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TOPIC: I just can't help myself!

I just can't help myself! 9 years 2 months ago #104966

  • Nautilus
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Well, I bought another one...a 1948 Chris-Craft 23' Express. I've been half-looking for a vintage trailerable cruiser (that actually comes with a trailer!) for a couple years and I ran across this one last week. The seller accepted my offer and I'm having it delivered this weekend. She looks to be in great shape and was obviously well cared for until fairly recently. All she really needs is sanding, paint, varnish...and the portholes turned around, which are currently mounted inside facing out. The Chrysler Crown engine is supposed to be good but if not, I have a good one in the wings that came with the Shepherd. Yeah...this was what I was after. We'll have her ready for the ACBS show at Hartwel, GA in April. Y'all stop by and have a beer now, y'hear?







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Mentor to the unenlightened!

"Never allow logic to interfere with a boat purchase." - J. S. Hadley
"Vintage quality beats new junk every time." - J. S. Hadley
"Anything supposed to do two things does both of them half-assed." - J. S. Hadley
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Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 2 months ago #104967

WOW... that does look nice ! looks like it's just exterior weather
refinishing !

Great job !!!

Is there going to be a little Nautilus flare involved ?

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Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 2 months ago #104968

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Yes, there will most likely be a few Nautilus touches. I'd like to line the cockpit with mahogany planks and I have an idea for a mahogany "drink station" added to the engine box. Originally, the front deck and gunwhales were a medium blue, which I hate. Mine will be done in very pale gray. Also, I'm not a fan of rear bench seats. In a boat of this vintage, I prefer two nice natural-colored (synthetic) wicker chairs and a small oriental rug for eating shrimp and drinking Dos Equis amber. I'll also need some "sounds" which will require a good hiding place for the stereo. The wicker chairs also have the advantage of being able to be set out on the dock to give me room to dance with my wife. When finished, I'll post some "after" photos.

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Mentor to the unenlightened!

"Never allow logic to interfere with a boat purchase." - J. S. Hadley
"Vintage quality beats new junk every time." - J. S. Hadley
"Anything supposed to do two things does both of them half-assed." - J. S. Hadley
"Success makes...

Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 2 months ago #104972

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jan, love the lines of your new/old boat. save me a beer. greg

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Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 2 months ago #104986

Beautiful lines, that must have looked so sporty back in 1948. Now it looks classy and sporty! You could have a lot of fun weekending aboard that one on a different lake each weekend.
Al

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Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 2 months ago #104989

Ok I'm officially jealous Jan! What a great find and in such good shape considering. Can't wait to see her done!

Bob

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Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 2 months ago #104991

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I really like the look of that boat. Good for you!!!!

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Great to be on board.
Rick

Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 2 months ago #104994

WOW !!!! AWESOME !!!! Can't wait for after !!! madbohunk safe boating

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Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 2 months ago #104997

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Here's a photo I ran across on the internet...same model boat, same year. Mine ought to look as good once she gets a makeover. This model looks a lot sleeker sitting afloat and without all the canvas.

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Mentor to the unenlightened!

"Never allow logic to interfere with a boat purchase." - J. S. Hadley
"Vintage quality beats new junk every time." - J. S. Hadley
"Anything supposed to do two things does both of them half-assed." - J. S. Hadley
"Success makes...

Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 2 months ago #105008

Holy smoke! When can I come over again and drool on this one???

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Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 2 months ago #105009

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Now that I own this cruiser and already have enough work to keep me busy until I wear myself out, I'm going to sell the other "deal" I acquired a couple weeks ago...the 1963 Century Resorter. I'm offering it to the Fiberglassics membership for exactly what I paid for it, $800. If no one here wants it after a week, I'll list it on Ebay at a decent profit. Here's the Fiberglassics post with photos:

fiberglassics.com/glassic-forums/home/wood-boats/found-a-deal

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Mentor to the unenlightened!

