First restoration: Chris Craft Barracuda

[ttoe]

Hello Everyone,
I acquired a Chris Craft Barracuda from a friend. As I understand this was a kit boat offered in the 50's. It has a 30 hp johnson, don't know if it will start.

It has a pretty solid hull and hull framing. The plywood decking and seat framing will all be replaced. The interior and exterior of the hull will be primed and painted.

So far I have removed the engine, steering, hardware, and rotten wood.

I think my next step will be painting the inside of the hull after a thorough cleaning and scraping. I hear that CPES may be the primer / sealer I need to use for that. Does anyone have any experience or thoughts on that? Any suggestions?

I will surely have more questions as this goes on.

Thanks.

 

[bananaboater]

Re: First restoration: Chris Craft Barracuda

Looks like a gem waiting to be restored. Nice project.

Don't know if I would "paint" the interior. Varnish or clear coat would be my choice. Have you researched other CC restorations? I would not do anything that would detract from the CC traditions. IMHO.

Looking forward to watching progress.

 

[ttoe]

Re: First restoration: Chris Craft Barracuda

I have looked at the few Barracuda restorations I have found, and I quess that since these were kit boats, and not factory boats, they were personalized in many ways, including paint colors, upholstery, etc.

Preferrably I would not paint the interior either, but it already has a couple of coats of paint on it, and frankly I do not want to invest the hours into sanding it down to bare wood for proper staining. Please don't get me wrong, it will be properly prepped for paint.

 

[tschmidty]

Re: First restoration: Chris Craft Barracuda

Love the look of those old chris crafts, could be a really beautiful boat. And that Johnson is very cool too, definitely worth trying to restore. Good luck.

 

[ttoe]

Re: First restoration: Chris Craft Barracuda

So after a little looking around, it looks like I may use Interlux Pre-Kote to prime the inside of the hull (plywood and hardwood) as well as the outside of the hull (fiberglass over plywood).

Once primed, I will possibly use Interlux Brightside for the inside and outside (topside).

I have not decided on what to use below the waterline. This is a boat that may be in the water a few weekends a year. Is it really necesary to use a "bottom" paint?

Does anyone have experience with these products? Any suggestions?

Thanks guys

 

[riffenberg]

Re: First restoration: Chris Craft Barracuda

How's the progress? My dad built one and I'd love to have another Barracuda kit boat. Do you want to sell? Richard Walker