Introduction to the Century Boat 2301 Center Console
Selecting a new boat is an important step for anyone who wants to enjoy spending more time on the water, whether it’s with family or friends or for enjoying time fishing and relaxing. The Century Boat 2301 Center Console makes this choice easier because it’s designed to meet the needs of so many types of boaters. This boat is made for people who want something dependable, practical, and capable of taking on different activities and water conditions. With a well-built design and a careful focus on useful features, Century has made the 2301 Center Console to be ready for almost any day out on the water. Many owners choose it because it blends ease of use, strong construction, fishing utility, and comfort for the whole family in one easy-to-handle boat.
Complete Specifications and Dimensions Breakdown
A closer look at the specifications of the Century 2301 Center Console helps you get a sense of how much thought has gone into making it suitable for real-world use. At 22 feet, 8 inches in length overall, this boat is large enough to give you the deck space needed for fishing, relaxing, and moving around—but not so large that it becomes hard to manage when launching or docking. Its beam measures 8 feet, 6 inches wide, giving the boat a stable ride and enough width for comfortable side-by-side seating. The 17-inch draft means you can explore shallower waters, fish near the beach, or navigate coastal areas that might be off-limits to deeper boats. With its fuel capacity of 101 gallons, owners can travel further or spend the full day outdoors without having to plan frequent fuel stops, offering flexibility for both close-to-home and more extended trips. The onboard freshwater tank holds 13 gallons for rinsing off equipment, washing hands, or even a quick wash-up after fishing or swimming.
The 2301 Center Console supports a maximum engine rating of 350 horsepower. Many boats are outfitted with a single Yamaha outboard engine, but owners also can consider twin-engine configurations depending on how they plan to use the boat, their need for speed, and how many people or how much gear they’re planning to bring. The hull is made of hand-laid fiberglass, a sturdy and trusted material in the boating industry that is known for both its long-term durability and resistance to rot. The hull-deadrise—different angles at the stern and bow—helps the boat move smoothly through both flat and choppy waters, which makes it more comfortable for passengers and helps you reach your favorite fishing or cruising spots more efficiently.
Deck Layout and Walkthrough
Walking onto a Century 2301 Center Console, one of the first things you’ll notice is the wide, open deck space from bow to stern. The bow seating area includes twin cushioned seats, with storage beneath each seat for life jackets, vests, towels, and other key items. At the front of the console, there’s a padded seat that doubles as an insulated cooler or fish box. Stainless steel grab rails run along the gunnels at the bow, giving passengers a safe place to hold onto when underway. This level of comfort and security is important for families as well as guests who may be new to boating.
Moving toward the console, the walkways on either side are wide enough for comfortable passage, with molded non-skid decking giving extra grip—even when the deck is wet. The raised combing pads all around the inner sides of the boat help cushion knees and legs for anyone fishing, leaning, or working a catch at the rails. Every storage compartment has tightly fitting lids with secure latches to keep your gear dry and safe while underway. The inclusion of stainless steel hardware—not just on rails, but also on hinges, latches, and deck plates—means the fittings hold up well to the elements without corroding.
The stern section includes a folding bench seat along the transom, which is ideal for carrying extra passengers to your favorite spot, but can easily be tucked away into the transom wall for more deck space during fishing or watersports. The rear area also features easy access to the swim platforms, which are built into the back corners of the hull and come with telescoping ladders to make re-boarding safe and convenient for swimmers or divers.
Console and Helm Design
At the heart of every center console boat is the main control area, and the Century 2301 Center Console’s helm is simple, intuitive, and comfortable for both new and experienced operators. The control console comes with enough space for mounting modern electronics, such as GPS chartplotters, fish finders, and VHF radios—a necessity for both fishing navigation and safety. Most of the common controls and switches are placed directly in front of the wheel with labels that are easy to read, so you’re not left guessing in an urgent moment. Hydraulic steering is a standard feature, which means it takes less muscle to turn the wheel and you can steer smoothly and accurately at all speeds.
