1987 28' Chris-Craft 283 Amerosport

[kylejb2663]

Re: 1987 28' Chris-Craft 283 Amerosport

I am GLAD to see this thread is back!!!! Chris Craft's need to stick together!!!!

BSnB, I have to ask where did you get the radar arch from? I have been looking for one for mine and I cannot seem to find one anywhere!! I was hoping to get one from a junk yard or something but well boats don't really find themselves into junk yards around here, LOL.

Everything looks great and the inside is really shaping up- I have done a few things to mine so far but I need to finish the upholstery on the inside. I LOVE that table, looks really nice and I really like the idea of a hard top- Looks like a great place to throw a few solar panels on top of too- if you're like me I don't have a generator when I am moored out! Solar panels could help quite a bit!

Looks Awesome! Can't wait to see more!

 

[Pmccraney]

Re: 1987 28' Chris-Craft 283 Amerosport

Oh yeah, I think I am going to start a thread, sort of like the Starcraft guys have, that has all of the Chris Craft owners/restores in one place. I'll put it down in the Owner's group page with links to each person's individual thread. Be sure in check in when I get it started to register your attendance/thread.

Also, I like the 2nd mock-up (post 39) much better! Certainly think is doable - but just make sure the fabrication is solid. You may want to check out Captn Mike's lost perl thread. His is a giant boat, but he did this.

As this will become the focal point of your boat, you definitely don't want people's eye's drawn to something that looks "un-natural" (sort of like chopping the bow out of a classic Chris Craft run-about like some un-named fool was thinking about doing the other day).

Have a good one.

 

[r.j.dawg]

Re: 1987 28' Chris-Craft 283 Amerosport

Been following your thread here BSnB. Great stuff. I accidentally stumbled across a thread by another iboater who built a hardtop for his Bayliner. Thought there may be some information in it you could use. http://www.shareaproject.com/pages/projectTut,p,386,00.html

 

[25thmustang]

Re: 1987 28' Chris-Craft 283 Amerosport

I've seen some of that stuff on-line somewhere too. 4x8 sheets if I'm not mistaken. I attempted to lay some teak and holly laminate on the sole of the cabin last year. The stuff was semi-rigid like the laminate you might use to do a counter-top. EPIC FAIL! I measured the running length and width of the cabin sole, then layed the material out on the dock to mark my cuts. A gusty breeze and the uneven board of the dock were not helping. I was finally successful in making the cuts and walking/sailing it into the cabin. With the admiral fore and me aft we slowly lowered the 8 or 9 foot by 18 inch panel down onto the sole. The sole is not exactly flat, and with the rises on each side to accommodate the galley cabinets and the booth seating we struggled. To get our feet out of the way, the Admiral lay face down on the V-berth and I stood on the first step up from the sole at the other end and we ever so slowly eased the panel into place. An almost perfect fit. I stepped down off of the step to walk the center of the panel down into the curved sole to stick to the mastic that had already been troweled in. With one edge up by the V-berth caught up on the vertical rise next to the galley I began to hear a little cracking. I paused, the Admiral reached further down from her precarious perch to free the edge... and promptly slipped out of the V-berth, palms on the panel to keep from falling completely, legs kicking to regain her purchase in the V-berth. Without thinking, I took another half step and, not retreating quickly enough, heard the panel crack and shatter into several rather sharp pieces. Now stuck to the mastic, I was only able to remove this broken panel one sharp piece at a time. We bought carpet later that day.:facepalm:

That sounds like quite the event.

I have used a product called Flexwood. They sell Veneer, Veneer with adhesive on the back, and a wood on wood veneer. The small project I have done with the stuff so far was easy as can be. Doing something large, like a full bulkhead or large odd shaped area could be tough, but managable.

What areas were you thinking of using the veneer?

 

[BSnB]

Re: 1987 28' Chris-Craft 283 Amerosport

I am GLAD to see this thread is back!!!! Chris Craft's need to stick together!!!!

