Photos coming soon
ca. 1906 18’ Old Town Motor Canoe
This is a very unusual, early wood and canvas sponson canoe with the remnants of an Old Twon decal on the bow coaming. It is very different from most wood-canvas canoes in several ways. It is extremely heavily built, with a wide inner keel, heavy deck structure, very large sponsons, and wide ribs. This craft appears to have used every type of propulsion. It has seats, one in the bow and one in the stern, that are typical of a wood canvas canoe which is powered by paddlers, however the oarlocks are positioned such that they could not be used from these seats. There is a circular hollow carved out of the inner keel in front of the front seat, which probably functioned as a mast step, though the rest of the hardware and the rig are not present. There are also signs on the keel of a motor having been installed at one time. This boat is in fair shape. All of the wood is gray, and nearly all of the paint has flaked off the hull. There are many broken pieces, loose joints, and failing repairs. The keels are sound enough to keep the boat in shape. From the Museum’s collection. All proceeds go to the direct care of the collection.
16’ Sexton Lapstrake Boat
The J.E. Sexton Boat Shop in Hague, NY was one of the most respected boatbuilding businesses on Lake George at the beginning of the 20th century. This lapstrake rowboat is in poor condition and needs restoration. All proceeds support the Museum
Photos coming soon
1961 Johnson 3HP
This Johnson JW17 was last run 20 years ago and is in fair condition. All proceeds support the Museum
17′ St. Lawrence Skiff
This boat is most closely identified by the term “St. Lawrence Skiff” as it has bent inner and outer stems, lapstrake planking, two-piece decks, and many details that are similar to St. Lawrence skiffs. It is relatively small at 17’ and lightly built. The number 7 is painted carefully on the bow deck cap, indicating that this was probably a livery boat. It is a very nicely made boat; the laps are tight and even, stems well-fit, and ribs very even. It has been partially disassembled, with pieces of the inwales and outwales removed, as well as the seats and a couple of planks. The removed pieces are loose in the boat. The varnish is nearly gone from this boat, but it has not yet turned gray. From the Museum’s collection. All proceeds go to the direct care of the collection.
Photos coming soon
12′ Flat Bottom Dory
This flat bottom, slab-sided dory was built by John Sholett in 1925 and would have been used for rowing or with an outboard motor. The type of construction is clunky but strong, wide, flat pine planks over straight, sawn oak frames with knee braces. It is fastened with clinch-nails and rivets. It is almost definitely not a production boat. The boat is painted gray with a red bead rail. It was originally fitted with two sets of St. Lawrence Skiff type oarlocks, but only one set remains. The boat is very sound and shows no rot. There are signs of outboard motor mounting. From the Museum’s collection. All proceeds go to the direct care of the collection.
Sterling GRC-4
Sterling GRC-4 stationary engine #129, inline 4 cylinder, 150 HP @ 1550 rpm, 4 valves/cyclinder, single Stromberg updraft carb, unrestored. First manufactured in the early 1900s, the stationary GRC-4 was commonly used for agricultural power, oil fields, and marine applications such as workboats and early cruisers. From the late Tom Mittler’s collection. From the Museum’s collection. All proceeds go to the direct care of the collection.
Photos coming soon
Packard IM-245
Known for smooth operation, excellent torque, and long service life, the IM-245 was widely used in commercial boats, work vessels, and auxiliary marine applications after World War II. Rhe IM-245 displaced 245 cubic inches and was based on Packard’s inline-six build. The engine featured a heavy cast-iron block, full-pressure lubrication, and robust internal components that could withstand continuous operation at steady loads—an essential requirement for marine duty. This IM-245 is rusty and unrestored. All proceeds support the Museum
Photos coming soon
1947 Ford Marine Conversion
Converted Ford flathead V-8, 239 cubic inch, 100 HP. The conversion parts came from K.R. Wilson Co. of Buffalo, NY. It was restored in the late 1980s by SUNY Oswego students. From the Museum’s collection. All proceeds go to the direct care of the collection.
Photos coming soon
1965 21’ Lyman with trailer – RESERVE
This 1965 Lyman is in good condition and has a 1965 Gray Marine Fireball V8 engine in very good condition. Boat and engine have been winterized every year. It comes with a new boat cover, convertible top, side curtains, and tonneau. Navigation equipment includes a Garmin with chart plotter. Bilge pump was just replaced. Comes with a 2009 dual-axle Starr Load-Rite trailer. RESERVE
1961 18’ Lyman with trailer – RESERVE
This 1961 Lyman is in very good condition and has a 2022 Yamaha 60 HP, 4 cycle outboard motor with only 5 hours of run time. Boat was winterized when it was last in water. It has a new transom, some planks were replaced, and the varnish redone. Motor has always been stored indoors. Comes with a 2000 single-axle Load Rite trailer. RESERVE
Photos coming soon
1930 17’ Chris Craft with trailer – RESERVE
This 1930 Chris Craft Model 99, hull #14113, is in good condition and has a 1930 Gray Marine 45HP engine. Boat was last in the water August 2025 and was winterized. Family owned since 1974. Comes with boat cover and 1962 SE/KI single-axle trailer. RESERVE
1952 Evinrude Lightwin
This is a 1952 Evinrude Lightwin, serial #3012-13677 in unknown running condition. All proceeds support the Museum
1955 26’ Chris Craft – NO TRAILER
This 1955 Chris Craft has been the pride and joy of the current owner for many years and is ready for its next loving home. It was purchased here in Clayton and has spent its life on the St. Lawrence. The Hercules ML engine is original to the vessel and was the larger of the two options offered in 1955. Has a Lowrance GPS/chart plotter programmed for the St. Lawrence River. Ready to commission and launch for a day on the River.
