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Connie Refresh

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robertpaul
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Re: Connie Refresh

Post by robertpaul » Mon Feb 10, 2014 7:41 am

We all encounter the occasional (once a week) angst over whether to persist with our cruisers or not. Elude is worth it to our family and probably us alone. If you have a cruiser, keep it out of the elements unless you are using her. I like Peter's summer setup for a marina without covered slips. I am into the second year of retirement and expect Elude to launch for next summer. I posted my dome shelter on Laclede's thread before. It has been bullet proof, affords light and uv protection.

Good luck, we are living the dream too!

Rob in Toronto
1937 35' Double Stateroom Enclosed Cruiser

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tkhersom
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Re: Connie Refresh

Post by tkhersom » Mon Feb 10, 2014 8:01 am

This brings up a whole other subject. American Beauty will be on a mooring.

Sounds like I will need to start a fund for canvas.
Troy in ANE - Former President CCABC

1957 CC 21' Continental "Yorktown" (Mom's boat)
https://www.chris-craft.org/boats/22625/
1985 Formula 242LS "Gottago"
1991 Formula 36PC "Band Aids"

Life Is Too Short To Own An Ugly Boat

Peter M Jardine
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Re: Connie Refresh

Post by Peter M Jardine » Mon Feb 10, 2014 9:51 am

Whatever you spend to protect the boat from sun and rain is money well spent IMHOP

Rob's dome shelter is awesome......i want one.

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Re: Connie Refresh

Post by tkhersom » Tue Feb 25, 2014 6:55 am

February Update!

As per usual there have been some changes in the plan. 8)

First I am not going to FWC these engines at this time. The port (opposite rotation engine) is getting new bearings only. Reverse gears are being gone through. Wiring and plumbing is complete.
CompDSC05614.JPG
Bill does Beautiful work.
By the way found the hull # right below the 110.
Her bottom has been tightened and painted.
ModDSC05617.JPG
Jon getting a first look at American Beauty
Also got some bright work done.
ModDSC05612.JPG
Jerry doing his Art!
And Mom came to see how thing were progressing. (I think she is concerned I will be to busy to keep up with Yorktown also)
ModDSC05623.JPG
A real American Beauty with American Beauty!
Found that I did not need cutlass bearings after all.
Troy in ANE - Former President CCABC

1957 CC 21' Continental "Yorktown" (Mom's boat)
https://www.chris-craft.org/boats/22625/
1985 Formula 242LS "Gottago"
1991 Formula 36PC "Band Aids"

Life Is Too Short To Own An Ugly Boat

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Chad Durren
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Re: Connie Refresh

Post by Chad Durren » Tue Feb 25, 2014 7:48 am

Looking good Troy!
1952 CC 18' Sportsman
1969 CC 19' Commander Super Sport

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robertpaul
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Re: Connie Refresh

Post by robertpaul » Wed Feb 26, 2014 9:31 pm

lovely!
1937 35' Double Stateroom Enclosed Cruiser

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Doug P
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Re: Connie Refresh

Post by Doug P » Wed Feb 26, 2014 10:29 pm

A real beauty.....so is the boat :)

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Re: Connie Refresh

Post by Doug P » Thu Feb 27, 2014 3:55 pm

tkhersom wrote:
I am having drip pans installed. My restorer was thinking fiberglass pans, I was picturing stainless steel.

Any opinions out there?
Rubber....easier to get out to clean

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tkhersom
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Re: Connie Refresh

Post by tkhersom » Thu Feb 27, 2014 8:36 pm

Doug P wrote:
tkhersom wrote:
I am having drip pans installed. My restorer was thinking fiberglass pans, I was picturing stainless steel.

Any opinions out there?
Rubber....easier to get out to clean
Are you messing with me? :?
Troy in ANE - Former President CCABC

1957 CC 21' Continental "Yorktown" (Mom's boat)
https://www.chris-craft.org/boats/22625/
1985 Formula 242LS "Gottago"
1991 Formula 36PC "Band Aids"

Life Is Too Short To Own An Ugly Boat

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Doug P
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Re: Connie Refresh

Post by Doug P » Thu Feb 27, 2014 10:34 pm

Nope.... :)

More commonly called spill trays, available at Graingers and most larger auto stores
http://www.grainger.com/product/ULTRATE ... s_pp=false

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tkhersom
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Re: Connie Refresh

Post by tkhersom » Thu Feb 27, 2014 10:44 pm

Cool!

