Active Unanswered
Special Race Boat Replica Project
Moderators: Don Ayers, Al Benton, Don Vogt
Special Race Boat Replica Project
After I finished the restoration of my Gar Wood a couple years back I was looking for my next project. Originally I was thinking of doing a Gar Wood Speedster replica. I purchased the plans from the Antique Boat Museum and attempted to model the hull in a Cad program. After a short period I realized my CAD skills are lacking. Then one day I was talking with Mike and Kirk at the Wooden Runabout Company(WRC) and they wanted to do a similar project except the target boat was a Chris Craft 1936 Special Race Boat. After a few conversation over the following months I committed with them to build hull #1. After countless hours behind the keyboard the WRC was able to produce detailed drawings of the entire boat. Next they generated files for their new CNC machine and proceeded to cut out all the parts.
The WRC intends to sell this kit in different forms. You might choose to buy a pile of cut out part, a framed up hull ready for planking or a complete boat. Me being a DIY'er wanted to go the pile of cut out parts route. But since this was the first one the WRC wanted to be involved in assembling the framing. After a little arm twisting, they agreed to let me be involved in the assembly (and they didn't even charge any extra).
Well Last Friday and Saturday was the big day to see if all of the hard work WRC put in on the computer paid off. Let me tell you parts where milled to perfections. The parts are all keyed so they can only go together one way, it's nearly impossible to mess it up.
On Friday we sent time test fitting, sanding and sealing all the parts. And on Saturday everything went back together for the final time.
I have started a blog to document the build you can see pictures and time lapse here
http://www.ccraceboat.com
The WRC intends to sell this kit in different forms. You might choose to buy a pile of cut out part, a framed up hull ready for planking or a complete boat. Me being a DIY'er wanted to go the pile of cut out parts route. But since this was the first one the WRC wanted to be involved in assembling the framing. After a little arm twisting, they agreed to let me be involved in the assembly (and they didn't even charge any extra).
Well Last Friday and Saturday was the big day to see if all of the hard work WRC put in on the computer paid off. Let me tell you parts where milled to perfections. The parts are all keyed so they can only go together one way, it's nearly impossible to mess it up.
On Friday we sent time test fitting, sanding and sealing all the parts. And on Saturday everything went back together for the final time.
I have started a blog to document the build you can see pictures and time lapse here
http://www.ccraceboat.com
Re: Special Race Boat Replica Project
Christopher Smith would have got a kick out of that production process. What kind of materials are you using ?
Re: Special Race Boat Replica Project
That is pretty cool. Are they just doing a wood kit or are they also going to put together a hardware kit?
Any info on price range for something like this?
Any info on price range for something like this?
Re: Special Race Boat Replica Project
That is amazing, did you cnc the keel and chines also?
Terry
1941 Model 101 (16') Deluxe Runabout "Miss Dot"
1941 Model 101 (16') Deluxe Runabout "Miss Dot"
-
- Posts: 697
- Joined: Sun Mar 18, 2012 10:27 am
- Contact:
Re: Special Race Boat Replica Project
Interesting. Collecting all the data must have been the time consuming part of it all. Do modern CAD programs have the ability to look at differences in shapes to correct mistakes in the original data.... as in averaging and so forth? Did you take the measurements off the plans? Would you say that material costs are similiar, given the wastage comparisons?
On the other side, the philosophical part of me is aroused. Is this really boatbuilding, is it intended to be, or is it kit/model building. Chris craft were arguably the first company to really develop production line techniques in wooden boat building. If they had the opportunity to use this method, I have a feeling they would. My early years with wooden boats makes me winge just a wee bit with developments like this. Traditional shipwrights always impressed me with their basic hand tool skills. All in all tho, an impressive project. I will keep an eye on the web page.
On the other side, the philosophical part of me is aroused. Is this really boatbuilding, is it intended to be, or is it kit/model building. Chris craft were arguably the first company to really develop production line techniques in wooden boat building. If they had the opportunity to use this method, I have a feeling they would. My early years with wooden boats makes me winge just a wee bit with developments like this. Traditional shipwrights always impressed me with their basic hand tool skills. All in all tho, an impressive project. I will keep an eye on the web page.
Re: Special Race Boat Replica Project
joanroy, Materials are the same as the original all mahogany.
mfine, Not sure about the hardware kit, I've been checking ebay for parts. the hardware on this boat used common casting so anything I can't find on ebay is being recast by others and is easily available. You can visit Wooden Runabout Company's website for more details http://www.woodenrunabout.com/new-wood-boats
tuobanur, Yes, all frames keel, stem and chine's have been on CNC machine. The Keel and Chines even have the rabbet already cut to perfection.
mfine, Not sure about the hardware kit, I've been checking ebay for parts. the hardware on this boat used common casting so anything I can't find on ebay is being recast by others and is easily available. You can visit Wooden Runabout Company's website for more details http://www.woodenrunabout.com/new-wood-boats
tuobanur, Yes, all frames keel, stem and chine's have been on CNC machine. The Keel and Chines even have the rabbet already cut to perfection.
