1960 Chris Craft sportsman restoration project

[Surfszup]

Its nice to see your boat restoration moving right along. I'd like to have that kind of time on my hands

[rhtmarine]

Surfsup, I make time... I have a full time job as the only cabinet maker in a small shop. I also have a needy girlfriend. I just make time. thanks for your interest. Bob

[rhtmarine]

Guys, I have gotten to a point where a pro's interpretation is needed. Par would be good here... I have replaced two frames and don't know if I should keep going or what. Most of the frames feel solid but black on the ends. When I stick em with a pic, almost no penetration. the worst one goes in maybe an 1/8" do these need replacement, or will CPES solve any further deterioration? Also the bottom of the topside frames are black in color and have some rot. I don't want to remove the topside planks to replace those frames. Can I cut out the affected area and sister them together? Maybe both sides to make a sandwich...
Thanks, Bob

[rhtmarine]

Guys, I have made some progress since my last visit here... I'm fitting the inner ply and getting ready for planking...

[rhtmarine]

Guys, after a second coat of bilge paint in the transom area, I was able to glue and fasten the transom topside planks. They are glued with 5200 and screwed with bronze screws. I made my own bungs from down fall.

[broncobilly60]

rhtmarine: Since you don't do email i just thought I,d let you know that i have the same Chris as you and live in San Jose. i have owned my baby since 1973 and may be able to help with any other questions you may have. Mine is all original except for the upholstery...could not stand the red and white with silver piping. i list my email on my profile...Mike

[broncobilly60]

I dont think my reply went through. I live in San Jose and have an original 1960 Chris Craft sportsman/skiboat. If you need to look at wiring , fittings how things are set up let me know. I have owned my boat since 1973 and have done most of the maintainance on it over the years.

[rhtmarine]

I appreciate the reply...I do email, but don't frequent this site that much. There are some folks here that just rubbed me the wrong way...My boat is coming along nicely with the bottom planks cut and ready for bending into place. We will have to get together and share stories. Thanks, Bob

[broncobilly60]

If you want to get a hold of me youcan call me at 408 265-7400 during the week. maybe we can set something up for the near future. Thanks, Mike

[rhtmarine]

Mike, how about some pics of your sportsman! thanks, Bob

[broncobilly60]

About a year ago I started pulling off the chrome hardware, pulled the floor boards,and some some of the steering with the intention of restoring the complete boat. Well this economic crap hit and I had to rein in extra expenses. My Chris now sits on the trailer in the garage waiting for me to return to the project hopefully this spring. I can take and send some pics but they wont be pretty!

[chriscrafter54]

Originally Posted by rhtmarine

Mike, how about some pics of your sportsman! thanks, Bob

Hey guys
Manny here and new to this net. I have a 54 sportsman in the my garage upside down. She been sitting in the weather for years, I bought it 4 years ago, garaged waiting to start. It cleaned up well just by sanding the sides. I sanded the botton clean and started removing the planks, Im doing a 5200 bottom also. But what do I do about oil soaked planks. Is the cpes going to work and will the 5200 adhere to these planks?
Mannu

[rhtmarine]

Manny, You will need to replace ALL the bottom planking. I bought 6/4 african mahogany and had it re-sawn, which gave me about 5/8" planks. I then planed them to 7/16" Don't try to re-use 50+ year old lumber. I recommend buying "the guide to restoring wooden runabouts". You should also check out the authors website...Danenberg boatworks forum. pics?
good luck, Bob

[rhtmarine]

Hey guys, I'm back on track with my restoration... After getting the inner ply bottom installed and sealed, I'm now fitting bottom planks. I made a clamping jig on the hull to clamp freshly steamed planks in place. I has to be done quickly, and it worked well for the first two... take a look

[rhtmarine]

And the beat goes on...