Boat Buzz

Hi All , Just wanting to see how everyone is doing this winter and asking what you are working on this winter . One of the projects I am working on is one of my own . I always wanted a utility and have a fondness for Continentals . This is a 1956 23 footer with a MCL. I started with the decks as this boat had the usual rot in the pine deck framing that migrated to some of the deck planks, and thick covering boards. I used mahogany for the new framing instead of the soft pine. Mirror imaged the deck planks, and installed new planks on the top row of the sides.
After bunging and rough sanding , I will flip the hull and install a new 5200 bottom.

What a great post Steve! I have been working on a fun double secret surprise for all in Woodyboaterville. I will say that working on my boats has saved my life in so many ways.. So far.. This summer was one of the best in my life because of boats. This winter. Yup, boats. And all of you in this wonderful community. I never feel isolated or alone!

Well Steve...no boat project here...but grateful to have an indoor renovation going on in a mid 19th century addition to my 1822 home. Using my tools, taking my time, no pressure, got heat...social distancing...life it good.
John in Va

Pretty quiet , Matt look forward to your launch of the newly improved Woodyboater site, John how about a few pictures? Anyone see NCIS and the Gibs boat in the basement? How is he going to get it out ? We need to track down the back story on this one .

1928 Chris Craft 24' Flat deck Runabout. Installing the ceilings, floors and seat frames now. Engine went in this summer (1928 Chrysler Imperial 6cyl), wiring is complete. Varnish on the decks is done (15 coats), to cold in Buffalo to finish varnishing the hull sides (10 coats).

Hey Steve, I have a complete windshield less glass for your continental if you need one. Re-Chromed. Was going to convert sedan to open and decided not to. Have a few other bits left over as well. Best looking, hardest riding utility ever. Still miss it.

Well, it's been a while since I've posted anything on this site but since you've asked I just finished installing a new 5200 bottom on a 1938 19' Sportsman that I first laid eyes on while attending the 2015 ACBS show in Minnesota while attending the pre-show day cruise on Lake Minnetonka. It was love at first sight:-) Hull number #1 of 70 produced. Completely original and never restored except for the upholstery. The boat was in service until late 2017 when it was time to take her into my shop and put on the new bottom. I replaced both chines and the gripe including all mainframes, auxiliary & intermediate frames, knees, and ties. All new silicone fasteners. A full Danenberg bottom.
The original pre-war Philippine topsides and deck which is in remarkable condition considering the boat is over 80 years old.
I plan to save the topsides planks but will remove them, clean them, and restack. More on that later. The hard part will be having to wait until after we can meet again in person so that I can have a boat flipping breakfast taco party.

Greg Wallace wrote: ↑

Fri Jan 22, 2021 9:50 am

Hey Steve, I have a complete windshield less glass for your continental if you need one. Re-Chromed. Was going to convert sedan to open and decided not to. Have a few other bits left over as well. Best looking, hardest riding utility ever. Still miss it.

Hi Greg , Thanks for the offer of the windshield , but I have one already to go . I have a question , at what point did the 23 foot continental go to the later model windshield ? My boat is 024 and still has the heavy chrome windshield. The essential guide shows the later windshield. I do need the 1/4 chromed trim that goes by the side vents.

Not positive but 1957 or 1958. Easy "tell" is the greater expanse of blonde on the fore deck ahead of dash. I've seen the classic windshield retrofitted on newer deck and its quite obvious. (IMO the classic windshield may be worthless compared to the tall wrap around replacement but its as though the hull was designed around it and loses so much without.)

The trim is actually Stainless snapped over the base.

That's the trim , I will purchase a piece. Is it pointed on both ends?
Thanks, steve

Update , Decks done for now , will flip and address the bottom. I did a 5200 bottom on CL 23-006 a few years back . I agree that the continentals do not have the best ride , we call them slappies . But they are great boats for entertaining , putting, and ride fine on calm water. The continentals have the most chrome trim and bling of any Chris Craft. I just feel they are a step up from a U22 that is a true utility boat.
I have another request, Any one have some good pictures of the 3 rd seat ? I need to construct one from scratch.
Thanks, steve

steve bunda wrote: ↑

Sun Jan 24, 2021 9:22 am

That's the trim , I will purchase a piece. Is it pointed on both ends?
Thanks, steve

Comes in 4ft. sections. pointed on one end. Have some 8ft. pieces that are pointed both ends but they have to be picked up.