Wooden Boat Restoration

[jjrunning]

Hi,
I have a rather large question here... I came across a 1952 Chris Craft 18' Riviera for sale on ebay that is just a few miles away from me that needs to be completely restored. I have always loved Chris Craft designs. The link is here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1952-18-Chris-Craft-Riviera_W0QQitemZ110427412586QQcmdZViewItemQQptZPower_Motorboats?hash=item19b5fc986a&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245

I don't have much woodworking experience, just the basics. I would love to learn though. Does someone with some wooden boat experience have any suggestions for me? Is this something I will be able to take on or should I look for something a little less intense. Thanks much!

 

[Landscaping Wiz 808]

Re: Wooden Boat Restoration

Hi jjrunning - I'm no woodworking expert myself, but I think if that boat was a little closer to me I'd be willing to learn for that price. I just wonder what the reserve price is. How about that motor though!

The seller may be willing to offer some good advice, you can see in the pictures that there's a similar boat in the background so the seller must know a thing or two about them. You may also want to hit the bookstore and pick up a copy of Wooden Boat Magazine. They have a lot of interesting information that may be helpful to you.

Good Luck!

BOB

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Wooden Boat Restoration

Check it carefully for rot at the seams.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Wooden Boat Restoration

That could turn out to be a once in a lifetime classic. Don't even go near it though unless:
1. You have a place inside to store and work on it.
2. Have lots of time and patience - this is a long haul - long duration project and if you are not ready to commit - - walk away.
3. You are going to need a fair amount of wood working tools.
4. You are going to need to find someone to help you with this labor of love and believe me it will be that - - or walk away.
5. Be prepared to spend a substantial pile of cash - - who knows at this point how much.

If you give it 100% you could wind up with an eye turning jewel. Anything less than 100% will result in tears of frustration, tons of hours lost and a big hole in your pocket. This ain't for the faint hearted but it could be the project of a lifetine.

 

[grahamh]

Re: Wooden Boat Restoration

The fact that it "needs wood replacement" scares me, but I'm a lot better with metal than with wood.

Does the seller mean to say that all the wood needs to be replaced? That would seem like an enormous project, but I agree that the results would be stunning.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Wooden Boat Restoration

And even after you achieve the stunning resto results, it has to be maintained...which ain't cheap with wooden boats. Now that I think about it...kinda like gettin' hitched.

 

[Ned L]

Re: Wooden Boat Restoration

Double planked bottom, batten seam sides, fairly simple construction, but not something I'd suggest someone with with limited woodworking experience get involved in by themselves. The bottom would need reqorking and that would probably reveal that a number of the the bottom frames need replacing due to splits caused by the power screw drivers in use in 1954. The decks look like they may need replacing too.
forgot to add ---- The Riviera's are a great model with a lot of desirability. This is an excellent resotration candidate and will hold its value. With a descent restoration it would easilly be a $20K boat.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Wooden Boat Restoration

For that price I'd buy plans and build one from the frame up.

If this guy does this sort of work and doesn't want to do this one,
no need to wonder why.

 

[allpoints360]

Re: Wooden Boat Restoration

It's a dream. Snap out of it!

 

[MushCreek]

Re: Wooden Boat Restoration

My experience is that it would be faster and easier to build a new one. Wouldn't be the same, though......