The helm seat is a leaning post, offering support to operators who want to stand during navigation but with enough padding and back support if they choose to sit. Beneath the leaning post, many boats have an integrated 30-gallon livewell, with a clear lid, rounded corners to keep bait healthy, and a high-capacity aerator pump. The windshield is high enough to offer protection from wind and splashing water, with stainless steel grab rails and cup holders mounted within reach. For longer trips or emergencies, the inside of the main console offers a private, lockable compartment. Many owners use this area to install a portable marine toilet or as deep storage space for valuables, safety equipment, and rain gear.
Fishing and Sports Features
Fishing capability is one of the strongest reasons many buyers choose the 2301 Center Console, and the boat backs this up with smart, angler-focused features. Rod holders are built into both the gunnels and the leaning post, with a few more at the rear transom for trolling lines when underway. Under-gunnel rod storage lets you slide full-length rods under the boat’s sides, keeping them out of the way but close at hand when you want to change tactics quickly. There are insulated fish boxes in the bow sole, complete with overboard drains, so you can keep your catch fresh and out of the way from other gear or passengers. Extra storage compartments can be used for tackle trays, extra line, wet gear, or even boxed lunches.
The boat’s livewell is located aft of the leaning post where it’s easy to reach from the cockpit but does not get in the way of movement or fishing action. A raw water washdown system is fitted as standard or available as an option, with a high-capacity hose and spray nozzle for cleaning up bait, gear, or the deck itself as needed. This helps keep the boat tidy and safe, especially on long fishing trips, by reducing the risk of fish scales and bait pieces creating slippery spots.
If you’re interested in offshore or nearshore fishing, the heavy-duty hardware, robust hull design, and smooth-shifting Yamaha outboard options mean you can travel out to deeper reefs or back bay channels without taking unnecessary risks or sacrificing comfort.
Family Comfort and Practical Details
Fishing boats often struggle to be family-friendly, but the Century 2301 Center Console is regularly praised for its mix of comfort and convenience. The bow offers comfortable, cushioned seating with removable backrests for lounging. When it’s time to fish, cushions lift out to leave a large, open casting deck. Integrated cup holders and grab handles around the seating area add useful touches for guests. The self-bailing cockpit drains water directly overboard, even after rainstorms or lively days on the water.
For families, the rear swim platforms and telescoping ladders allow everyone to take a dip, climb back aboard, and use the freshwater shower to rinse off before sitting down again. On hot days, optional shade covers like a bimini or hard T-top provide shelter from the sun. LED courtesy lights light up the deck so evening boat rides are safe and enjoyable.
Storage is everywhere on the 2301. Bow compartments, console lockers, seat bases, and transom boxes give plenty of places to stash essentials, which means more time enjoying the water and less time sorting through clutter. Lockable compartments can hold valuables, phones, or car keys safely and the console cubby provides a good spot to keep phones, wallets, or anything else you need away from splashing waves.
Onboard Technology and Electronics
Modern boats are expected to deliver on technology, and the Century 2301 Center Console provides well-thought-out spaces and wiring for anything you might want to add. The dash is large enough for dual large touchscreen displays for GPS and sonar, with extra room for engine readouts or digital switching systems. Yamaha’s digital controls can be installed, making it simple to monitor fuel use, engine health, and navigation with a few taps.
If you want to listen to music, factory stereo upgrades feature marine-grade speakers with Bluetooth streaming—perfect for both family afternoons and longer fishing trips. Owners can opt for extra 12V or USB charging points next to the helm for keeping smartphones and cameras powered up for the day. LED lighting is tucked under decks and in storage areas, making finding gear in low light much easier.
Hull and Construction Quality
Longevity starts with quality, and the hull of the Century 2301 Center Console is made with hand-laid fiberglass and a composite stringer system, both known for resisting rot and long-term wear. The deck and hull are bonded together for a tight, rattle-free fit, which is especially important for offshore runs or rough days on the bay. Century uses high-grade stainless steel for all through-hull fittings and deck hardware, so little things hold up as well as the main structure itself. The gel coat used for the hull finish is chosen to be bright, smooth, and easy to clean.
