65 chris craft supersport.

[rockmonkey]

It'll be a bit guys, i need to upright a carport and run some power to it before i can do much work. After those are done, i'll order some african mahogany and start picking apart the bad and taking it back to good framework and good planking. I'd love to have it done in a year from now, but we'll see. If anyone knows where i might find a bow flag holder for one of these or a proper speedometer, i'd appreciate it greatly. Even as i was driving home with this thing, i was pretty excited (and hoping the trailer didn't fall apart sending this thing into the sea). From what i've tried to gather, it seems total numbers are a bit debatable, but for 1965, there were 70 built and my hull# puts it at 16th built that year. Ive heard total number of 18' super sports at 150 and up to 205 for all years and total number of 18' and 21' super sports around 500 for all years made in wooden hulls. When i found out how rare this thing is, that got me pretty excited. I unfortunately dont get to keep it as i made a promise to my wife when i bought it. it'll hopefully pay for a proper shop for me, since i dont have a garage or carport right now and some college fund money for my kids.

 

[Woodonglass]

If you do it right and restore her back to original specs...she'll fetch a pretty penney!!! I've seen them sell totally restored, anywhere from $15 - 20 K!!!! If you're careful and can buy you're materials at a discount, you could make a good profit if you don't count your labor cuz there WILL be a LOT of that!!!!

 

[rockmonkey]

i picked it up for 500 bucks, so making a profit shouldn't be too hard! thanks for all the replies guys. I'll have some more up when i start making a little progress. Oh, one more part that will be semi complicated/expensive is finding someone that can make the fiberglass sponsoons since mine are missing. I know original specs call for vinyl on the deck and around part of the sides, but I've always liked wood more and think it'd be a shame to cover up that african mahogany. What do y'all think?

 

[rockmonkey]

yeah, along with not counting labor, i probably shouldn't count sheets of sandpaper either!

 

[Woodonglass]

It's a Toss Up in my opinion. With these Classic Woodies if you modify them to YOUR liking then you'll have to find a buyer that likes your rendition of the boat. Normally they tend to follow the "Purists" point of view soooo you might want to research and ask a LOT of questions to see where you can make the most dollars. If you were gunna keep her for your own then do it the way you want, but for re-sale I'd think you'd want to do it the way you could make the most money. Just my 2?

 

[jakedaawg]

Why African Mahogany? Most of who restore these use Dark Phillpino Mahogany.

 

[Woodonglass]

I found this and thought you might be interested...http://centuryclassicpowerboat.com/projects/65ccss/65ccss.htm

 

[rockmonkey]

I was thinking african because of the color, but looks like the red meranti mahogany might be a good choice as well. Woodonglass, thanks for the article. I'd seen it before but didn't take the time to save it for later, now i'll have it as a reference, thanks.

 

[Woodonglass]

Not wanting to bust your bubble but I'm thinking you're gunna have a major test making a good profit off this boat. Some things to think about. I've been contemplating a build like this for over 10 years and I've researched and studied the ins and outs of wooden boat restorations and feel I have a good understanding of what all the requirements are and the pitfalls that can occur. NOTHING is cheap when it comes to these boats. The Materials aren't cheap, the methods and techniques needed to do the restoration are hard to duplicate, and original parts can be hard to find and when you do are PRICEY!!! With the end product being priced at $20,000 you'd be doing well to come out with a $5,000 profit when it's all said and done. That's my 2?.

 

[Ned L]

Could be an interesting project. How is the engine? Is it the original Chevy based CC, or a replacement?
As Woodonglass said, unless you restore her properly (as original as possible) you can pretty much count on reducing her value quite a bit for each non-original change.

I would really suggest you familiarize yourself with, and if you are serious, join the Chris Craft Antique Boat Club. They will be able to help with any questions you have.

How is her bottom? Original, or has it been reworked?

I don't think that rear seat is what would be called 'original', and I might suggest that what are calling the missing "speedometer" is really a tachometer.

 

[rockmonkey]

The bottom appears to be original and in good shape on the interior. it'll need some good resurfacing outside, but thats ok. The motor is a cc based chevy and i believe after hooking up a new coil should be in good running order with a carb clean/tune. Its been maintained and oil changed recently. I was planning on pulling it just to repaint and clean it up. I do want to make sure i come as close to original as possible, thats one reason im trying to collect info even though im not starting right away. The rear seat, the last owner resanded it and appears to match in wood grain and color. I know they came covered, but maybe this is what was underneath the original vinyl. If i finish the boat, i'll have it covered properly. While i have done a couple wooden boats before, this will be the most difficult and particular one ive done. Mechanically i can rebuild near anything and tool wise, im set, so not too much investment there. Wood, finishing materials, vinyl and a handful of missing items will add up for sure. I don't expect it to be cheap, but ive yet to take on a project i couldn't make a few bucks from. Thats not the bulk of my intent on this project though, and will not be surprised as expenses stack up.