boat bottom

I think I may be sunk before I even get started on my, just acquired 1948 23' Chrs Craft Express... I took a closer look at the bottom of the boat, and where the cross supports are on the trailer has caused the bottom to bow up. What now???? I can show pic's if you email me.

 

Carefully have a marina put it on support stands and sell it,--- Stating, FOR SALE AS IS.-------------------------------- DO NOT have any contact with buyers at any time.

 

A 23' boat isn't that big a project to do. It can be hoisted with a chain fall from a tree branch or a tractor lift and blocked up in a driveway (the folks across the street will love you)

The questions you should have asked, now need to be asked, by a professional. Have the boat inspected by a surveyor or boat carpenter, who's known to be familiar with this type of boat.

It's not uncommon for poorly fitted trailer "bunks" to deform the bottom planks of a boat. The big picture: is the deformation from the bunks or the result of other issues, like cracked or broken frames. It will be necessary to have the structure evaluated, so a reasonable plan can be set in motion.

Honestly, you seem as if you're reasonably new to this sort of thing. My advise would be to get out from under it, as has been suggested, you don't have the skills or know what you're in for. On the other hand if you have the cash, are into a long wait and painful conversations with a repair person(s) you may be able to save this Chris. I have a 1960 27' Chris and was able to save her, but I'm also more skilled in this sort of thing then most. Her frames were cracked, planks bent out of shape, etc., but a worth while project, which is the key to this endeavor. Is she worth fixing? You own it, so that alone is worth something, but how much, how long, etc., etc., etc. This is the reason for the inspection, so you'll have the information necessary for a reasonable decision.

You wouldn't buy an old house without an inspection, but you did with this. It's yours so the tough call is in your berth, but all 1948 Chris Craft should have attempts in getting a new lease on life. The other option is stripping and dragging her to the landfill, which is no place for a grand old girl to rest.

 

Have a quiet word with Harlemriverman - it seems he buys Australian saucepans from Paid-For TV...

 

Slipshot, Are you referring to the planking, frames,keel, or all of the above? A common problem with Chriscrafts, historically speaking, is that they are not of robust buiild. As has been stated, consult a qualified tradesman to acertain the real extent of your damage. It is true that you can probably lift and block up the boat yourself. Just make sure that you have it high enough and well supported at all critical areas to ensure a comfortable and safe working environment. If possible, please post some photos both inside and out of the affected areas and of the hull in plan and profile views. It will allow for better informed opinions concerning your boat.

 

Her are the pic' of my situation-----Is it worth restoring?

 

I've done quite a few surveys in the last couple of years (hurricanes and such) and I spend several hours on a boat of this size. A few photos doesn't tell much, though clearly she's had considerable neglect, which wooden craft don't tolerate much of.

If you have good wood working skills, are a problem solver and are prepared for a long process to bring her back to life, then go for it. If you have to job out much of this work, it will cost more then she's worth.

Most craft of this size are only worth what the engine, electronics or pedigree will bring. If she doesn't rate highly in these categories, then you'll be working for the enjoyment or satisfaction of the tasks.

How much can you do yourself? Can you rebuild this engine and transmission (are they worth rebuilding)? Align the shaft, strut(s)? How are you at redoing the electrical system? Etc., etc., etc. . . .

Again, the whole point of a survey being completed, is so you know what you have, what needs to be done and if you can manage all of it, or if the budget will permit jobbing out the hard stuff.

This forum is a very poor substitute for a proper evaluation, you own it now, the money spending line congo starts with a survey. This may turn out to be the last money you spend, before hauling her to the landfill, but you need the information, for the decision making process.

If you wrecked your car, would you decide if the car was repairable or a total? You'd likely let a professional make this determination for you. This situation is no different.

If you'd like I can email a list of local surveyors in your area.

 

Oh Splitshot.
Par has it, if I can use the term, in a nutshell.
Everything is repairable. But ask yourself this - is she worth it.
If you have a couple of years to spend; unlimited enthusiasm; a more than adequate selection of tools; good wood/engineering skills; and a healthy bank balance available for new materials, then yes - she can be restored.
BUT - add up the cost of time and materials to be spent, and you'll find you could have purchased a newer and more serviceable vessel - and could be sailing her by early next year.
Personally, I'd turn my back on her after giving her a decent burial, the only compensation being 'experience'.

 

Remember Splitshot. You bought her. So will someone else. Put the sign on it. And follow my instruction earlier. Forget it, till it is sold. Move on to more pleasureable things. Get a firm agreement on the storage fees per month till sold.

 

It would seem that you are facing an extensive refit should you decide to begin. Just remember, if you do begin and start enjoying the adventure, you will probably not want to quit until you are finished! And as any owner of a wooden boat will lament, you are never finished messing about! That is what makes them so much fun. Based on what you have shown, It would seem that the frames have held up well,as has most of the visible planking.Except at portside midship where there seems to be some rot at the plank butt. Where you will find most of the problem areas are at the transom/hull, along the keel/bilge line, and along the chine. As you already know, the chine batten is often a real source of concern (see first photo...) because it is usually the first area that must endure impacts, and stresses involved when lifting and blocking. Once you have spent time providing better support at all critical areas, then you might want to give the interior and exterior a real good cleanup. Remove any chipped/cracked paint and anything that will impede an accurate inspection. Once you commence the refit, you should consider removing the engine, tanks and anything else that will interfere with repairs. Just don't forget to measure and document the location and orientation of everything you remove. This is key, as these boats were built with specific weight distributions in mind to ensure optimum performance. I agree with what Par has said, Boats such as yours never deserve a trip to the scrap heap. Remember, research, research, research, get a good inspection and have at it! It will be well worth it when you are done.

 

I have some experience with working with wood, wiring, finishing --etc. I have a lot of power tools and a shop that can handle the boat....My problem is knowing when to replace something or use Get- rot to fix it. I love working on boats but I'm 61 years old. I don't want to spend my last good years working on something only to get it done and have to sell it because of health. What I need is a boat I can use that is similar to the Express. One I can take trips on now and work on the express whenever.
Your sure right when you say I need someone to look at it and tell me what all it needs. What to use----I've never seen a trade that uses so many different terms---has so many ways of doing things with so many different compounds. Your sure right when you say I need a surveyor to tell me whats up with the situation. Thanks so much for the info---DECISIONS--DECISIONS

 

Par---a list of surveyors would be good----thanks

 

OOps--Dfessenden@hannibal.k12.mo.us I live in Northeast Missouri--8 miles northwest of Hannibal Mo.

 

Ah Splitshot - at 61 you're a mere boy...

Take it from an older man...It's when you STOP working on boats that age catches up and health deteriorates...The secret of longevity is never to finish...