Non-skid patterns are molded everywhere people walk, giving you secure footing in both wet and dry conditions. Access panels for pumps, bilge, and electrical systems are placed so most regular maintenance can be done with basic tools. These small touches make ownership easier and less stressful, especially for boaters who might not have experience doing their own service.
Safety and Reliability
The Century 2301 Center Console comes with important safety features designed to protect everyone on board. The higher freeboard ensures that the sides of the boat stay well above the waterline, easing concerns about water getting onboard during rougher conditions. Grab handles—made of stainless steel for extra strength—are placed all around the deck at logical spots, such as next to each seat, at the bow, and along the console. Navigation and anchor lighting is up-to-date and meets maritime visibility standards.
Space for safety gear, including life jackets, first-aid kits, signaling devices, and fire extinguishers, is simple to find and laid out to provide quick access if needed. Standard bilge pumps come with automatic float switches so water is cleared out of the bilge on its own if it gets in. The electrical system uses marine-grade wiring and sealed connectors to prevent shorts or failures from splashing or humidity.
Maintenance Simplified
For many boaters, upkeep and cleaning can take a lot of the joy out of the hobby; with the Century 2301 Center Console, maintenance needs are kept as simple as possible. Most surfaces are smooth to wipe down, storage boxes are drained for quick drying, and bilge access panels let you check pumps or hoses with little hassle. Outboard power is easier to service than inboard engines, with plenty of Yamaha service points available across the country.
Cleats and deck fittings are through-bolted for sturdy attachment, cutting down on the risk of loose fittings over time. Vinyl upholstery on seats cleans up quickly after salt, sunscreen, or drinks, and the canvas shade tops are made to resist UV breakdown. When it is time for a seasonal cleaning or wax, the hull and deck are finished with long-lasting gelcoat and require only basic marine cleaning products.
Versatility for Different Activities
Many boats are made with one main activity in mind, but the Century Boat 2301 Center Console is truly versatile. It is just as capable heading out for a Sunday cruise as it is spending six hours chasing fish in the inlet. The bow seating works as a spot to lounge and chat on calmer days but easily converts into a casting platform for anglers. Families use the wide side decks and swim steps for swimming and watersports, while groups of friends use the open layout and sound system for weekend escapes.
The boat’s draft is shallow enough to visit sandbars and creeks but deep enough to handle mild offshore days. Because the boat is easy to control even for those who aren’t expert drivers, it takes the worry out of docking, loading, or trailering.
Storage Solutions and Creative Spaces
There is always a need for storing gear, tackle, snacks, extra clothes, and water toys, and the Century 2301 Center Console answers with smartly located storage. Bow storage lockers are finished, insulated, and can double as fish boxes. The console interior works for valuables, small bags, or even an optional porta-potty for longer outings. Under-seat storage in the bow and aft bench keep life jackets and inflatables off the deck. Rod lockers and tackle compartments are in the right places for serious fishing but double as dry storage for bags on family days.
Transom storage wells are fitted with drains, so they can be used for wet or dry storage as needed—fishing bait in the morning, water toys or snacks in the afternoon. The cooler seat at the front of the helm provides another creative place to keep cold drinks within reach or even extra bait. Each hatch and door is fitted with positive latching hardware to prevent accidental opening while underway.
Seating and Onboard Comfort
Onboard comfort is one of the first things people notice about the Century 2301 Center Console. The bow area is perfect for stretching out and relaxing, but cushions and backrests are removable when not needed for seating. The leaning post at the helm is supportive whether you’re standing or sitting. The rear bench seat in the transom flips up out of the way, giving you more storage and fishing space if you need it. Every seat cushion is made with marine-grade vinyl tough enough for wet bathing suits, sunscreen, and occasional rough use.
Shade options are many; some models feature a hard T-top with supports that double as extra rod holders or spotting places. Families can choose to add biminis for more flexible coverage or removable sunshades stretched across the bow.
Handling, Ride, and Performance
The performance of the 2301 Center Console is often described as dependable and confidence-inspiring. Its variable deadrise hull—flatter at the stern for stability, sharper at the bow for cutting through chop—lets the boat handle a mix of calm and rough conditions. At rest, the wide beam helps steady the boat, which is ideal for fishing or relaxing. Underway, Yamaha outboards provide quiet, efficient power with smooth throttle response.