- quitchabitchin
- Posts: 568
- Joined: Tue Dec 02, 2008 9:48 pm
- Location: Oxford, OH
- Contact:
Re: Special Race Boat Replica Project
I had the pleasure of seeing this boat up close and personal at the Bluegrass Rendezvous. She has a very long racing history and is one of a handful left and possibly the only one in full race configuration with a Lycoming 6 cylinder that turns 5500 RPM on 110 octane Race Fuel. Is this the boat that this kit is based on? This is a '37 that just came out of a 6+ year restoration.
FLASH1969 Chris Craft Cavalier Ski-230 HP 327Q
CCABC Board of Directors Member
CCABC Board of Directors Member
Re: Special Race Boat Replica Project
I get where Peter is coming from. Using a CNC machine kind of takes the romanticism out of the wooden boat building process, but on the other hand a CNC is really just the next evolution of power tool. Like going from the adz to the hand saw to the band saw. Now we just need a shipwrights robot to do the assembly. I'm sure someone's working on it. Can't wait to see the finished product!
Re: Special Race Boat Replica Project
The CNC is just cutting out the frames. I am sure if you tried to build one you would find the planking and fairing will still require a good bit of labor and skill. Not to mention finish, hardware, wiring, power etc.
The CNC won't save you that much time in the overall project, but it should help you build a straighter more consistent hull shape.
The CNC won't save you that much time in the overall project, but it should help you build a straighter more consistent hull shape.
Re: Special Race Boat Replica Project
That boat was once called "Painted Lady". If you look in the book CUTWATER there is a picture of it sunk in clear water with the history.
Several years ago "MISS FLORIDA" "JAY-DEE III" and a reproduction were all on the Saint Johns river run. All three were V-8 powered at the time. It was fun to see them run.
Several years ago "MISS FLORIDA" "JAY-DEE III" and a reproduction were all on the Saint Johns river run. All three were V-8 powered at the time. It was fun to see them run.
quitchabitchin wrote:I had the pleasure of seeing this boat up close and personal at the Bluegrass Rendezvous. She has a very long racing history and is one of a handful left and possibly the only one in full race configuration with a Lycoming 6 cylinder that turns 5500 RPM on 110 octane Race Fuel. Is this the boat that this kit is based on? This is a '37 that just came out of a 6+ year restoration.
Jim Staib
www.finewoodboats.com
1947 Penn Yan 12' Cartopper WXH474611
1950 Chris-Craft 22' Sportsman U-22-1532
1957 Chris-Craft 26' Sea Skiff SK-26-515
1968 Century 17' Resorter FG-68-174
www.finewoodboats.com
1947 Penn Yan 12' Cartopper WXH474611
1950 Chris-Craft 22' Sportsman U-22-1532
1957 Chris-Craft 26' Sea Skiff SK-26-515
1968 Century 17' Resorter FG-68-174
Re: Special Race Boat Replica Project
Matt,
In the CNC photo with the frames being cut, is that a bunch of boards edge glued together?
Cool project!
Denis D
In the CNC photo with the frames being cut, is that a bunch of boards edge glued together?
Cool project!
Denis D
Denis
1948 17' deluxe runabout
1948 17' deluxe runabout
Re: Special Race Boat Replica Project
Are they increasing the thickness of the framework and planking? Because looking at the original spec's it was built as a race boat thinner frames and planking.
Also are you putting it together with 5200 or epoxy?
Also are you putting it together with 5200 or epoxy?
- Don Ayers
- Club Executive Team
- Posts: 1681
- Joined: Tue Oct 25, 2005 3:05 pm
- Location: Oklahoma
- Contact:
Re: Special Race Boat Replica Project
Fantastic Matt!!!
It deserves a really cool engine for sure.
It deserves a really cool engine for sure.
- Chad Durren
- Posts: 666
- Joined: Tue Aug 01, 2006 1:39 pm
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
- Contact:
Re: Special Race Boat Replica Project
I agree, Don. We have to find Matt a Lycoming.
1952 CC 18' Sportsman
1969 CC 19' Commander Super Sport
1969 CC 19' Commander Super Sport
Re: Special Race Boat Replica Project
A little more progress.....
I spent last Monday working on the boat. Here the are the details...
http://www.ccraceboat.com/?p=1221
I spent last Monday working on the boat. Here the are the details...
http://www.ccraceboat.com/?p=1221
-
- Posts: 697
- Joined: Sun Mar 18, 2012 10:27 am
- Contact:
Re: Special Race Boat Replica Project
looks amazing. The CNC process for the frames would be especially helpful. Any comments on material use/wastage?
Re: Special Race Boat Replica Project
WOW! That is fine woodworking. I'm impressed. Keep us updated as you progress.
