Just starting out

[Icanoedou]

Hello to all. After many years browsing the Boat Buzz, it is time to get started. I am an experienced woodworker, but have never tackled anything like this. CXA-27097 has not been in the water for years, and it still might be a couple, but I retired a few days ago at age 56 and am ready to tie into this project. The hull seems to be in pretty good shape. Most of the rot is around the top.

Thanks to all who have posted pictures and advice here. I have learned a lot already. This boat will be reconstituted as the "Liberty Belle" --Tom

[Doug P]

Happy retirement....Now, you are going to be busy. Have fun with "Liberty Belle".

[joanroy]

Congratulations on your retirement and Welcome to the Club. Best way to get advice and guidance is to post pictures as you go along. There are lots of experienced eyes following the Buzz ready to help. I had many years of experience as a professional woodworker when I started on the Joan Roy nine years ago , but I regret not having asked more stupid questions early on in the process. Theres a few things I would have done differently had I asked. There are lots of things to know that are very specific to your particular boat. Have Fun!

Dan

[tkhersom]

Looks and sounds like a good time will be had by all!

Add some pics of the other Connie please.

[Icanoedou]

A lot more rot than I was hoping for. I knew the decks were bad, and the top row of planks. Someone had fiberglassed the decks, but took it up the sides of the toerail. It eventually pulled away and created a great spot to collect water. The bulkheads had been covered with veneer on both sides. Pulling that off showed how much rot had been covered, including the main cross beam under the bulkheads. Will have to dig pretty deep to replace that. I don't think the engines have been started in ten years. With all that going on, I have decided to work on the other boat, which I might be able to get in the water this year.

[Jack Jensen]

Tom,

Where are you at with "Liberty Belle"? She's a dandy! My Dad sold our Red and White after many years when he spotted and bought a 1961 or 1962 28' Constellation that was "on the hard" at Jefferson Beach Marina in Saint Clair Shores, MI. She was named "bouy...bad bouy...something to do with bouy". My dad passed sadly from a heart attack in 1987. However, we did enjoy a few years boating here on Lake Huron, the Black River, the St. Clair River and Lake St. Clair. Before putting her in the water, my job was to strip the transom, as it was in need of stain and varnish. We elected to leave her nameless. But that boat was a dandy. The perfect size. I miss that boat. Wish I could find another. Please keep us posted.

[Icanoedou]

Wow, can't believe it's been 7 years since I put this up. One step forward and two steps back for a long time, but last year finally put up a pole barn so I can have the boat inside, a must in Montana. Just moved it in last week and have already got a lot done. Will be replacing all the decking and transom, as well as the top row of planking. Major damage from leaking windows that I am working on now. Still wondering what to do about the engines. Posted a new thread under engines.