Acceleration and handling are straightforward, with hydraulic steering making tight maneuvers possible even in smaller marinas or while approaching the dock. Trim tabs can be added for even more control over hull attitude in changing seas or when balancing heavier loads. Owners say the boat handles predictably no matter who is at the wheel. The hull’s flare at the bow helps keep spray down, and the console window keeps wind and water off the captain.
Features for Anglers
Anglers get a range of features that make fishing on the 2301 Center Console enjoyable and productive. The rod holders and storage are located for easy access, and the insulated fish boxes keep your catch cool even through the hottest days. Aerated livewells mean that bait stays lively and fish stay fresh all trip long. Raw water washdowns and quick-drain storage mean faster clean-up at the end of the day.
Whether using artificial lures, live bait, or trolling, the open deck and walkaround design make managing lines, fighting fish, and moving gear easy for everyone aboard. There’s plenty of standing room around the perimeter for when several people are fishing at once, and bow seating doubles as a casting deck when cushions are removed.
Features for Relaxing and Entertaining
For those who want comfort and fun, the 2301 Center Console provides features to make relaxing or hosting friends easier. Comfortable seating, sound systems, and flexible shade options blend together for day-long enjoyment. Swim platforms and retractable ladders make it easy to cool off, and cup holders and storage keep everything handy for a day of picnicking or enjoying drinks on anchor.
LED mood lights let you enjoy evening cruises, and extra USB charging points mean everyone can keep their devices powered. If you want to entertain, the cooler under the forward seat and under-seat storage give room for snacks, drinks, and other essentials without cluttering up the deck.
Technology and Customization Options
The boat’s console layout gives room for the latest electronics, from touchscreen GPS and sonar units to digital Yamaha display panels that show fuel, range, and maintenance lights. VHF radio mounts are included, and most boats are pre-wired for upgrades like stereo packages, extra lights, or trolling motors.
Owners can choose hardware colors, add underwater lights for night fishing, or pick from several hull and upholstery colors to match their style or preferences. Custom decals and graphics are easy to add, and the sturdy construction means the boat stands up well to accessories like extra speakers or rod racks.
Easy Launching, Trailering, and Storage
The size and balance of the Century 2301 Center Console make launching and retrieving easy at most public ramps. The hull fits standard double-axle trailers, and the solid rub rail protects against bumps during docking or transport. Cleats are placed for easy tie-off, with wide walkways and space at the bow and stern for boarding or unloading.
When it comes to home storage, the boat’s length is efficient enough for most driveways or standard-sized covered slips and lifts. Rigging options allow the motor to tilt fully out of the water for storage, protecting the outboard from marine growth and corrosion.
Reliability and Owner Satisfaction
Feedback from owners of the Century 2301 Center Console is generally positive, with highlights including the smoothness of the ride, the reliability of both the boat and Yamaha engine, and the thoughtful placement of seating, controls, and storage compartments. People mention how the construction feels sturdy and confidence-inspiring, even as the conditions change throughout the day. The manufacturer’s approach to fitting stainless steel hardware and easy-clean vinyl on every seating surface is often highlighted as a value point.
Families mention that the boat feels safe and simple enough for kids and guests, while anglers like the customizable space and practical livewells. Being able to clean the deck quickly and easily after a full day on the water is a frequent point of discussion. Most owners agree that the 2301 Center Console is a boat they would recommend to both first-time buyers and experienced boaters.
Using the Century 2301 Center Console in Different Locations
The versatility of the 2301 Center Console allows it to be useful in a wide range of settings. Inshore and nearshore trips near beaches, bays, and estuaries are easy thanks to the 17-inch draft, which lets you approach sandbars or shallow flats. For people near the coast, that means more time exploring smaller, quieter waterways or fishing popular flats.
In addition, the sturdy hull and solid console performance means owners can chase after offshore fish in mild-to-moderate ocean moves without having to get a dedicated offshore boat. Because the boat is easy to handle and dock, exploring new harbors, restaurants, or beaches is straightforward and stress-free for newer or solo boaters.
