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| Kerry Price |
| 1946 20’ Chris-Craft Custom RunaboutHull No. R-20-092
Danenberg Boatworks Forum member since September 12, 2004 |
| In June of 2002, a friend of mine was telling me about some cool wooden
boats he had seen on the Internet. This started a conversation between us that kindled memories from
the cobwebs of my mind. A few weeks later, this friend ignited my imagination by giving me a book about
wooden boats. From the moment I opened it, I fell into a trance which has lasted till this very day.
While visiting with my mom and two brothers in Minnesota, I made the 45-minute drive to Midwest Boat Appeal
just outside of Lake Minnetonk. There I saw some cool antique boats, but realised I needed to learn more.
Over the next year and a half I looked at dozens of boats for sale. It started to become clear to me that
while I could afford to buy one and go boating immediately, there was more to what this was all about. I knew
I wanted to find a boat that needed restoration of some sort. In November of 2003, I made another trip to
Minnesota and couldn’t resist calling Midwest Boat Appeal. I had to climb the storage rack
like a jungle gym, but there was a 22’ Sportsman, a 50’s Capri, and what caught my eye was a
cool runabout that I didn’t instantly recognize. No windshield, engine hatches inside the engine
compartment, interior mostly gone. But when I worked my way to the back and saw the transom, my heart
skipped a beat! It was a Chris-Craft Custom but the shop owner knew nothing else about the boat. Six months
later, in May of 2004, my phone rang. Midwest Boat Appeal was selling off the boats on the rack. The Custom's
windshield had been found, and with a reasonable price the Custom was mine.
The project took seven years and ten months working most every Sunday and lots of fill in-time between.
I long ago lost track of the hours and dollars spent, but I can say it has been worth every second and penny. |
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| Through out the restoration I looked for guidance,
which I received from many people along the way. I could not have done this project
without Don Danenberg’s two books: How to Restore Your Wooden Runabout #1 & #2. I have read and
referred to these books so much that I can recite them pretty much by heart. It’s publication
coincidently coming out just as I was beginning my restoration. I also found great help on
Don’s web site receiving Don’s sage advice and through the Chris Craft Antique Boat Club
and its active membership. Last but not least I am forever grateful to Jim Frechette. |
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