"Never allow logic to interfere with a boat purchase." - J. S. Hadley
"Vintage quality beats new junk every time." - J. S. Hadley
"Anything supposed to do two things does both of them half-assed." - J. S. Hadley
"Success makes...

Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 2 months ago #105011

Nautilus,

I really LIKE that cruiser (DOWNRIGHT PURTY, is that one.) & WISH that you were NOT so doggone far from here, as I'd buy that Resorter for 800.oo, without missing a breath.

yours, satx

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Resistance to tyrants is obedience to Almighty God.
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Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 2 months ago #105294

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I don't like the transom or the windshield. Appropriate action is being taken. Stay tuned......

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Mentor to the unenlightened!

"Never allow logic to interfere with a boat purchase." - J. S. Hadley
"Vintage quality beats new junk every time." - J. S. Hadley
"Anything supposed to do two things does both of them half-assed." - J. S. Hadley
"Success makes...

Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 2 months ago #105296

Just my opinion.... there is just a little to much white on the port & starboard topsides too.
Isn't it nice when you can design changes to somebody else's boat ?

I can't wait to see the transformation that you do !

Since you said you prefer dos xx on the back deck. I'm guessing "The most interesting man in the world" was modeled after you ?

Have fun with the redo !!!! Stay thirsty my friend !

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Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 2 months ago #105298

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This boat is all mine...my little trailerable cruiser that I'll keep for myself and take to meets/shows to advertise the business. Yes, there's too much white but I'm seriously considering re-painting off-white. I'm taking the windshield down to bare mahogany and adding more mahogany trim here and there. The windshield is going to have opening windows and all the windows will have rounded corners like the restored boat I posted photo of. Someone did a hell of a lot of work to this boat at one time...new bottom, transom planking, brightwork, interior, etc, but a lot of it was second rate, particularly the transom. Behind the planking was rotted original framing. I have a 2"x15"x16' drop-dead gorgeous mahogany plank that I'll use to re-plank the transom. I still haven't fooled with the engine but if it turns over and has decent compression, I should be good to go, I think. If not, I have an identical engine in storage. What I really need is some heat! The boat won't fit in the shop and it's too damned cold outside to paint. I'll have the transom done by Monday, Tuesday latest. We're gettin' there!
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Mentor to the unenlightened!

"Never allow logic to interfere with a boat purchase." - J. S. Hadley
"Vintage quality beats new junk every time." - J. S. Hadley
"Anything supposed to do two things does both of them half-assed." - J. S. Hadley
"Success makes...

Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 2 months ago #105306

That boat is beautiful, rare to get such timeless lines and that resorter is in such great shape, have to start peaking in boat houses

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Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 2 months ago #105315

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good lookin,, I can appreciate what you will put in it,,I get amazed on what It cost in material and even our own labor on a little boat cant imagine the big ones good luck and congradulations it will be the class of the waterways,Bill

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Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 2 months ago #105324

first and foremost, welcome home and thank you for you service from an old jarhead!
stunning boat. and perfect size for a trailerable boat. i wish you every success and fair winds. mike on the left coast.

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Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 2 months ago #105329

Wow, beautiful. Best to you and yours dancing and sipping.

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Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 2 months ago #105944

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SATX: The Resorter sold on Ebay for $2,500.

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Mentor to the unenlightened!

"Never allow logic to interfere with a boat purchase." - J. S. Hadley
"Vintage quality beats new junk every time." - J. S. Hadley
"Anything supposed to do two things does both of them half-assed." - J. S. Hadley
"Success makes...

Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 2 months ago #105949

nice flip. guess the wood boats are still holding a good price value

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Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 1 month ago #106905

this boat was on ebay several months ago, i thought about buying it to but seem like it need part of the bottom replaced. it will be a nice boat when finished.

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Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 1 month ago #106916

thomas,

WELCOME ABOARD.

yours, satx

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Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 1 month ago #106949

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Well, I got the boat cheap, at least compared to the Ebay asking price. Naturally, it needs a lot of work to bring it up to what I consider to be acceptable standards. As it turns out, both chines are rotten...but the ribs are good. I'll replace them but not in time for the couple shows I was going to attend.

