Centurion Dominator. Need info!

[Dave911]

Anyone familiar with these boats? The one I'm looking at is a 23 footer with drop out bolsters. My intent is to go very light offshore (local in SoCal), and an occasional trip to Havasu. Maybe a trip a month. Total investment around $7k cash. Most have 454 / alpha, but this is a 350 / alpha. How much to get a reliable 454 and drop it in? Thoughts?? The itch is getting bad! Thanks, Dave911

[RedDog]

454 / alpha combo could be problematic on a 23 footer - particularly offshore

[Greg Guimond]

Why bother with a 454 upgrade and more importantly what is the deadrise on that hull. I can't imagine that you are any higher then 18 degrees on a late 80's Centurion hull.

[Dave911]

I have no idea of the deadrise on the boat. They made it for only 2 years, and some have called it an "offshore". I believe the hull and deck are glassed. The boat is pretty much a california custom style (think eliminator), so rigged with some degree of care. Many seem to have trim tabs, but not sure if that means "good in waves" or this thing needs tabs to ride decently.

I gotta think I could get away with some light offshore use, even with the Alphas. I had Alphas on my 26' twin SBC Sutphen with NO problems. BUT this might be a little big for a single Alpha?

Here's a clean looking pic from Utah boat...
http://www.onlyinboards.com/Details.aspx?ID=28906

And here's the boat I'm looking at (this weekend)...
http://california.freeboatshopper.com/boats-parts/24-foot-speed-boat.html

I suppose I could buy as-is, then swap to a "take-out" 454/502 bravo package from someone upgrading??

Am I crazy on this one??
Dave911

[Greg Guimond]

$7,000 for that looks cheap if its local. Here is my .02 since I think you are looking for opinions. Leave the rigging quality and engine choice to the side for the moment and take a look at the keel on the boat. Buy a cheap protractor and see....

1. What is the deadrise at the bow and at the stern
2. Does the boat have full length lifting strakes right to the transom and are they square
3. Does the boat have a pad and if yes any deadrise to that or is it dead flat which is bad for your intended use.

The hull can be rigged like a Hallett or DCB and you can probably live with the SBC for at least a year or two with that low an entry price, but you can't change how the boat handles rougher water without the above in mind. You don't want to end up in something that is smack, smack, smacking you and your family when the weather turns as the boat already has fairly low freeboard from the looks of the picture. I can live with low freeboard if I get steep bow and stern deadrise to shear the rollers.

[biggiefl]

Don't believe the hype about Alphas....they are darn tough. Mercury would only warranty them to 350hp but they can handle another 100 if you don't drive it like you stole it. I had 400+ behind one for a decade and not a problem. My bud then bought the boat and put 525hp behind her at 20 years old and she gave up the ghost.

[Greg Guimond]

Dave, A second thought is let me know how close you are to area code 805. I might have another option for you :lookaroun:

[Dave911]

I like the idea of the protractor. If I do a little homework ahead of time, I can likely get a few measurements pretty quick. Not see much on the web for specs. My 18' Sutphen Gran Sport had an AQ311 Volvo package, with a 350CI 307hp(??), and she went like stink...so I guess I could build the 350 to a 383 stroker or something, and keep the Alpha. Lot's of options here, and at $7k invested (new interior needed), then it might work. Here's a small pic of someone who scanned the brochure online....Pretty sexy boat! 69686

Yes, Greg, that boat looks great! The 805 is not too far. Kinda reminds me of one of my all-time favorites, the Schiada 24...What is it? Send me a link?? Thanx!

[Dave911]

updated pic

[Dave911]

http://www.autofaironline.com/modules.php?name=Classifieds&file=detail&cat=137&de=11486

[Dave911]

stern

[Greg Guimond]

Ok, that hull has no pad which is good and it also looks like it might have reverse lifting strakes. It is tough to tell from the picture. Next step is the protractor to get some angles. The guy who has the boat I sent you the PM on actually has two of them. One is a Wacker and one is an IO with a 454. Did you make contact?

[Dave911]

Hmmm...never got the PM? ping me at REMOVED@.com. THanks! Dave

[Dave911]

Checking her out on Sunday morning. Who knows?
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/esd/boa/2771835601.html

[Greg Guimond]

Good looking boat..........bow deadrise looks on the shallow side :screwy:

[Dave911]

Nice lines. Drop down bolsters. Great dash layout. Bolted and glasses hull / deck. Great cabin access and lighting. BUT soft floor, ruined gelcoat, shallow v at stern, general neglect. Oh well. Thanks all for ur input. Dave911

[Greg Guimond]

What's next now?

[Dave911]

Thanks for your help, Greg. I have a couple ideas. Will share soon...d