BSnB, I have to ask where did you get the radar arch from? I have been looking for one for mine and I cannot seem to find one anywhere!! I was hoping to get one from a junk yard or something but well boats don't really find themselves into junk yards around here, LOL.

Everything looks great and the inside is really shaping up- I have done a few things to mine so far but I need to finish the upholstery on the inside. I LOVE that table, looks really nice and I really like the idea of a hard top- Looks like a great place to throw a few solar panels on top of too- if you're like me I don't have a generator when I am moored out! Solar panels could help quite a bit!

Looks Awesome! Can't wait to see more!

Thanks, Kyle, the solar panel idea is a great one. I don't have a genny and solar panels might give me some comfort. The radar arch came with the boat. It was an original upgrade at the time the boat was delivered. I can't help you with finding one. I will say, I like it. It might be hard to see in the photos, but it's constructed of tubular stainless steel with a couple of stainless plates welded in between to maintain spacing between the tubes. The white side pieces are molded plastic of some kind with almost a pebble finish. I would have preferred fiberglass so that i could polish it, but it is what it is.

 

[BSnB]

Re: 1987 28' Chris-Craft 283 Amerosport

Oh yeah, I think I am going to start a thread, sort of like the Starcraft guys have, that has all of the Chris Craft owners/restores in one place. I'll put it down in the Owner's group page with links to each person's individual thread. Be sure in check in when I get it started to register your attendance/thread.

Also, I like the 2nd mock-up (post 39) much better! Certainly think is doable - but just make sure the fabrication is solid. You may want to check out Captn Mike's lost perl thread. His is a giant boat, but he did this.

As this will become the focal point of your boat, you definitely don't want people's eye's drawn to something that looks "un-natural" (sort of like chopping the bow out of a classic Chris Craft run-about like some un-named fool was thinking about doing the other day).

Have a good one.

LOL...yup, wouldn't want it to look unnatural or take away from the lines of a classic Chris Craft!

Thanks for the vote on option 2. I like it better too. Here's the deal...I may be an awesome designer and drawer, but I haven't a clue about how to fabricate something like that! Captain Mike? lost pearl? I'll do a search, thanks!

Mike

 

[BSnB]

Re: 1987 28' Chris-Craft 283 Amerosport

Been following your thread here BSnB. Great stuff. I accidentally stumbled across a thread by another iboater who built a hardtop for his Bayliner. Thought there may be some information in it you could use. http://www.shareaproject.com/pages/projectTut,p,386,00.html

Thanks for the tip, dawg...I'll check it out

 

[BSnB]

Re: 1987 28' Chris-Craft 283 Amerosport

That sounds like quite the event.

I have used a product called Flexwood. They sell Veneer, Veneer with adhesive on the back, and a wood on wood veneer. The small project I have done with the stuff so far was easy as can be. Doing something large, like a full bulkhead or large odd shaped area could be tough, but managable.

What areas were you thinking of using the veneer?

My plan was to do the vertical bulkhead separating the V-berth from the rest of the cabin. I'll look that stuff up, thanks Mustang!

 

[lil buggy]

Re: 1987 28' Chris-Craft 283 Amerosport

not sure if you made your mind up about the hardtop
but i have a couple designs i like for your boat
check these out and tell me what you think

this looks kinda like the 2nd mach up
http://www.alibaba.com/product-free/115388132/Boat_hardtop_enclosed_glass_Windscreen.html

in no peticular order
http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/379071748/6m_fishing_convertible_top_boat_600.html

and check it out just past halfway mark mark on the video (bottom right on the pic)
http://www.nauticexpo.com/prod/whittley/motor-boats-hard-top-cabin-cruisers-27813-198534.html
sliding sun roof
your side window will look different and it extends further back

i also like the looks of this top
a lil bit higher like 1st mach up



just style thoughts above

they also make several tubular frames with a stretched canvas or thin fiberglass
would be less fabrication just the eising glass to attatch to the windows
more outa the box application

like this one



from this site atlantic towers
http://www.atlantictowers.com/custom-towers-hardtops.php?gclid=CMeEr56N1K4CFeURNAodLnnodw

question for ya
can you stand up under exsisting softop?
how much headroom do you have?

spark any interest?