Do you prefer the Poly or PVC?
Troy in ANE - Former President CCABC

1957 CC 21' Continental "Yorktown" (Mom's boat)
https://www.chris-craft.org/boats/22625/
1985 Formula 242LS "Gottago"
1991 Formula 36PC "Band Aids"

Life Is Too Short To Own An Ugly Boat

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Doug P
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Re: Connie Refresh

Post by Doug P » Thu Feb 27, 2014 11:36 pm

Poly will break down in time

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Doug P
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Re: Connie Refresh

Post by Doug P » Thu Feb 27, 2014 11:37 pm

Poly will break down in time, but usually in UV light

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tkhersom
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Re: Connie Refresh

Post by tkhersom » Thu Mar 06, 2014 7:29 am

In an interesting twist of events I was speaking with the former former owner of American Beauty yesterday. He informed me that AB was originally owned by Jim Irwin of Irwin Marine on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. This was very exciting to find out and explains why she has been maintained so well over all these years. :D

The more challenging part of our conversation was that he told me that he would like to own AB again. I don't expect to let her go, but I really question if I can care for her the way she deserves. :?
Troy in ANE - Former President CCABC

1957 CC 21' Continental "Yorktown" (Mom's boat)
https://www.chris-craft.org/boats/22625/
1985 Formula 242LS "Gottago"
1991 Formula 36PC "Band Aids"

Life Is Too Short To Own An Ugly Boat

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tkhersom
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Re: Connie Refresh

Post by tkhersom » Sat Mar 08, 2014 4:29 pm

UPDATE!

Here are some shots of my Port Engine. I am looking for .010 undersized main bearings. Jerry @ Hercano has a set of .020 under but I don't want to have to grind that much if I can help it. Got a message from M & M Surplus that he can get me .020 under (not sure if they are the same set or not). Waiting to hear back from Dave VanNess, Sam Winer Motors, and Mills Motor Parts. Got most of these names from Jim Staib. Thanks for the help Jim! :D

Any other ideas? :?
ModDSC05719.JPG
Engine in a box?
ModDSC05720.JPG
ModDSC05723.JPG
CompDSC05725.JPG
Bolted on counterweights. One reason why these engines are expensive to rebuild.
Troy in ANE - Former President CCABC

1957 CC 21' Continental "Yorktown" (Mom's boat)
https://www.chris-craft.org/boats/22625/
1985 Formula 242LS "Gottago"
1991 Formula 36PC "Band Aids"

Life Is Too Short To Own An Ugly Boat

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tkhersom
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Re: Connie Refresh

Post by tkhersom » Sat Mar 08, 2014 4:33 pm

Doug P wrote:Poly will break down in time, but usually in UV light
So - Does that mean you prefer PVC? :?
Troy in ANE - Former President CCABC

1957 CC 21' Continental "Yorktown" (Mom's boat)
https://www.chris-craft.org/boats/22625/
1985 Formula 242LS "Gottago"
1991 Formula 36PC "Band Aids"

Life Is Too Short To Own An Ugly Boat

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Doug P
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Re: Connie Refresh

Post by Doug P » Sat Mar 08, 2014 5:12 pm

Actually. I still like rubber. I bought one in a feed store. They are more flexible if you want to take them out.

I think these people may have some http://www.miller-mfg.com/

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tkhersom
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Re: Connie Refresh

Post by tkhersom » Mon Mar 10, 2014 2:50 pm

I have come to be very fond of this number.
ModDSC05731.JPG
Deck Hatch.
As any of you know who have worked with these cruisers the hull number is stamped into about everything. The pieces were made in another shop in the Holland plant then brought to the boat at the time of installation.
ModDSC05590.JPG
Fuse Box (Now a breaker box)
So you can imagine my surprise when working on the cover board that the helm footrest mounts to I found the # 38 X 302.
ModDSC05732.JPG
SURPRISE!
This made me wonder if it was a bad day in the Holland Plant or if somehow it got switched after leaving the plant, so I called The Mariners Museum and spoke with Cortland who informed me that the full number is X6S-38-302 (a six sleeper) and was shipped to Rodi Marine in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. American Beauty is X4S-38-305 (a four sleeper) and was shipped to Irwin Marine in Lakeport, New Hampshire.