Re: Special Race Boat Replica Project
I can definitely see the advantages to the CNC especially in the symmetry. For example, when rebuilding my boat I found several inconsistencies in the construction as far as squareness from center line, one that stood out the most to me was the rear edge of the bow deck (the edge out over the dash) was over an inch out of square.
Wouldn't think you would have any problems with that, said it before and will say it again, Amazing!! Thanks for sharing.
Wouldn't think you would have any problems with that, said it before and will say it again, Amazing!! Thanks for sharing.
Terry
1941 Model 101 (16') Deluxe Runabout "Miss Dot"
1941 Model 101 (16') Deluxe Runabout "Miss Dot"
Re: Special Race Boat Replica Project
That is going to be a fun boat for sure!
Troy in ANE - Former President CCABC
1957 CC 21' Continental "Yorktown" (Mom's boat)
https://www.chris-craft.org/boats/22625/
1985 Formula 242LS "Gottago"
1991 Formula 36PC "Band Aids"
Life Is Too Short To Own An Ugly Boat
1957 CC 21' Continental "Yorktown" (Mom's boat)
https://www.chris-craft.org/boats/22625/
1985 Formula 242LS "Gottago"
1991 Formula 36PC "Band Aids"
Life Is Too Short To Own An Ugly Boat
Re: Special Race Boat Replica Project
Any new developments Matt? We all need our fix.
Terry
1941 Model 101 (16') Deluxe Runabout "Miss Dot"
1941 Model 101 (16') Deluxe Runabout "Miss Dot"
Re: Special Race Boat Replica Project
You want a wood boat to be symetrical and square? I have found over the years that if I think I have a joint that is square or a line that is straight I have made a mistake.
Jim Evans
Re: Special Race Boat Replica Project
Update....
The boat's framing was completed about 3 weeks ago and has been waiting for me to go pick it up. I will be bringing the boat home this weekend, My plan is to plank the boat this winter. Expect progress to slow now that it is only me working in my free time.
The boat's framing was completed about 3 weeks ago and has been waiting for me to go pick it up. I will be bringing the boat home this weekend, My plan is to plank the boat this winter. Expect progress to slow now that it is only me working in my free time.
Re: Special Race Boat Replica Project
Know all about that.mattbyrne wrote:Update....
Expect progress to slow now that it is only me working in my free time.
That is one good looking skeleton, good luck on the rest.
Terry
1941 Model 101 (16') Deluxe Runabout "Miss Dot"
1941 Model 101 (16') Deluxe Runabout "Miss Dot"
Re: Special Race Boat Replica Project
An update is long over due. Check out the blog to see what I've been working on for the last couple months.
http://www.ccraceboat.com
http://www.ccraceboat.com
Re: Special Race Boat Replica Project
Awesome Matt! I missed out on the beginning of your project but with those time-lapse videos I caught up rather quickly (reminds me of the ant farm I had when I was a kid).
Al
Member - Executive Team
Member - Executive Team
- Pete DeVito
- Posts: 483
- Joined: Fri Jun 02, 2006 6:48 pm
- Location: Florida
Re: Special Race Boat Replica Project
Matt,
That is going to be one beautiful boat!! I love to work on my boat but sometimes I wish I could work as fast as you do in the video. Matt I think this is a great way to go for some of us that do not have all the tools and skills to build a complete boat from scratch. Keep us posted on the progress and good luck!
Pete
That is going to be one beautiful boat!! I love to work on my boat but sometimes I wish I could work as fast as you do in the video. Matt I think this is a great way to go for some of us that do not have all the tools and skills to build a complete boat from scratch. Keep us posted on the progress and good luck!
Pete
Past Project 1948 17' Deluxe
Past Project 1957 19' Capri
Future Project 1955 17' Special Sportsman
Past Project 1957 19' Capri
Future Project 1955 17' Special Sportsman
Re: Special Race Boat Replica Project
Thanks for the fix...
Terry
1941 Model 101 (16') Deluxe Runabout "Miss Dot"
1941 Model 101 (16') Deluxe Runabout "Miss Dot"
Re: Special Race Boat Replica Project
I've post a couple updates on my project. http://www.ccraceboat.com
There has been a little progress, but not much as the boat was in storage of the summer. Winter is now here so it's time to get to work.
There has been a little progress, but not much as the boat was in storage of the summer. Winter is now here so it's time to get to work.
Re: Special Race Boat Replica Project
Very nice, thanks for the fix.
Terry
1941 Model 101 (16') Deluxe Runabout "Miss Dot"
1941 Model 101 (16') Deluxe Runabout "Miss Dot"
Re: Special Race Boat Replica Project
I bet you guys thought I gave up on this project! Well I've been plugging along....
I posted a long over due update of the projects web site check it out.
http://www.ccraceboat.com/
I posted a long over due update of the projects web site check it out.
http://www.ccraceboat.com/
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 13 guests