 

[lil buggy]

Re: 1987 28' Chris-Craft 283 Amerosport

sniff, sniff, i smell an update:facepalm: lol

 

[BSnB]

Re: 1987 28' Chris-Craft 283 Amerosport

OK...so a couple of things. Based upon Mustangs recommendation, I ordered one 4x8 sheet of the Teak Flexwood veneer and the necessary roller, glue and scraper.

The table that I showed ya'll a picture of is one I made from a piece of finish grade plywood that I stained, applied the compass rose applique to and then coated with polyurethane. I'd taken the wall bracket and leg from the existing table and attached it to this one. As I've said, I've not been happy with the result. The ply was too thin and required extra bracing underneath in order to attach the bracket that holds it to the hull and is not secured as well as I'd like. In addition, because I had to go back and re-cut the bracket side of the table to get the right contour to fit along the hull, I have some refinishing to do to make it all right.

Instead, I've decided to veneer the original table. We'll see what kind of mess I can make of this one. The existing finish is a melamine of some kind which I'll sand down to give it some tooth and then apply the glue before positioning the veneer. I don't think I'll apply any stain because I want that natural oiled teak look. I'm not going to oil the teak, but I think the application of a good vanish will bring that color up naturally. I'm still trying to locate some appropriate edge trim, but I think I'll get some 1-inch half-round (oak maybe) and use my router to ease the sharp edges, and attach it so that it rises slightly above the level of the table giving me a bit of a rail to keep things from sliding off at sea. I'll stain the half-round Mahogany, miter cut it to fit and then continue with subsequent coats of varnish until I've built up the finish.

Any thoughts?

 

[25thmustang]

Re: 1987 28' Chris-Craft 283 Amerosport

Your idea sounds great. The veneer should stick well. I only have two small doors done but the veneer seems to be stuck on well.

I would suggest getting a real edge so it will match, but I have seen what places charge for teak. The oak should work and hold up well.

Make sure to take a lot of pictures!

 

[BSnB]

Re: 1987 28' Chris-Craft 283 Amerosport

I'm also a big fan of the LED RGB lights that ChrisCraft254 has used with such great success, so I ordered a roll of those and they came in first thing yesterday morning. WAY cool! I immediately opened the box and assembled all of the parts on the kitchen counter. It comes with a transformer to convert AC to DC, so I stretched out a length of the lights and attached the connectors while I finished making coffee. I was just reaching to plug it into the wall outlet when the Admiral shuffled sleepily into the kitchen.

HOLY Mother of God those are bright!!!!!! The strip of lights was blazing and changing from one color to another faster than my still sleep clouded eyes could see!!! Bright flashing colors of light intense enough to cause epileptic seizure! The Admiral staggered back out of the kitchen complaining loudly about being blinded as I scrambled for the remote control. I'd heard that these landing lights could be dimmed somehow or at least controlled in some manner. I fought my way through the glaring strobe of color and located, finally, the controller. Shielding my eyes I carefully aimed it at the lights, my thumb on the dim button....NOTHING! Battling my way back in again, I located the power cord and ripped it from the wall silencing the riot of color and plunging us back into the quiet dim more common in our morning kitchen.

"It's for the boat, Honey" I said, still vibrating from the assault on my senses.

"Dear God" she replied, "there is no way I'm going to have those hideous Disco lights on my boat!!!"

