Based on information in The Essential Guide by Jerry Conrad, you boat is a 1966 16' Custom Ski produced from 1962 to 1966. Total hulls produced is 629. A Chris Craft 283, M engine was used in this boat. Good Luck! Post some pictures.

On stained areas that are to be varnished, I would not seal with epoxy. I'd just stain, seal and varnish with traditional products.

Dennis, congratulations on your first boat purchase and welcome to the club. I can't help you with finding an owners manual, but if you have specific questions about your new/old boats operation and maintenance ask here on The Buzz. Also, if you search specific topics in appropriate category's you m...

That's a pretty picture from Eludes past, and thanks to your efforts, I'm sure we'll be seeing more of her in the future. Carry On!

If you put a sander to the frame pieces your replacing and get down to bare wood, you should be able to determine wood species by tone and grain. I suspect white oak frame and fir stringers. I'd do some cross bracing at this point, flip her over and address the bottom issues. Interesting to see how ...

After following along with your work, I actually had a debate in my head exploring the possibility of restoring the Red and White in the upright position. Finally came to my senses and decided if it's flippable, flip it. Not easy, but doable. Totally impractical to even consider such an event with o...

Thanks for the photos. I'm kinda thinking, during original construction with the boats upside down, the diagonal planks were tacked with the finish nails, then the outer planking installed and fully screwed through to the frames, chine, etc. At this point the boats were probably flipped upright and ...

Rob, how was your original inner bottom planking fastened. Was it just tacked somewhat temporarily and then held fast with the screws through the outer planks, or was the inner fully screwed and then the outer also fully screwed over? Also, did your original bottom have the odd lookin small pan head...

How will you fasten your inner ply? I'm formulating a new bottom plan for a Red and White and I am considering using Raptor plastic fasteners with 5200 on the frame faces to hold the inner ply, epoxy lamination between the plys, then bronze screws through all the layers as final fastening. The cool ...

WOW. Very nice. Love the engine install. Happy Boating!

I just recently did a head gasket exactly the way Jim G describes. I used the old fashioned Indian Head sealer on both sides of the gasket instead of the Permatex, but the Permatex Copper Coat is probably a better choice for a head gasket. Just a little extra insurance of getting a good seal around ...

I have a 1948 W engine with an early 6 to 12 volt conversion set up. It does have a separate voltage regulator mounted to wood. The regulator has a ground wire to the block. I'd talk to an engine restorer about getting the correct parts for you conversion.

Wood is constantly expanding and contracting depending on atmospheric moisture conditions. So, paint cracking is normal along plank edge joints. Boat gets wet the cracks tighten up. Drys out they open up again. That's just the nature of wood. Some paints and seam fillers are more flexible than other...

This is a common problem with older glass open cockpit boats. Over time, decks crack, bedding around penetrations fails and rain water finds its way in and can't dry out. Foam becomes saturated and wooden deck framing rots. The only way I know of to fix is to cut out the deck and repair whatever und...

I'm following along and it looks GREAT Rob. I'd say your in good shape to have a bottom on her next Spring. Wish we had more blow by blow descriptions with photos of restorations shown here on the Buzz. Good info and motivating story for future cruiser restorers. Carry On.

Sand to 80 grit, stain with Interlux Chris Craft mahogany red filler stain as per instructions, two coats of Interlux sealer, several coats varnish. Follow instructions on cans and have fun. Looks Great!

The color looks like sea foam green. Beautiful boat! Thanks for the photos.

John, you and I are in the same boat. Last year I picked up a 1948 25' Red and White Express Cruiser that needs full restoration. This on top of the 1948 36' Double Stateroom I already own and maintain myself along with the antique house and several old antique trucks. The only thing that saves me i...

John, thanks! I love the history of these old survivors. Sound like her past is rather interesting and somewhat sorted. Based on evidence presented by Don and others, I'm changing my theory. Could be a custom order by the Army Corps built to their specifications. Just a guess! Hull card will tell th...

In Conrad's book the 1940-1942 22 foot Delux Utility page does show a photo of an optional Navy top, but it looks like a canvas top similar to the optional canvas Navy top on my Red and White. I think there's an outside chance that Packards top could be an original???. It's nicely done, and to my ey...

Don, do you know of or have a photo of the original U-22 optional cabin roof? I'd love to see what one really looked like.

Total built is 70. Nice boat. Good Luck and HAPPY BOATING!

According to The Essential Guide by Jerry Conrad, your boat is a 22' Sportsman built in a series of hull numbers U-22-001 to U-22-2082. This model was produced from 1946 to 1954. A streamlined ventilating cabin top was offered as an option. That cabin top could be a very rare option. Interesting boa...

I use Imterlux Brightside on my cruiser. She's exposed to the elements all summer and stored inside in freezing cold, damp storage in the winter. Owned her for ten years. First paint job hull sides were stripped then two coats of pre-coat primer and two coats of finish. I touch up every year and san...

Hmmmmmmm, Interesting. I can't think of a reason why that technique wouldn't work. I'd use the 5200 instead of the thickened epoxy to maintain a little flex. Sounds like a fun little project and a great way to get a little more life out of those original old growth mahogany planks. Keep us informed.

Jim G Thanks so much for your explanation. Stupidly I didn't think to ask before I ordered the distributors. The standard one was $300 and change, the special order counter rotator was $700. Hope I can return it for credit, but if not, I'll add it to my collection of dumb stuff I've bought over the ...

So, I ordered two new HEI electronic distributors to replace the Pertronics on my MPI 350's. One standard rotation, and one counter rotation. Interestingly enough, although the engines turn opposite, the distributors are geared and turn the same way. In other words, the counter rotating distributor ...

I've flushed with Salt-Away prior to winterizing with antifreeze. I don't t know what you'd use to treat an engine cooling exhaust for zebra mussels. I doubt a living organism could live and take hold inside an engine that's being run regularly. Pretty harsh environment for any critter.

Looks GREAT Rob! Thanks so much for continuing to document your work on Boat Buzz. So many of the old cruisers are becoming extinct and its just the best to see one being saved instead of being crushed. Looking forward to seeing your planking technique.

Depends on how you use your boat. If mainly for show and occasional use buff, if she gets used a lot and stays in the water and sun, don't buff.