1962 20’ Lyman with trailer
This 1962 Lyman could be your next project! A single owner and kept in the boathouse from 1962-2024. Boat currently takes on some water. It has a 1983 Crusader 220 in running condition. Has a convertible top and side curtains. Comes with 1986 dual-axle Shorelander trailer. All proceeds support the Museum
1929 28’ Chris Craft – STORAGE TRAILER ONLY
Hull number 3042 is a model 14 and had a shipping date of 6/24/1929. She came from the factory with the name “Hijacker” on the transom in silver leaf. Hull 3042 came with blue interior and the standard olive green Chris Craft A-70 engine.
During restoration by Maritime Classics, the double upswept deck that was lost over the years was reconstructed. All of the interior construction was completed as the factory delivered the hull in 1929. A new A70 was set in place on new engine beds and all the running gear was re-worked along with a new shaft and prop installed. A new bottom was also installed.
“Hijacker” is 1 of 28 1929 28′ Chris Craft Custom Runabouts still in existence today. The Chris Craft A70 engine in her is 1 of 12 that still exist. From the Museum’s collection. All proceeds go to the direct care of the collection.
1957 27’ Chris Craft Express Cruiser – NO TRAILER
This 1957 Chris Craft is in very good condition with its original dual Model K engines. The engines are in good running condition with annual tune-ups. As a cruiser, this vessel has a bathroom and kitchen on board. Owned by the same family for 66 years and was last in the water in 2024. Annual maintenance has been carried out by St. Lawrence Restoration and some planks have been replaced. Comes with convertible top and side curtains. All proceeds support the Museum
Photos coming soon
1980 22’ Catalina with Trailer
This 1980 Catalina is a Model 22 Swing Keel with a Johnson Sailmaster 6 outboard. The motor ran when stored in 2025. There is a crack in the port aft side near the waterline and the electrical panel needs rewiring. Previously an epoxy barrier coat was applied and the bottom painted. Comes with a 1979 Trail Rite Cat 22 trailer.
1939 Johnson MD39
This 1939 Johnson MD39 is serial number 320288. It ran a few years ago and was winterized when put in storage. Needs decals. All proceeds support the Museum
1950 14’ Globe Mastercraft with trailer
This 1950 Globe Mastercraft is one of the last surviving Globes in existence and the only outboard example known. It’s made of molded plywood and was designed by the famous designer Brooks Stevens. It features a swept-down stern profile. It has been in storage for many years and needs work before it can go in the water again. Windshield glass was removed for transit. All proceeds support the Museum
Photos coming soon
1964 17’ Chris Craft Skiboat
This Chris Craft Skiboat is in fair condition and needs a restoration. It was winterized when it was last in the water 20+ years ago and has been kept in indoor storage. It has a 1964 Chris Craft 283 engine. Comes with a 1978 homemade trailer.
Photos coming soon
Parking, Shuttle, and Visitor Docking
Parking is available at Lions Field, and any available village street parking. We ask you to be considerate of our neighbors when parking on the street and not block driveways and sidewalks. The ABM Community Parking Lot located at Riverside Dr and Jane St behind Watertown Savings Bank is open to current Friends of the Museum only from Thursday, August 1 through Sunday, August 4. Limited handicap parking is available in front of the Museum.
A FREE shuttle runs during Boat Show between ABM, Frink Park on Riverside Dr., the Lions Field parking lot (Webb St.), and the Don Doebler Collections Storage Facility (when open). The shuttle hours are 8:30am-5:30pm on Friday and Saturday and 8:30-1pm on Sunday.
Visiting the Show by boat? Visitor docking is not available at ABM’s docks during the Show. Limited docking is available at the Clayton Harbor Municipal Marina and the Village Docks. Learn more about the Municipal Marina here and the Village docks here. Both Village docks (Rotary Park Dock and Mary Street Dock) are available for visitors to dock at in 2024. All boaters must purchase Admission to the Show before proceeding into the Show unless they are only visiting the Marketplace which is free.
2025 Digital Program
Past Boat Show Digital Programs
2024 Digital Program
2023 Digital Program
2022 Digital Program
2021 Digital Program
Click the cover image to view the program.
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.
