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1931 Model 277, Wanderlust

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srlittin
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1931 Model 277, Wanderlust

Post by srlittin » Fri Feb 06, 2015 10:25 pm

Many of you know that Wanderlust, no. 6004, has been subject of many posts over the years, and has been deteriorating in condition over the last 10-15 years. The Scripps engines were removed and sold, and the Northern New York winters have not been kind to Wanderlust.
You will be pleased to know that My wife and I have decided to save this boat.
With this in mind, Wanderlust will move to Ohio, and a full restoration is planed in our own workshop over the coming years. I have one A120 engine and hopefully will procure a second to fit to the restored boat, and return Wanderlust to her former glory as one of the finest prewar Chris Craft's made.
I have seen a few posts, messages, etc online, that show photos over the years. Do any of you have pictures, information, stories etc from previous owners/ company records that would help with the restoration.
Someone showed interior pictures from when the boat was advertised in Michigan, but I have not been able to find these recently.
Finally, if anyone can help with period pictures, fittings, parts etc to help with this project it would be greatly appreciated .
I have copies of all the available info from the Mariners Museum, which include hull drawings.

Thanks to all in advance.
Susan & Steve Littin.

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Brian Robinson
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Re: 1931 Model 277, Wanderlust

Post by Brian Robinson » Sat Feb 07, 2015 12:25 am

Good to hear Susan and Steve. I will keep my eyes peeled for an A-120, I just sold one for a friend last year.

Awesome boat to save.
-Brian
1923 Hackercraft 23' Dolphin #03
1938 Gar Wood 22' Streamliner #6256 Empress
1952 Chris~Craft 19' Racing Runabout #363 Thunderstruck
Robinson Restoration, LLC (760) 468-1009

Oberon01
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Re: 1931 Model 277, Wanderlust

Post by Oberon01 » Sat Feb 07, 2015 7:23 am

Wow - I am very pleased to read of this. What an undertaking and what a commitment, and I am sure entire CC community will be equally pleased to know this vessel is being saved. I hope you will keep us all well informed as the project proceeds.
1926 Mullins 16' Outboard Special
1940 CC 19'Custom
1946 Gar Wood 22' 6" Sedan
1946 16' Peterbrough Falcon
1947 CC 16' Special Runabout
1947 Chris Craft 22' Sportsman
1948 CC 25' Sportsman Sedan
1959 Feather Craft Islander Express Cruiser
1961 CC 21' Continental
1965 Glastron Futura 500 V -164
1965 CC Sea Skiff 24'

joanroy
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Re: 1931 Model 277, Wanderlust

Post by joanroy » Sat Feb 07, 2015 7:48 am

Susan and Steve,
Obviously you folks like a project. Congratulations and Good Luck!

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Don Vogt
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Re: 1931 Model 277, Wanderlust

Post by Don Vogt » Sat Feb 07, 2015 1:11 pm

This will be a fabulous boat when restored. Best wishes on this undertaking. As Paul said, the entire cc boating community will be saluting you, and do share the documentation of the restoration with us.
1938 Chris Craft 17' Deluxe Runabout "Jennifer II"

srlittin
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Re: 1931 Model 277, Wanderlust

Post by srlittin » Sun Feb 08, 2015 8:06 pm

Thanks for the replies, I looked at Wanderlust about 6 months ago, and it was sad to see such a neat boat with a lot of potential. Purchased originally by O M Reif in July 1931, this was the last of the 48 foot boats built.
Pictures to follow.
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image.jpg
Last summer

srlittin
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Re: 1931 Model 277, Wanderlust

Post by srlittin » Sun Feb 08, 2015 8:11 pm

Picture from years ago
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image.jpg
Rear shot from years ago

joanroy
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Re: 1931 Model 277, Wanderlust