Boating with Family and Friends
The 2301 Center Console is a favorite with owners who want to include the whole family or a larger group of friends. The seating layout makes it easy for everyone to find a spot, whether riding upfront, leaning at the helm, or sitting on the transom bench. Sound systems and flexible sunshade options make longer trips more comfortable, and deep storage means everyone can bring their swim gear, beach toys, towels, and snacks without crowding the deck.
Children and older adults appreciate the sturdy handrails and simple deck layout, while the swim ladder and platform allow for safe re-boardings after a swim. Because maintenance is manageable, families can spend more time having fun and less time doing chores or waiting for parts.
Environment and Efficiency
The Century 2301 Center Console’ efficient hull and four-stroke Yamaha engines help keep fuel use lower. Four-stroke outboards produce fewer emissions and make less noise compared to traditional two-strokes, making the ride both quieter and more environmentally conscious. The efficient hull shape means that less power is needed to reach cruising speeds, another plus for fuel use and overall boater satisfaction.
Gelcoat and vinyl materials are chosen to last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Marine wiring and hardware stand up to fresh and saltwater use, helping cut down on waste and making the boat a reliable choice for eco-minded owners.
Convenience and Everyday Use
The designers of the 2301 Center Console have made day-to-day use as easy as possible by including a range of thoughtful features. Boarding steps at the stern and bow make getting on and off easy, and the non-skid patterns mean safe footing even with wet shoes. Fold-down transom seats let owners quickly convert the cockpit for fishing or socializing.
The console locker makes a handy changing area or storage room for backpacks or even a small cooler. Grab rails are always within easy reach for added safety underway. A covered electronics panel keeps the dash neat and free of wires or sun damage, and under-deck lighting helps at night.
Owner Experiences and Stories
Owners love that the 2301 Center Console is ready for a fishing morning, an afternoon swim, or an evening cruise—all in the same day. Many share stories of launching early, spending a few hours landing fish using the livewell, then flipping up the transom seat and heading to a nearby island with friends to relax, all without having to swap gear or reconfigure the boat. Cleanup is fast thanks to the raw water washdown and smooth interiors. When rain showers hit, water drains away quickly and the boat is ready to go again in a few minutes.
People often mention how easy it is to teach friends or family the basics of boating on this boat, since controls and features are laid out logically. Experiences from boat owners highlight the solid feel, how smoothly it tracks at every speed, and how everyone on board feels safe, even in busy harbors or when wakes are rolling. The ability to load and trailer the boat or leave it in the water for extended times is valued as well.
Making the Most of Every Outing
If you love fishing, want flexible storage, or simply want a day on the water filled with sunshine and friends, the Century Boat 2301 Center Console is set up to make it happen. Owners use it for everything from dawn tuna trips to sunset cruises. Many appreciate how cushions, coolers, lockers, and bench seats can be swapped, stowed, or flipped based on what the day brings.
Because it is easy to clean, most people find they spend more time having fun and less time fixing up. Those who trailer find launching and recovering to be quick at the ramp, and for those who keep their boat at a marina, the layout makes hopping aboard and setting off fast and simple. With a mix of safety features, family amenities, and fishing setups, the 2301 is ready for all kinds of plans and unexpected adventures.
Key Reasons the Century 2301 Center Console is a Smart Choice
The Century 2301 Center Console isn’t just about looking good on the water. It’s built to work hard and last, with high-quality hardware, lots of handy storage, flexible fishing and family setups, and reliable performance that gives owners more freedom to explore. Whether you’re after comfort, fun, or practicality, this boat adapts to your style and keeps boating fun.
Why Talk to Fly Yachts About the Century 2301 Center Console
Fly Yachts understands what matters to people who want a great experience on the water. Their team knows this boat inside and out and can answer your questions, go over features, and help match the right setup for your family, fishing, or relaxation needs. Talk to a Fly Yachts team member today to learn more about the Century Boat 2301 Center Console, and let them help you find the boat that fits your plans.
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