The Century Resorter name harkens as far back as the 1950s, a time when wooden boats with straight inboards ruled the recreational boating market and Boating magazine was just getting underway.
The new 24 Resorter from Florida-based Century Boats looks a lot different than those models of yesteryear. Its deep-V fiberglass hull, outboard power and dual-console interior design offer boating families the versatility to enjoy a range of watersports, offshore fishing, diving and day cruising in comfort.
Our test boat also reflected the latest in technological conveniences, including Uflex power steering, electronic throttle and shift, and digital switching via a Raymarine eS127 HybridTouch 12-inch multifunction display that also replaces conventional engine gauges. It serves as a fish finder and navigational chart plotter as well.
It’s easy to relax aboard the 24 Resorter, especially with the optional hardtop ($7,052) with a beefy powder-coated aluminum frame that provides abundant shade from the midday sun, as well as a ski-tow eye for wakeboarding or water skiing, six overhead rod holders, and four built-in stereo speakers. You can also order a misting system ($963) to help keep everyone cool on sultry days.
Seating aboard the 24 Resorter includes twin loungers in the open bow, each with angled backrests, fold-down armrests to the inside, and permanent armrests to the outside. Spradling’s Silvertex vinyl used for upholstery on the 24 Resorter is engineered to resist stains, UV light, mildew and discoloration.
An optional, removable clear acrylic table between the loungers lets you enjoy snacks and beverages, and it can be relocated to the cockpit. Under the bow seating is beaucoup stowage, including a pair of lockers that doubles as insulated fish boxes.
A forward compartment on our test boat concealed a Lewmar windlass, which deploys and retrieves the anchor through an in-stem chute with a roller. Low-profile, stainless-steel grab rails bracket the bow for an extra measure of safety when going forward. Century designers have also cleverly integrated a telescoping, beach-boarding ladder under the boat deck for those days when you want to nose up to a quiet, remote shoreline and let the kids hop off to go exploring.
You might want to stay aboard and relax in the portside passenger seat, which is one of the most versatile we’ve seen. It offers four different seating positions, ranging from a traditional back-to-back seat to a forward-facing lounge. It also becomes an aft-facing lounger with extended leg support, or you can lay the backrest flat to get completely horizontal and take a nap. Underneath it all, you’ll find an insulated 35-quart cooler to keep your drinks ice cold.
A cavernous insole ski locker resides between the two consoles. It’s a great place for stashing skis, towropes and other watersports gear. A concealed head compartment in the port console features 49 inches of headroom and a permanent porcelain marine toilet with a holding tank. It’s also a great place to stow additional gear.
Across the transom, you’ll discover a 30-gallon livewell, 55-quart insulated fish box, and tackle prep/mini snack station. Use the tackle storage in the port inwale to carry a selection of hooks, lures, sinkers and other tackle items.
Four gunwale rod holders let you set up to troll, and you can order a pair of optional Taco Grand Slam outriggers to mount on the hardtop to create a wide spread of lures when trolling offshore.
A flip-up stern bench creates additional seating while entertaining or moving between fishing spots. A raw-water washdown spigot lets you clean up after filleting tasty mahimahi or tracking in dirt when guests step aboard.
You’ll appreciate the swim platform and transom door in the starboard quarter when you want to go snorkeling, wakeboarding, or just take a dip to cool off. A telescoping boarding ladder and stainless-steel grab rail let you easily climb back in. Rinse off with the pullout freshwater transom shower once you’re on board.
This 23-foot-9-inch Resorter rides with exceptional smoothness and comfort, even in choppy conditions, owing partly to the deep-V hull with 20 degrees of deadrise at the transom, and partly to the relative heft of the hull; it displaces 4,800 pounds with power.
Propelled by a Yamaha F300 outboard and turning a 17-inch-pitch propeller, the 24 Resorter required 12 seconds to reach 30 mph from a standing start. If you want a faster hole shot for water skiing, think about less prop pitch or upgrading to twin 200 engines. Top speed was 44.4 mph at 5,800 rpm. Handling proved superb as the 24 Resorter carved turns with grace and confidence at speed.
Few boats offer capabilities and features focusing on both offshore fishing and watersports, as well as day cruising. Another one that does is the Grady-White Freedom 235 ($101,980 base price with a single Yamaha F300 outboard). This dual console also offers offshore fishing features, but it has a ski pylon in the transom for watersports (versus a ski-tow eye on the hardtop).
The Resorter name may be steeped in boating history, but this boat has evolved far beyond the original. It emerges as one of the most versatile, comfortable and technologically advanced models on the market today.
Comparable Model: Grady-White Freedom 235