Post by joanroy » Mon Feb 09, 2015 7:15 am

With the exception of original engines, what else is missing? Does she still have original hardware, helm, controls and miscellaneous fixtures? Would love to see some interior photos. Lot of interesting history there.
Thanks,
Dan

srlittin
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Re: 1931 Model 277, Wanderlust

Post by srlittin » Mon Feb 09, 2015 8:33 pm

Dan
All the interior fixtures and hardware are still there, only just. The boat has been subject to harsh winters and last year snow load collapsed the saloon roof. Interior is therefore pretty bad. patterns only.
There was some posts on a non Chris Craft forum that I now can not find that had interior pictures. hopefully that person sees this and can repost the pictures.
Also if the owner of Allez is a member, or someone can put me in contact with them, I would appreciate that contact.
Steve

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Re: 1931 Model 277, Wanderlust

Post by joanroy » Tue Feb 10, 2015 7:03 am

Allez featured in Woody Boater August 13, 2013.


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Don Vogt
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Re: 1931 Model 277, Wanderlust

Post by Don Vogt » Tue Feb 10, 2015 9:26 am

based on the photos of Allez, a restoration of your boat will produce a real jewel!
1938 Chris Craft 17' Deluxe Runabout "Jennifer II"

jim g
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Re: 1931 Model 277, Wanderlust

Post by jim g » Thu Feb 12, 2015 7:23 am

Steve,

Seth Katz bought it from the family in Michigan that owned it for many years. The boat first came to light on Ebay 10 or so years ago. At that time she was weathered some but had been under a shed since the family had quit using her sometime in the 80's. Seth should have some paper work from the family or it least the name. The interior photos your looking for were the ones that were posted on the Ebay listing. I'm happy that you are saving it. I would have been a shame for the last existing one hull to have been destroyed.

charlesquimby
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Re: 1931 Model 277, Wanderlust

Post by charlesquimby » Thu Feb 12, 2015 1:12 pm

If someone wants something a little smaller as a project, I know the location of a 30-foot Fitzgerald and Lee commuter. Sitting on the hard here in Southern Maryland. It is currently outside, and probably has about another year of exposure before real damage sets in. I guess the year to be mid 1930s. I dont make a dime on it...just dont want to see it get bulldozed or burned. Send PM for details. Charley Q.

srlittin
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Re: 1931 Model 277, Wanderlust

Post by srlittin » Fri Dec 11, 2015 7:30 pm

Wanderlust has moved.
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image.jpg
Loaded and ready to make the trip

srlittin
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Re: 1931 Model 277, Wanderlust

Post by srlittin » Fri Dec 11, 2015 7:53 pm

Now the real work begins
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image.jpg
Wanderlust now sitting on the trailer,ready to enter the workshop
image.jpg
Lifted ready to be lowered onto the new trailer
image.jpg
Arrival in Ohio

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Don Vogt
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Re: 1931 Model 277, Wanderlust

Post by Don Vogt » Fri Dec 11, 2015 8:28 pm

wonderful. thx for the update. we will follow this with great interest.!
1938 Chris Craft 17' Deluxe Runabout "Jennifer II"

joanroy
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Re: 1931 Model 277, Wanderlust

Post by joanroy » Tue Dec 15, 2015 3:56 pm

Your shrink wrapped project boat makes my shrink wrapped project boat look small. Ya know, we could save ourselves a lot of time and money if we just paint the bottoms and sell them with the wrappers on. They look pretty good!

Good Luck with yours, I'll need it with mine.
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srlittin
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Re: 1931 Model 277, Wanderlust

Post by srlittin » Sat Dec 31, 2016 3:59 pm

Wanderlust has over the last year been moved into the workshop and restoration has begun.
Recently I received a photograph of Wanderlust with the original owners onboard. Looking at the flags on the dock, Wanderlust is docked somewhere in Ohio and therefore must be on Lake Erie, or the Ohio River.
For all you sleuths out there, does anyone recognize this area?