From that I would have to conclude that this piece of wood has been with AB from the start. :D

Here is a little info I found while searching Rodi Marine.

http://www.chris-craft.org/discussion/v ... php?t=1397
Troy in ANE - Former President CCABC

1957 CC 21' Continental "Yorktown" (Mom's boat)
https://www.chris-craft.org/boats/22625/
1985 Formula 242LS "Gottago"
1991 Formula 36PC "Band Aids"

Life Is Too Short To Own An Ugly Boat

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Doug P
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Re: Connie Refresh

Post by Doug P » Mon Mar 10, 2014 3:39 pm

My boat also came out of Holland. Also mismatching numbers.
Helping a friend 2 years ago on his CC Deluxe...It had 3 hull numbers

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tkhersom
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Re: Connie Refresh

Post by tkhersom » Sun Mar 16, 2014 5:03 pm

I am still hoping to find .010 bearings but went ahead and bought a set of .020's from Jerry at Hercano in case I can't get the ones I want.

Is this cool or what? 8)
DSC05734.JPG
New Old Stock
Troy in ANE - Former President CCABC

1957 CC 21' Continental "Yorktown" (Mom's boat)
https://www.chris-craft.org/boats/22625/
1985 Formula 242LS "Gottago"
1991 Formula 36PC "Band Aids"

Life Is Too Short To Own An Ugly Boat

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whamm511
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Re: Connie Refresh

Post by whamm511 » Wed Mar 19, 2014 12:32 am

Glad I ran across this thread. Peter, I'm another one that loves the '60's Cruisers. Mine is a '60 36'10" Connie that was in the water when I bought her 4 years ago. One engine not running. I have been extremely lucky in that to date we have found no rot. But I'm a long way from being done.

I would've benefited greatly from a plan of work from a professional before I started in on her. But I was a novice and just started in. Started with refinishing the hull - best thing that did was to verify that the planking, keel etc. were all in good shape. I'd had an in & out survey done before purchasing so I had a fair idea but still no real concept for the amount of time and $ it would take. In my mind I thought I could be on the water for about 20k. At about 15k I knew it would be more. I've got about 22k into it now and will probably have to put another 15 - 20k into it, unless I can do a lot more of the work myself.

My boat is an hour away from me and this year I've really been trying to figure out a way to get it here at home so that I can spend more time and less $ on her. I've moved her twice and lost an entire year because I had it at an indoors location where I didn't have access to her on Sundays which was my only available time. Now I've got her at a place where I can get to her but she's outside again. The Bow building talked about here has really got me thinking again about having it at home.

Funds have been scarce now for about 18 months and my Boatwright has talked to me a couple of times about selling her and going for something a little more manageable. My Boatress has also suggested that. I did look at a couple of 27' - 30' Connies but I really want to stay with my 36'. I don't think I could sell her for enough to do another anyway. So I'm in the 'Keep On Keepin' On' camp!

My remaining major tasks are: 1)Getting my rebuilt engine reinstalled. 2)Making sure the Enclosed Cooling systems in both engines work well. 3) Make sure that transmissions and Drive trains work well. 4) Sort out electrical systems as they are a mixed bag right now. 5) Get decent electronics aboard. 6) Refinish Teak Decks. 7) Internal cabin work, mostly rebuild Settee/Bunk Berth that was shortened to accommodate full size fridge which I have removed. 8) Make sure all 3 Bildge pumps work correctly.

Still a goodly amount to go but at least I can now see the tasks and put together a real work plan.
Bill Hammond
1960 36' Connie
Flint/Port Huron, MI
http://www.chris-craft.org/registry/vie ... at_id=1708

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tkhersom
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Re: Connie Refresh

Post by tkhersom » Fri Mar 21, 2014 6:30 pm

Gotta LOVE Flitz! :D
ModDSC05763.JPG
Chrome Scuppers
Troy in ANE - Former President CCABC

1957 CC 21' Continental "Yorktown" (Mom's boat)
https://www.chris-craft.org/boats/22625/
1985 Formula 242LS "Gottago"
1991 Formula 36PC "Band Aids"

Life Is Too Short To Own An Ugly Boat

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tkhersom
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Re: Connie Refresh

Post by tkhersom » Thu Apr 03, 2014 6:52 am

Here is a question I am asking in the "Hull Construction" area. :?

http://www.chris-craft.org/discussion/v ... f=3&t=8736
Troy in ANE - Former President CCABC

