Restoring 32 and 36 foot ChrisCraft plywood plank boats

[boatnut007]

I am beginning to restore two ChrisCraft plywood plank Hull boats, 36 foot and 32 foot. I am new at this and welcome any professional advice regarding finishing the hull above and below water line, repairing wood beams that are rotten, how to finish new marine grade plywood decks, where to find materials and equipment etc.

[gonzo]

The planks are bolted together between frames. There are square nuts with corners that dig into the wood and lock in the inside. The screws have Frearson heads. Philips screwdrivers will strip them. The planks are caulked/glued with lifecaulk. It is quite difficult to take them out. I use a flat bar to pry them and a razor knife to cut the caulk. Try to keep the rotted planks as patterns, it'll save you lots of time. Frames are steam bent oak. Deck beams should be philipino mahogany (lauan). They can be laminated on a jig.

Originally posted by gonzo
The planks are bolted together between frames. There are square nuts with corners that dig into the wood and lock in the inside. The screws have Frearson heads. Philips screwdrivers will strip them. The planks are caulked/glued with lifecaulk. It is quite difficult to take them out. I use a flat bar to pry them and a razor knife to cut the caulk. Try to keep the rotted planks as patterns, it'll save you lots of time. Frames are steam bent oak. Deck beams should be philipino mahogany (lauan). They can be laminated on a jig.

Your boat appears to be a Chris Craft Sea Skiff. For most of your maintaince needs, any good marine dealer with a large inventory will have most of what you need in stock. If not, they can order anything you need and have it within a couple of days. As for lumber, plywood, etc., you will have to do some investigating. Marine grade wood is a little harder to get a hold of.

[oddball]

boatnut plz tell me how you get on, I am looking a t a 57 ft CC connie right now that looks to have a few back planks, if you could post the cost of the wood and time it tokk to replace them I would be grateful.

p.s did you build that shed I see the boat in?..it looks like framing with a tarp roof.

Originally Posted by boatnut007

I am beginning to restore two ChrisCraft plywood plank Hull boats, 36 foot and 32 foot. I am new at this and welcome any professional advice regarding finishing the hull above and below water line, repairing wood beams that are rotten, how to finish new marine grade plywood decks, where to find materials and equipment etc.

boatnut007, Talk to the Rot Doctor,they have it all.www.rotdoctor.com

[32' new guy]

I myself am having some planking problems with my 32' Chris Sedan, found in field with minor dry rot, previous owner cut hole in side for a tube slide for his kids AHHH! It's not ply but please forward any info on Spieling planks

[gonzo]

If you have an old plank use it as a pattern. You can also take the pattern from the opposite side.