Thanks
Steve
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IMG_0217.JPG
Wanderlust at dock prior to 1950s

jfrprops
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Re: 1931 Model 277, Wanderlust

Post by jfrprops » Mon Jan 02, 2017 11:36 am

know not about the pic....but do wish you would post some of your project! Great that you are saving such a classic.

John in Va.
1980 Fairchild Scout 30
19?? custom Argentine Runabout 16'
1954 Whirlwind deluxe dual ckpt 16'
1921 Old Town Charles River 17' (founding Captain, James River Batteau Festival)

srlittin
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Re: 1931 Model 277, Wanderlust

Post by srlittin » Mon Jan 02, 2017 2:22 pm

Thanks for the reply. We moved Wanderlust into the workshop last spring after being outside for many years elsewhere. First job was to level and straighten the hull. There has been poor repairs done to the starboard stern area years ago obviously to keep the boat floating.
Over the months we straightened the hull with the adjustable bunks on the trailer to within a 1/4" of the drawings of from the Mariners Museum.
Next was to clean out the debris from years of sitting. Upon cleaning up we found most of the original interior fittings, tables, seats and window screens. We also found the forward anchor davit and the rear dinghy davit.
More to come.

Steve
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IMG_0216.JPG
IMG_0214.JPG
Moving in

srlittin
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Re: 1931 Model 277, Wanderlust

Post by srlittin » Mon Jan 02, 2017 2:46 pm

Pictures to show all how bad this boat has become over the years.
Attachments
image.jpg
View from the stern
image.jpg
Now to get started
image.jpg
Getting the bow cleaned out
image.jpg
Rotten wood but all the hardware is there
image.jpg
image.jpg
The name says it all, original gold leaf

jfrprops
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Re: 1931 Model 277, Wanderlust

Post by jfrprops » Mon Jan 02, 2017 2:57 pm

Wow! lots to do but you seem to have a great workspace and the required know how and courage......rock on and keep us informed.

John in Va.
1980 Fairchild Scout 30
19?? custom Argentine Runabout 16'
1954 Whirlwind deluxe dual ckpt 16'
1921 Old Town Charles River 17' (founding Captain, James River Batteau Festival)

joanroy
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Re: 1931 Model 277, Wanderlust

Post by joanroy » Mon Jan 02, 2017 5:54 pm

As far a the wood goes, I'd say she's pretty much in disaster condition, but it's just wood and easy to get. Having all the hardware and the other original stuff is key. Some of it was probably custom fabricated just for her and would be next to impossible to replace. Great project! Good luck and thanks for the update.

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Don Vogt
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Re: 1931 Model 277, Wanderlust

Post by Don Vogt » Mon Jan 02, 2017 6:01 pm

what a fabulous project. Echoing Joanroy, thanks for the update!
1938 Chris Craft 17' Deluxe Runabout "Jennifer II"

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robertpaul
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Re: 1931 Model 277, Wanderlust

Post by robertpaul » Mon Jan 02, 2017 8:53 pm

Once out of the elements..... everything is possible. New Year and some BIG boat threads.... I love it!
1937 35' Double Stateroom Enclosed Cruiser

srlittin
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Re: 1931 Model 277, Wanderlust

Post by srlittin » Mon Jan 18, 2021 8:48 pm

So this is what we have been up to staying out of everybody’s way
The big job is underway.

Steve

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Don Vogt
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Re: 1931 Model 277, Wanderlust

Post by Don Vogt » Tue Jan 19, 2021 9:17 am

no pictures with post
1938 Chris Craft 17' Deluxe Runabout "Jennifer II"

srlittin
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Re: 1931 Model 277, Wanderlust

Post by srlittin » Sun Jan 24, 2021 4:09 pm

Sorry but I guess the pictures were to big of a file. I will try again.

Steve

srlittin
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Re: 1931 Model 277, Wanderlust

Post by srlittin » Thu Feb 18, 2021 8:59 pm

Attempting to post pictures
Thanks

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