Someone did a lot of work to this boat way back when...bad work. Some of the mahogany planking on the sides was replaced with what looks like fir and it's rotting, all the trim was attached with 3M 5200, the transom and most of the transom framing needed replacement, the cabin ceiling is peeling, the wiring is a disaster...the list goes on. I don't even know if the engine runs...haven't even tried to turn it over.

I trashed the windshield and side windows and made new ones...with opening front windows...and we've chiseled-off just about all the trim, which came off in shards. I'm working from the top down. Once I get to the gunwhales, I'll attack the chines and replace any/all bad planks. Surprisingly, the bottom has been replaced and seems to be solid.

All things considered, she's a really nice boat with great lines. However, the old girl turns 67 this year and she needs some surgery, a facelift, and some make-up. Eventually, (shooting for July 4th) she'll be a debutante...again.



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Mentor to the unenlightened!

"Never allow logic to interfere with a boat purchase." - J. S. Hadley
"Vintage quality beats new junk every time." - J. S. Hadley
"Anything supposed to do two things does both of them half-assed." - J. S. Hadley
"Success makes...

Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 1 month ago #106957

Unfortunately I know about the hidden goodies all to well, but She will be outstanding once your done!!!!!!!

Bob

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Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 1 month ago #106959

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Nautilus, I've been following this string with interest and like Bob said anyone who ever rebuilt a wood boat knows about the hidden goodies. Looking back at your original post where you mentioned some paint and varnish....yuuuuppp had to laugh at that.
If the old girl turns out half as good as your other projects you'll have something to be really proud of.
PS, what's wrong with 67? I was there and didn't need a new paint job.
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Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 1 month ago #107161

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63 Sabre:

Yeah...that "new coat of paint" statement is not only funny in retrospect, it was stupid. I know better. I'm tearing the hell out of this boat...WAY more than I anticipated but the result will be worth it.

I turned 66 in January and I need a complete restoration. I just had my "bottom" worked on last month. My "engine" has pressure issues and has racked-up a lot of hours under load. My "fuel lines" are getting restricted, my "running lights" need adjustment and my "bilge pump" is running slower and slower. Fortunately, my "mast" still points skyward.

So far, so good...







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Mentor to the unenlightened!

"Never allow logic to interfere with a boat purchase." - J. S. Hadley
"Vintage quality beats new junk every time." - J. S. Hadley
"Anything supposed to do two things does both of them half-assed." - J. S. Hadley
"Success makes...

Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 1 month ago #107216

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Nautilus wrote:

I turned 66 in January and I need a complete restoration. I just had my "bottom" worked on last month. My "engine" has pressure issues and has racked-up a lot of hours under load. My "fuel lines" are getting restricted, my "running lights" need adjustment and my "bilge pump" is running slower and slower. Fortunately, my "mast" still points skyward.


Now that is funny!

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Great to be on board.
Rick

Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 1 month ago #107251

LMAO!!!!!!!

Bob

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Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 3 weeks ago #107510

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UPDATE

The bad news:
The chines are shot. In places, I can squeeze them into dust with my hand. The keel has serious issues and might need to be replaced...probably. I believe that the side planking and gravity are holding her together. In the hands of a lesser man, these developments might be a problem. However, I'm pissed and pissed-off people get really ambitious. So...we lifted the boat...VERY carefully...and chocked it at the new transom and the bow, which seems to be solid. We'll pull the lowest planks on the sides and replace the chines one by one, employing copious 5200. While we're at it, several of the standing ribs will be replaced as well as a few of the ones on the bottom.

The good news:
The engine isn't stuck.

Summary:
It still beats golf.

Off to Mount Dora in the morning.

(63 Sabre...STOP LAUGHING!)

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Mentor to the unenlightened!