"your boat??" I almost said, but instead, quick thinking man that I am, I said "it's got a remote control"

"Terrific" she said "now you can flash through colors as fast as you do for TV channels"

Maybe I'm not as quick thinking as I thought...:facepalm:

 

[25thmustang]

Re: 1987 28' Chris-Craft 283 Amerosport

Great story! Quick thinking on the boat owner question. I never thought to tell my fiance that all the work I do is for her boat. I'll have to try it.

 

[BSnB]

Re: 1987 28' Chris-Craft 283 Amerosport

I'm not so sure about the quick thinking, Mustang, but stories? Well, to me, that's what buying an old boat is all about. I wouldn't trade the stories of my renovation foibles for anything...

...except maybe sending you this table top and looking at pictures of your progress. ;-)

 

[lil buggy]

Re: 1987 28' Chris-Craft 283 Amerosport

...except maybe sending you this table top and looking at pictures of your progress. ;-)

i'll 2nd the shipping and the pics lol, mustangs work is top notch

BSnB, i liked your old table.
i bet the veneer on the original top will turn out sweet and tie it in with the new walls etc...
any plans for an inlay or the compass?

you guys are given me a case of table envy.lol

my original table has a 1/16th lip on it if i were to make a different one i think i would go with a bigger lip(thoughts?)

another rgb project!!!! cant wait
cant wait to see where they go
make sure you post the before and after pics

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: 1987 28' Chris-Craft 283 Amerosport

Ok, I'm climbing aboard my Chris Craft friend. Your thread should be rename "trial and tribulations of the Amerasport 283". lol you have had your hands full sounds like. I like the story on the lights also. Did you get the interior lights or exterior. Should not need a ac/dc adapter.

Just a couple thoughts. The table that you are veneering, you could veneer the sides, veneer the top and then add a oak,mahogany or teak L trim around the top edge. No matter what you do with a raised edge, if rough enough things are going to tumble, my thought is its not worth it to raise the edges. I like laying my arms up on the table sometimes, and a flat surface is mors comfy.

As far as the top goes, great idea to put a hardtop on her. The more head room the better. Might offer some rod storage above your head also. I like the first drawing with it up higher. Can you post a pic of your stern where the knotch is, I have some ideas for you there, just don't know if they will work until I see a pic.

Great thread man, you do have good story telling capabilities. I will be following your progress.

 

[BSnB]

Re: 1987 28' Chris-Craft 283 Amerosport

As far as the table is concerned, I appreciate your compliment, lil buggy, but up close and personal you'd see what I mean about my first attempt with the table being less substantial that I want it. I know what you mean about laying your arms up on a table, chriscraft254, and I remain uncertain about the raised edge. I'm keeping in mind that this table also drops down to form a bed and the raised edge can't be too substantial or you'd feel it through the cushions. It just may not be worth it in this application.

I do plan to include another Compass Rose. An inlay may be beyond my skill level so what I'll do is buy another applique like I did for the old table and lay that on after the first coat of varnish. Then I'll apply whatever trim I decide on and finish it out with multiple coats of varnish, or maybe that Clear Coat bar-top coating the Mustang talked about.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: 1987 28' Chris-Craft 283 Amerosport

BSnB, I'm not sure over wood, but the bar top coating was the easiest product I've ever used. It literally poured out, I spread it even for 10 minutes or so and then walked away. Varnish takes a lot more work, but over real wood is my choice.

I thought about an inlay like you did, but got impatient, never ordered one, and did it without. I say put it on your new table. I also like Chriscrafts idea about veneer everything then a solid trim around the edge. Finding that trim may prove tough and costly though.

 

[BSnB]

Re: 1987 28' Chris-Craft 283 Amerosport

I like the idea, Mustang, of that bar-top coating on the table for durability. The veneer on the walls would, of course, be varnished.

I don't think I'll try to veneer the edge of the table, just the top horizontal surface. I didn't buy any of the edge strips they sell. Instead the edge will be some kind of bullnosed trim or half-round. I've even considered using something like a rub rail around the edge of the table. I like that idea more for an exterior table, if I had one, than an interior one.