replacing wooden plank

I'm starting to replace the wooden hull plank on my 1964 chris craft 52ft constellation. I need to know how much of them can I remove without causing damage to the rest of the boat, interior has not been touched (not yet atleast)

 

The simple answer, Ajoan, is that you can replace them all.
BUT (a) if the planking as that bad - why would you bother. Just torch it and walk away.
Or (b) replace those which are necessary for repair - but one pair (on opposite sides) at any one time. This keeps the overall hull shape in place.

 

Sounds like a huge rebuild....are you equiped for it? Money....time....materials? Good luck.

 

If the planking needs to be replaced, the frames and timbers are probably basd too. Have you had a surveyor or boat carpenter inspect the boat?

 

I'll second Gonzo's surveyor or carpenter inspection as prerequisite.

If your Connie is anything like the ones I've worked on over the years, you'll have more then planking replacement issues to deal with, a solid going over by a well respected person, familiar with the type is the wise and best move.

Removing planks one at a time is a painfully slow way to do things, but safe. There are several methods and techniques you'll need to understand before you provide, if you have planking stock in good enough shape, removed carefully enough, to permit it's use as a template. The first is how to expose and remove the fasteners without damaging anything.

A good surveyor can help guide you toward proper repairs and yards/individuals with the skills, tools and equipment to do the job(s) correctly.

 

The point of professional help should be re-stated. A vessel of this displacement (size) is a substantial investment. Much by way of materials, efforts of skilled labor and of course money is the answer, in most cases.

Planking is the last issue on the list. I fix these types of boats all the time and usually, if the "bottom is gone" (your words) then you have other things that need addressing, before you can hang new planks.

Call a surveyor, familiar with you boat type (start with your insurance company's recommendations) and have the real picture accessed. I'm the local guy, in central Florida, the Hagerty folks call for boats like yours. There'll be several like me in your area.

Yes, you can take a low buck approach to the repair, but be forewarned about resale value or real bang for your buck, because rare is the inexpensive repair going to out perform a proper one.

The mere mention of 'glassed bottom will half the value (or more) of an other wise fine wooden yacht, most potential buyers will walk away on hearing it.

It would be helpful to know what Chris your talking about, the model, year, etc. This wouldn't be an old Connie would it?

 

only have to take out one plank. more than likely you will have to take outt the screws on the top and lower planks. only the screws closest to the plank you are replacing. don't torch the boat unless you really don't have the money or time.