The Century Boats 1701 Center Console 2009 is a modified-V design and the Century Boats 2600 Center Console 2008 is a deep-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Century Boats 2600 Center Console 2008 measures 26,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 8,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Century Boats 1701 Center Console 2009 at 17,2 feet (2009). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Century Boats 2600 Center Console 2008 tips the scales at 5 800 lbs - 4 000 lbs less than the Century Boats 1701 Center Console 2009 at 1 800 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 450 hp, the Century Boats 2600 Center Console 2008 has a 335-hp advantage over the Century Boats 1701 Center Console 2009's 115-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Century Boats 2600 Center Console 2008 carries 200 gallons versus 35 gallons in the Century Boats 1701 Center Console 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Century Boats 2600 Center Console 2008 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Century Boats 1701 Center Console 2009 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Century Boats 2600 Center Console 2008 could be the deciding factor.