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On Tue, 02 Aug 2005 12:00:57 -0700, raoul wrote:
In article , P.C. Ford wrote: On Sat, 30 Jul 2005 16:15:05 GMT, "Jack" wrote: Hello all, (This has probably been answered before ) My wife has this crazy idea that she wants me to restore an old Chris Craft Riviera. She saw one on a local lake, and fell in love with it. She thinks that since I am a decent carpenter, its only natural that I could restore a boat, right ?? (oh my god, what am i writing!!) I have no idea where to start. Have you seen first timers restore these boats? If I find one to restore, what should would be something you look for to not buy the project boat. (like missing bottom, etc, engine really bad, etc.) We might just buy one, but I would like to give a restoration a shot. I have already done cars, so I know that restoration work is tough. Thanks for your time. Sorry for the long post. I have restored antique speedboats for 30 years. Two things. 1. Get an expert, a real expert not just someone that thinks he is a an expert, to examine the boat carefully. Be sure you are restoring a boat that will reward your efforts in the best measure possible. 2. Look for Dan Danenberg book on runabout restauration. I don't believe everything he says but it's a great start. I agree on those two points but would add one other: 3. Consider building one yourself from scratch. There are designs for wooden runabouts which are attractive and designed for the home carpenter. Glen-L ( www,glenl.com) has four or five different models of the type you are speaking of that have been built many, many times by guys in their garage. They have full materials lists and packages for fasteners, coverings and hardware so you could figure within 10% or so what it might cost for you to build. You could follow the instructions step by step until it is finished. Restoring something means that, for the most part, you have to 'write your own instructions' as it were in order to get it done. So, if it would take a real Chris-Craft to make you happy, go for it. Plug away at it and eventually you will get it done. However, if I were doing it, based on other boat projects i've done and helped on, I'd start from scratch and go from keel to deck with new materials and a design that other guys like me managed to get finished. Building from scratch is certainly a pleasure. However, the typical home built boat does not have much of a resale value. If selling the boat is in any way possible (and most boats are eventually sold) you should note this. Glenn-L boats in my opinion would have a particulary low value. One would be better served to build a more complicate boat. Hint: plywood is not fun to work with and does not produce a long lasting boat. Stick with real wood. |
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