1960 Chris Craft sportsman restoration project

[rhtmarine]

Guys, I'm currently working on a 1960 17' Chris Craft sportsman. The boat has been stored for many years, and I bought to bring it back from the dead... The boat came from the factory with a 283 V8. It does need a ton of work. I'm about ready to flip it and get after the bottom. I'm removing the planking, canvas, and thin ply. I will replace the ply, seal with CPES and install the planks with 3M 5200 sealant. should last 25 years.
I have been looking for a forum like this to share progress and search for those missing parts. I'm missing some engine and trans stuff, the steering pushrod and both end clevis' are also missing. I have a plastic curved windshield, but would like to find the orginal style. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks, Bob

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: 1960 CC sportsman resoration project

Re: 1960 CC sportsman resoration project

Wow, my dream project. I would love to bring back an old woody. I'll be keeping an eye on this one. Good find!

 

[Dzrtcj7]

Re: 1960 CC sportsman resoration project

Re: 1960 CC sportsman resoration project

Nice project!

My dad and I restored a 1962 21' CC Holiday with a 413 Chrysler. Here is the only pic I have of it:



Restoring woody's is really rewarding. I'll be following your progress!

 

[rhtmarine]

Re: 1960 CC sportsman resoration project

Re: 1960 CC sportsman resoration project

Thanks guys!! great start here on this forum. Being a 30 year cabinet maker won't hurt during this resto project, but I expect it to be both challenging and rewarding. I will keep the pics coming.
I have built close to 50 model racing boats reaching speeds up to 70 miles a hour... This is by far the largest scale project to date. Stay tuned!
Bob

 

[Ned L]

Re: 1960 CC sportsman resoration project

Re: 1960 CC sportsman resoration project

Nice project! I'd also suggest you stop in at the Woodenboat discussion forum, there are a couple of regulars there who almost do this for a living (one guy has been doing it proffessionally for 30yrs). As for the steering 'pushrod', galvanized pipe is all that was used, get it ar your local plumbing supply house. It will take some special bending where it crosses through the stringer (if this one does). The clevises are a bit of a different story, they may take a bit of looking, but usually if you find a place with one they will have lots. Good luck!

 

[wa_ssv197]

Re: 1960 CC sportsman resoration project

Re: 1960 CC sportsman resoration project

That boat isn't wroth the time of day, I will drive down and take it off of your hands!

Good luck with the resto, keep us updated with the project.
We have actually found that flEabay and a couple of CC sites are good for finding those hard to find parts.

 

[rhtmarine]

Re: 1960 CC sportsman resoration project

Re: 1960 CC sportsman resoration project

That boat isn't wroth the time of day, I will drive down and take it off of your hands!

Good luck with the resto, keep us updated with the project.
We have actually found that flEabay and a couple of CC sites are good for finding those hard to find parts.

Thats funny dude...Did you mean, "not worth the time of day"? I paid 1900.00 for it. Did I do good? I think so. I have found some stuff on ebay. Thanks, Bob

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: 1960 CC sportsman resoration project

Re: 1960 CC sportsman resoration project

You did fine at $1,900.00. I love those old wooden Chris Crafts....beautiful boats.

 

[rhtmarine]

Re: 1960 CC sportsman resoration project

Re: 1960 CC sportsman resoration project

Guys,
I recieved my packet today from the maritime museum. Very cool stuff!! the build card has two extras... #1 was ski tow bar installed (which I have)
and #2 says "boat customized" I'm thinking it's the color of upholstery. it says in another location, note: upholstery-details tango red and antique white. any further insite would be great! NEEDLESS TO SAY... I'm very happy with my find. This thing is gonna be badass!
thinkin this weekend she'll be wrong side up on the dolly. more pics to follow
thanks for your interest guys, Bob

 

[rhtmarine]

Re: 1960 CC sportsman resoration project

Re: 1960 CC sportsman resoration project

Guys,
Moving forward on this project, and I have a few questions. 1st since most of the steering hardware is missing, I'm toying with the idea of installing a teleflex cable system to upgrade the ride and make it safer. I'm not building a showpiece so I have no problem there. input is appreciated. 2nd there are two thru holes. one is for the water pick-up near the engine. the other is near the drivers floorboard. Two tru holes on the transom. This boat was disassembled in the 80's and left that way ever since.
I'm considering a color change to dove grey interior and maybe black bottom. ebonize the king plank. I could call it "Just Wood Baby"
OR... I could put a blower on that 283 and call her "Blow-N-Woody" Thoughts???

 

[ingalp01]

Re: 1960 CC sportsman resoration project

Re: 1960 CC sportsman resoration project

I love the old Chris Craft woodies... My dream project and most likely retirement gift to myself is going to be restoring a 20 something foot Chris Craft runabout... I'll definitely be watching this thread.

Since you aren't going to be rubbing elbows with the rich and famous at some antique wooden boat show, I'd say do whatever you want to make her your own. Reliability, and ease of maintenance trumps originality any day of the week, but that's just me thinking out loud...

 

[Luhrs28]

Re: 1960 CC sportsman resoration project

Re: 1960 CC sportsman resoration project

Superb find! In fact it looks very nice just the way you bought it. I bet it really flies with even a stock 283 V8.

I'm not even going to mention diesel repower on this one.

 

[rhtmarine]

Re: 1960 CC sportsman resoration project

Re: 1960 CC sportsman resoration project

Thanks Guys,
NO diesel!! not happening... power, BIG power!!! blown on alky power...would turn heads tho...
Yeah, won't be rubbin elbows...not my style. just want a good, FAST ride. they went 40 mph back in the day. I want to go faster!!!

 

[rhtmarine]

Re: 1960 CC sportsman resoration project

Re: 1960 CC sportsman resoration project

UPDATE... I got three of my buds to help me flip this bad boy over. We did it in 30 minutes with no issues. now I can start pulling planks and move forward with this project! Very excited to have it upsidedown. It was a little stressful, but never was a problem.
Bob

 

[MountaineerMiner]

Re: 1960 Chris Craft sportsman resoration project

Re: 1960 Chris Craft sportsman resoration project

Awesome workshop...im very jealous. I will for sure follow this one, i love old boats!

 

[rhtmarine]

Re: 1960 Chris Craft sportsman resoration project

Re: 1960 Chris Craft sportsman resoration project

Awesome workshop...im very jealous. I will for sure follow this one, i love old boats!

Thanks, But I just work there. My boss is cool enough to let me do this in the shop.

 

[rhtmarine]

Re: 1960 Chris Craft sportsman resoration project

Re: 1960 Chris Craft sportsman resoration project

Damn, That's a lot of freakin screws!!! most of the screws are backing out well, with only a few broken. I was surprized to see canvas only at the ply seams. Can't wait to get that ply off and see the framework. I have a feeling that at the chine, there has been some expansion...we'll see soon enough.

sorry, I forgot the camera...

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: 1960 Chris Craft sportsman resoration project

Re: 1960 Chris Craft sportsman resoration project

My dream project, it would sit right next to my '65 Mustang convertible with a 283 in it! I will keep tabs on this one for sure..

 

[Tahorover]

Re: 1960 Chris Craft sportsman resoration project

Re: 1960 Chris Craft sportsman resoration project

If you don't already have a copy, this book is a must have:

It will guide you from start to finish and prevent the many pitfalls that can ruin the boat.

The author also has a BB that can help with questions:
http://danenbergboatworks.com/eve

 

[rhtmarine]

Re: 1960 Chris Craft sportsman resoration project

Re: 1960 Chris Craft sportsman resoration project

I do have it, Thank you!
Bob