Chris Craft 18 Continental repair

[chriscraftnate]

Hi guys, I am a newbie when it comes to hull work. I have done wood work in the past but need some help with the issue of hull repair. I am working on a restoration project to restore a 18' CC Continental. The hull looks to be in really good shape except for the separation in the transom. I cut a patch out to see if there was wood rot and there does not appear to be any. What would you recommend for fixing the separation? Any suggestions on how to go about fixing this issue?

[joanroy]

Welcome to the Club. It's pretty hard to tell from you picture what exactly is going on with your transom. When you say separated do you mean bottom separating from bottom of transom? How long has she been on the hard? Wood joints open up when they dry out. Every case is different, but it could just need refastening. Planks can be solid, but what their fastened to and what you can't see might be mush. It'll probably take a little more investigation and info to figure it out.

[Denis D]

It looks like a layer of fiberglass on the bottom? If so are you saying the fiberglass is delaminating? I doubt that is original, probably added by a previous owner. More investigating will be needed.

Another great source for repair/ restoration help besides this forum is Don Danenberg's forum.

http://WWW.danenbergboatworks.com

Good luck,

Denis D

[boat_art]

Get that fiberglass off there ASAP! Find someone who knows CC boats and get some help.

[joanroy]

I looked at your picture a bit closer and that does appear to be a fiber glassed over bottom. If that's the case, I agree with Boat Art. It needs to come off. Sorry to say a glassed over wooden boat bottom is a definite no no.

[chriscraftnate]

Thank you all for your input. From what I can tell it is a thin layer of fiberglass. If I flip the boat over and redo the hull what type if material is used to seal the hull? Any advice on what to do to remove and reseal! Thanks

[boat_art]

Where are you located? We can come up with a competent professional who can help you with advice at least.

[chriscraftnate]

I live in Branson Missouri.

[drrot]

Don Dannenberg wrote two books called "How to restore your wooden runabout" Volume 1&2. find those and read them both before starting the project.

[boat_art]

From the photos and the fact that it was glassed, I would guess that it was leaking badly and needs major repair work. You need help from a pro or a very experienced amateur. Anyone here know of someone in the Branson area?

[WoodenRookie]

Plenty of good guys down at Table Rock and heartland chapter. Give them a shout. what year is it?

[ClassOf56]

Also, what is the hull number?

You have a beautiful boat there, but it will take some work to get it 'safe'. That is the primary concern. On these older boats, the fasteners start to fail because of the metals used. The last thing any of us want, especially you, is to have the engine fall thru the floor to the bottom of the lake. (that is an extreme example, but I wanted to get your attention!)

The next thing to do is to get the eBook of Dan Danenburg's book on restoring wooden runabouts. The print copy is made of pure gold or something, but the eBook is affordable. Read thru the first few chapters to get a better idea of what you have going on.

It will seem a little daunting after reading that, but it is all doable. It will take some time and some effort, but it will reward you!