"Never allow logic to interfere with a boat purchase." - J. S. Hadley
"Vintage quality beats new junk every time." - J. S. Hadley
"Anything supposed to do two things does both of them half-assed." - J. S. Hadley
"Success makes...

Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 3 weeks ago #107530

And so it begins!!!!! LOL

Bob

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Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 2 weeks ago #107737

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Well, I can't decide if I need to replace the chines or just use that "Git Rot" stuff and some duct tape. Any ideas?
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Mentor to the unenlightened!

"Never allow logic to interfere with a boat purchase." - J. S. Hadley
"Vintage quality beats new junk every time." - J. S. Hadley
"Anything supposed to do two things does both of them half-assed." - J. S. Hadley
"Success makes...

Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 2 weeks ago #107754

Git rot and duct tape will take care of that no problem!!!!

Bob

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Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 2 weeks ago #107757

Twinkies and duct tape... Twinkies last forever !

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Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 2 weeks ago #107811

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Maybe a little "Bondo" Jan? :laugh:

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Mark

Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 2 weeks ago #107825

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C'mon guys, do it right. Everyone knows you have to make a precise pattern of the piece with an old cardboard box and then cut out a replacement using 3/4" particle board, screw it back in with drywall screws and then use latex window caulk to fill any voids. When that's done put a healthy coat of left over lead based oil paint....Job done! and then put a for sale sign on it :laugh:

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Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 2 weeks ago #107828

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My July 4th deadline is now moot. I've started on the starboard side and of course, the more I expose, the more melancholy I become. It's not that I can't handle it, it's the TIME required. Fortunately, I already own all the material needed to do the job and I can do it "wholesale."

The under layer of plywood is also shot in about half of the bottom however, the planking is solid. Either the boat was re-planked over the original plywood or marine plywood was not used. So...I'll be doing a 5200 bottom from the inside out.

All I need now is enough money to cover my wife's psychiatric sessions/analysis. Donations please. (I spent all the lawyer's divorce money on mahogany.)
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Mentor to the unenlightened!

"Never allow logic to interfere with a boat purchase." - J. S. Hadley
"Vintage quality beats new junk every time." - J. S. Hadley
"Anything supposed to do two things does both of them half-assed." - J. S. Hadley
"Success makes...

Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 2 weeks ago #107930

Well,I'll tell ya. That is brilliant. I too have found a good woman so now all I need to do is spend my money on wood so she can't hire a lawyer :laugh:

Your newest time grabber is lucky to have found you.

Looking forward to watching the progress.

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Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 2 weeks ago #107934

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lol was having heart failure, I thought I saw a bunch of rollers on that trailer under that wood boat, but I'm guessing you know a heck of a lot more about these old gals than I do =). Beautiful boat cant wait to see her done.

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Golden Rule number one; While working in the bilge, absolutely under no circumstances, NO FARTING!!!! Captn Shake aka Joe.

Re:I just can't help myself! 9 years 2 weeks ago #107940

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Nope...no rollers. There are four double bunks that each look like an "H" but they support the boat on the bottom framework...which is (supposed to be) supported by the chines, which are basically dust. There is currently no support at the keel. So...I removed the trailer and now have the boat chocked well with three stacks of 6x6s log cabin style...two at the new transom, one at the bow. I'm attacking the starboard side first. The previous "restorer" glued the outside planks which cover the chines so they're coming off in many pieces and each frame needs to be carefully dressed with a chisel. Nearly all of the bottom framework will be replaced in the center of the boat but the keel also has issues and I'm still thinking about what to do about it.

It's a BIG job but what the hell...it's what I do for a living and if I were retired, it's what I'd do as a hobby. Any way you figure it, it beats golf. I could use some help so if/when you find yourself in my area, come by and plan to stay a few weeks. Bring beer.

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Mentor to the unenlightened!

"Never allow logic to interfere with a boat purchase." - J. S. Hadley
"Vintage quality beats new junk every time." - J. S. Hadley
"Anything supposed to do two things does both of them half-assed." - J. S. Hadley
"Success makes...
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