55' Bullnose ChrisCraft Resto

[jonnybska]

Hello all,

I just bought a liened 55 bullnose chriscraft. I gave it a once over and found 2 foot size holes in the deck> I believe the deck wood is mahagony. I suppose my question is How do I replace it and where do I start in restoring an old wood boat. I've been around boats for 20 years i have been apart of the Sea Scout program. Also I know my way around an engine but wood on the other hand....not so much. Any help would be appriciated.

Here is a pic of her.

 

[oops!]

Re: 55' Bullnose ChrisCraft Resto

i just love big ol woodies.....

welcome to i boats......youll find lots of friends here

we will need pics of the affected area where is is ....in the salon or the outer deck?

i helped restore one in victoria bc.....(actually sidney) it was a hoot to work on.....loved it

can you see into the bilge channel? and what kind of space do you have? can you crawl around under the deck in the engine room?

 

[gcboat]

Re: 55' Bullnose ChrisCraft Resto

You lucky dog - those are sooooo sweet when finished. I'm an old wooden boat freak myself, redone several.
O.K. - first your decking will be teak, not mahogany. Just do a Google search for marine wood and you'll be swamped by the results.
My main concern is for the under deck supports - they will - or could be rotted as well.
If the ole' gal is still in the water leave her there as long as possible while you do the other repairs. How much is it leaking now?
There really isn't enough room to give you all the information you'll possibly need for a restoration but you will definately need a wood shop with plenty of tools.
Here is a forum I keep on my computer for some reference work:http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/archive/index.php/f-18.html
Dang - certainly wish you weren't so far away - and my other three projects were done.
The internet has bunches of stuff on wooden boat repair - wish I had it in my earlier days.
It's gonna' be a LOT of work - but my wife just calls it a labor of love. How true.
Have fun with your project and keep pics coming - bunches.

 

[jonnybska]

Re: 55' Bullnose ChrisCraft Resto

After cleaning the boat I found a few more issues. Dry rott inside the hull below the deck in one part. The whole foredeck needed replacement and there was a couple other rotted places. Also found a soft spot near the water line. Some engine parts missing. Although she is an elegent boat at her age( kinda like the Sophia Loren of boats). To much wood work for a guy who knows nothing about wood. I had to let her go and traded her in. Thanks to all for the support. SInce I am in Sea Scouts I will definetly still be around cause I have a 50 foot vietnam sounding vessel that needs more of my attention.

 

[zach103]

Re: 55' Bullnose ChrisCraft Resto

what did you trade her in for.. the 50 ft vietnam?

 

[erikgreen]

Re: 55' Bullnose ChrisCraft Resto

Nice boat, too bad wood tends to be so much work, especially if it's neglected like most of the boats I tend to be able to buy

I would really like to find a steel hull chris craft roamer myself...

 

[jonnybska]

Re: 55' Bullnose ChrisCraft Resto

what did you trade her in for.. the 50 ft vietnam?

I traded for a 15ft open bow ski boat. The 50 vienam has been in the scout program for years. Also Perry's marina in Iselton, CA has many boats they were willing to practically give away if anyone is interested.

 

[OV1961]

Re: 55' Bullnose ChrisCraft Resto

Nice boat, too bad wood tends to be so much work, especially if it's neglected like most of the boats I tend to be able to buy

I would really like to find a steel hull chris craft roamer myself...

There's one on my local Craigslist for $27K I think.

 

[drewmitch44]

Re: 55' Bullnose ChrisCraft Resto

Oooops..... "i just love big ol woodies....."

Do you now?????