TOPIC: I just can't help myself!

lol if I ever do make it that way I will bring beer, this old gal will be and actually still is a stunning lady, I used to have a huge desire to have a wood boat, and some day I may find myself in one, but as of lately, I've shyed away from them because of these little surprises. Have you read the book "The Waterline"? it's about one man's experience of buying and restoring an old 40s chris craft utility, which turned out to be a great read.

As I mentioned before, this is an EASY restoration...no sweat, piece of cake. However, after a close examination of the forward bilge, I determined that there were evil spirits living inside the wood. I asked Jobu to come but since he didn't show, I removed a 7' section of the keel to get rid of them and performed an exorcism with sea salt, garlic and by screaming "demons out!" Now that the bilge has been purified, I can begin to replace the framing members that were possessed.

Picture looks like you got a hellavaleak there. Get out the bondo

Youch I hate it when that happens!

Bob

Good thread!! I dont feel bad about my project! Keep posting!!

Nautilus,

I'm thinking of adding some mahogany to my fiberglassic. Actually, I'm considering laminating mahogany and maple (because I already have the wood) to mimic teak and holly.

Assuming I carry through, what do you recommend for finish?

Thanks!

I guess it all depends upon how you want the wood to look but because the wood will be exposed to water and sunlight, you options are somewhat limited. Just about everyone I work for wants high gloss varnish and for that, I use Epiphanes...about 8 coats. For a low luster finish, I use hand-rubbed oil, 50/50 mix of boiled linseed oil and turpentine. Apply liberally and let sit awhile, then rub off all you can. Repeat this 3 or 4 more times. The best part of this finish is that it can be spruced-up easily by light sanding and a few more coats of oil. Here's an oiled mahogany deck I built for a 1958 Chris Craft Commander:

OK, thanks! Just boiled linseed oil and turpentine! As you know, there are a million answers to the question, but seeing your work is all the proof I need. I want to build a sun bathing platform to install atop the cabin roof. Not sure if it'll look hokey, but I think I want to give it a shot.

how is the cruiser coming? definitely more than I could have done. I've been working on a 24' 1936 chris craft since 2006 or 08, I've lost track of time. still nowhere near finished and no launch date in site. good luck.

Thomas,

WELCOME ABOARD.

yours, satx

Remember the plumber with the constantly leaking sink? Well, that's the way it is for a restorer with his own boat. Virtually nothing has been done to the cruiser since I posted months ago. On top of my normal lack of free time, winter is right around the corner and the guy I've trained for four years just took another job. Right this minute, I have no help and can't find a good man to hire. Maybe I'll quit looking for good help and actively seek mediocre help. I just returned from a month in Europe and it's tough to get back into the swing of things. If I could just win the Powerball, I'd give the whole business away and move to Tahiti. Next drawing is Wednesday night. Wish me luck.

Check out this ship. (Click to enlarge) Classiest lifeboats I've ever seen!

If you lived a little further north I'd work for ya, free. Just for the love of it. Our profiles run almost identical, 'cept about a few years difference in age.