Advice needed

[Simon B]

My 1955 CC 15ft Cavalier is in need of some repairs to the plywood bottom when I ran her for the first time she took on more water than I am comfortable with even though the bailer took care of it no problem.
I have read figures of $750 per foot for plank bottom boats and it has me scared!!
I live in Greenwich CT and need to find someone local who I can take my boat to for a survey and repairs. The boat is on a trailer and is currently stripped out to reveal bilge and stringers.
Any advice or contacts greatly appreciated.
Simon

[Matt Smith]

There are many answers to this issue.. First to really scare you it more like 1000 a foot. But you have a plywood bottom. So it should cheaper. Now... Your leak may be related to other issues. That's what I would have checked out first. Stuffing box? A seam thats open? Ya don't want to sink 20 k into a 15 foot cavalier.. Unless it was your dads and you grew up in it. You are close to lake hopatcong nj where katzs marinia is. 1 hr drive west. And the trip to bask in woody heaven is worth it alone. It may be an easy fix. Or have fun and flip the boat in your garage and have at it. Are you a member of the local acbs chapter? There might be someone that can help with some free advice. Send pictures of where it's leaking and the on line dectectives on boat buzz will pick it apart? One other thing. Any of these Woodys take on water especially the first time in the water. Less on a plywood boat for sure. Was it better in later runs? Hope this helps. Without seeing what the actual issue is its all a shot in the dark.

[JohnKadimik]

Simon, Give Dave McFarlin a call, he is both a restorer and a certified marine surveyor. He is a good guy who will help out and is close to you in Manchester, Ct. Your boat with a plywood bottom should not take on any water when launched. Good luck, John