1961 42' Matthews Stock Cruiser advice needed

[Wooscot31]

Hello all, I may be crazy but I am looking into possibly purchasing a 1961 42' Matthews stock cruiser. It has been out of water for about 6 years, definately needs a few hull repairs above the waterline, but overall it looks to be in solid shape. I do not have any experience dealing with Matthews, I only restore Lymans so I need some advice.

First, have any of you ever owned one? any pros/cons?

Second, the bottom looks to be in nice shape but it looks around the seams like its almost wet (see picture) is this normal or should I be concerned? Ive attached some photos.

Any help would be great.

Ryan

[Lt. Holden]

It looks like someone applied some sort of caulking or filler to all of the plank seams unless the seams are leaking and the boat was full of water (not too likely).

[RHP]

Rain might have got in through an open hatch whatever causing local rot. Are the bilges clean and dry? You´ll have to go through it plank by plank. How is teh transom?

Otherwise it could be a recaulk (get into the plank joins and assess the caulking) and burn off to bare wood, stacks of linseed oil to remoisturise the wood, repaint and back in.

She looks very nice.

[ned L]

Could be residue from seam compound as mentioned, or staining from brushing the seams with red lead after caulking, or lots of other things. I would Check out the condition of the planking and not be really concerned about the staining alone. Mathews are good boats. Make sure you check her out well, check the ribs & floors, and try pulling some fastenings to see their condition. If you are not familiar with boats this size I woudl strongly recommend a good survey from someone knowledgable about wooden boats

[PAR]

That's a normal oil stain from oil based seam compounds or seam primer and not to be worried about. Put a moisture meter on the seemly wetted areas, then again on the middle of a plank and compare the readings. They'll likely be the same.

[erwin.tarr]

Ryan,

There is a 1962 Matthews Stock Cruiser going up for public auction at my local marina on Wednesday. She is in the water and the interior is immaculate but the hull is glassed below the waterline and she has some dry-rot on the hull in a few places. I thought about buying her but the rot scared me away. I am pretty sure she is going to be auctioned off for the value of her Detroit diesels (immaculate condition with Auto-Gen). Let me know if you want to ask about buying any Matthews parts off her from her new owner/scrapper.

Ray

[Classicpower]

Well did you finally go for the plunge and purchase the Matthews? Always good to have someone check it out for you... If you are still interested I can give you a hand to do a survey... No charge just good to have someone look after another classic...

[PAR]

Classicpower, you do realize this thread dates back to February of this year and that the person writing is based in Ohio, right?

[Classicpower]

Yes I am quite aware of that... Really wondering what happened to the Matthews in question.. Thanks for your reply

[Classicpower]

Just out of interest did you buy the Matthews or is it still for sale? Can anyone give me anymore information about this boat.. We would like to save her if no-one else has. It would be ashamed if she was destroyed. Our restoration shop is always looking for restoration projects over 38'. Thanks.

[Classicpower]

Well after months of searching and asking we finally found this Matthews rotting in the back of a church property uncovered.. We agreed a price with the owner and are now looking for a hauler to bring the boat to our marina.. We are excited although the condition of the boat has deteriorated since the last posted pictures... We will be going down to empty the boat of garbage and prepare her before her journey to restoration... Would appreciate anyone with experience with Matthews and owners.. She is a beautiful boat and will become quite a showpiece when finished. Planks, frames and new deck and complete engine overhauls will get her back in the water.

[John Riddle]

Classicpower:

Is that boat an Ohio boat we discussed some months ago? If it is, I can recommend a good hauler here that can handle that size wood boat over that distance. (Not many movers here will handle a wood boat, especially one in less than perfect condition.)

You are welcome to PM or email me if you like.

[Classicpower]

Hi John the one boat we discussed the fellow cut it up dont know if we spoke about this one.. However it would be great to find a good hauler that is not going to kill the budget...LOL.. Great hearing from you and hope to hear from you soon. Took me months to find out were this one was located....

[gonzo]

It will be difficult to find a hauler that knows wooden boats. Make sure you have a proper cradle or you'll end up with toothpicks.

[Classicpower]

Oh yes I am quite aware of that.. I own a few classics already but Ohio does have some great haulers...