The Century Boats 1701CC 2006 vs Century Boats 2301 Center Console 2010 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Century Boats 2301 Center Console 2010 measures 23,0 feet overall (2010), giving it roughly 6,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Century Boats 1701CC 2006 at 17,0 feet (2006). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Century Boats 2301 Center Console 2010 tips the scales at 415 lbs — 397 lbs less than the Century Boats 1701CC 2006 at 18 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 300 hp, the Century Boats 2301 Center Console 2010 has a 185-hp advantage over the Century Boats 1701CC 2006'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 1701CC 2006 carries 35 gallons versus 14 gallons in the Century Boats 2301 Center Console 2010. 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 2301 Center Console 2010 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Century Boats 1701CC 2006 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 2301 Center Console 2010 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Century Boats 2301 Center Console 2010 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 23,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Century Boats 1701CC 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.