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Hear
it from Don,
The information in this book is a continuation of How to Restore Your
Wooden Runabout, that it addresses restoration procedures and
techniques for carvel-planked runabouts beyond the woodwork and including
upholstery, wiring, and hardware. These considerations are very important
in returning a vessel to the state it was in when it left the factory and
are the basis for the Antique and Classic Boat Society (ACBS) judging
system used at many antique and classic boat shows around the country.
I have not seen all of the different makes and models
produced in the United States, and I am not able to list all of their
details in one book. Chris-Craft, the most prolific wooden boat
manufacturer, for example, produced hundreds of models, each in many
sizes. The hardware, upholstery, and other details were different for each
model, style, and size. Other well known manufacturers like Century,
Garwood, Hacker, Lyman, and Dodge also produced many different models and
styles.
There are many boat clubs, each based on a particular
manufacture of boat. If you are restoring a Chris-Craft, for example, you
should join the Chris-Craft Antique Boat Club (CCABC). If you are
restoring a Century, then the Century Boat Club will provide the most
information for your needs. There are even some clubs based on specific
models of boats from the same manufacturer, such as the Chris-Craft
Commander (CCC) club. These memberships usually in the form of a magazine,
that are the best places to buy or sell a particular make of boat and to
find private and professional sources for the items you may need to
complete your restoration. If you don't find a club dedicated to the make
or model of your boat, start one yourself; after all this is how the
others came into being.
From Chris Smith,
I first met Don at his shop in Grand Haven, Michigan, in 1992. He was
assembling a custom hull for the owner of Macatawa Bay Boat Works, which
resembled a 1930 26-foot Chris-Craft Triple. He was also building a custom
1937, 24-foot Gar Wood at the time. Both of these outstanding boats were
considered beauties.
Don and I have since had many discussions about the best methods of
building a boat. I, being brought up at a production facility where speed,
strength, quality, and appearance were of utmost importance, could answer
the many questions he asked about Chris-Craft construction details.
I explained to Don that it was not unusual for Chris-Craft to make
changes in the middle of a production run. The sales department would
sometimes require more boats of a certain model, requiring the purchasing
department to buy whatever was available to complete the additional units.
In the case of a reduction of a model run, we would end up with a surplus
of parts to use on another line. Because of this, it was not unusual for a
certain model run to have different steering wheels, instruments, vents,
cleats, or even upholstery. It was also not unusual for a customer to
order something different for his boat, which we would gladly do at an
additional price.
I was very impressed with Don's first book, How to Restore Your Wooden
Runabout. It is a wonderful source of information for the amateur
restorer, as well as a reference guide for professionals. Keep up the
good work!
--Chris Smith
"Special Projects Engineer and Grandson of the founder of Chris-Craft
Corporation"
8-1/2"
X 11" Soft cover 191 pages profusely illustrated with color
photographs plus other black & white drawings and photos.
Excellent
how-to instruction! If you play with wooden boats this book is a
"Must Have"!
Get your
book here, signed by Don, now .
Signed copies are
available for $29.95 plus $4.05
This includes Priority Mail shipping and the handling charge for a total
of $34.00.
To
Order Volume #2
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