1957 CC 21' Continental "Yorktown" (Mom's boat)
https://www.chris-craft.org/boats/22625/
1985 Formula 242LS "Gottago"
1991 Formula 36PC "Band Aids"

Life Is Too Short To Own An Ugly Boat

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whamm511
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Re: Connie Refresh

Post by whamm511 » Thu Apr 03, 2014 8:53 am

Here is a reply to your query posted in the "Hull Construction" area.

http://www.chris-craft.org/discussion/v ... 650#p53650
Bill Hammond
1960 36' Connie
Flint/Port Huron, MI
http://www.chris-craft.org/registry/vie ... at_id=1708

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tkhersom
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Re: Connie Refresh

Post by tkhersom » Wed Apr 09, 2014 7:42 am

Hi Gang:

It feels like I am making two steps forward than one backward. At least my ratio still provides forward motion.

Here is a link to my latest challenge. :?

http://www.chris-craft.org/discussion/v ... f=6&t=8741

Thanks for all the input!

Makes me feel like I am not alone out here.
Troy in ANE - Former President CCABC

1957 CC 21' Continental "Yorktown" (Mom's boat)
https://www.chris-craft.org/boats/22625/
1985 Formula 242LS "Gottago"
1991 Formula 36PC "Band Aids"

Life Is Too Short To Own An Ugly Boat

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tkhersom
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Re: Connie Refresh

Post by tkhersom » Sat Apr 19, 2014 6:24 am

UPDATE!

Jim Staib shipped my engine gaskets this week. I should see them Tuesday. http://www.finewoodboats.com/ :D
Gaskets.jpg
I spoke with a local machine shop who is going to make my planetary pins. I meet with Tony Monday.

Still shooting for the 4th of July. :D
Troy in ANE - Former President CCABC

1957 CC 21' Continental "Yorktown" (Mom's boat)
https://www.chris-craft.org/boats/22625/
1985 Formula 242LS "Gottago"
1991 Formula 36PC "Band Aids"

Life Is Too Short To Own An Ugly Boat

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Doug P
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Re: Connie Refresh

Post by Doug P » Sat Apr 19, 2014 3:00 pm

Troy.....Matt put up a new thread....for Constellations.
Life is too ugly to own a short boat :)

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whamm511
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Re: Connie Refresh

Post by whamm511 » Sat Apr 19, 2014 5:05 pm

Someone mentioned earlier that Peter had a good plan for protection for cruisers that were not in covered slips. I've looked back and I don't see it in this thread. Could someone post the link? Thanks! Now I'm over to the new Constellation thread!
Bill Hammond
1960 36' Connie
Flint/Port Huron, MI
http://www.chris-craft.org/registry/vie ... at_id=1708

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tkhersom
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Re: Connie Refresh

Post by tkhersom » Thu Apr 24, 2014 6:17 am

As many of you may know I work out of what I call "The Boat Barn". This is a GREAT little building that a very generous neighbor allows me to use.
ModDSC05117.JPG
The Boat Barn
Obviously the Boat Barn is not big enough for American Beauty, however Yorktown fits very nicely and allows me space enough to bring parts and pieces of AB to work on.

One of my favorite thing to do is to get up early and go spend an hour (or so) working in the Barn before I get ready for my work day. I figure any day that starts out working on a Chris Craft is going to be a great day. :D

Yesterday while I was sanding the swim platform of American Beauty on the bench next to Yorktown I got a little perspective.
unnamed (2).jpg
unnamed (2).jpg (9.78 KiB) Viewed 4971 times
The swim platform, at 10 feet, is almost 1/2 the length of Yorktown (being a 21 Continental) and the width of the platform (30") is as tall as the free board from the water line to the gar board on Yorktown. If you take into consideration the arch the swim platform it is actually taller.
unnamed (3).jpg
I guess I knew this factually before, but working on it side by side gave me new perspective.

Troy in ANE
Troy in ANE - Former President CCABC

1957 CC 21' Continental "Yorktown" (Mom's boat)
https://www.chris-craft.org/boats/22625/
1985 Formula 242LS "Gottago"
1991 Formula 36PC "Band Aids"

Life Is Too Short To Own An Ugly Boat

drginseng
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Re: Connie Refresh

Post by drginseng » Sun May 25, 2014 2:58 am

As far as how many cruisers CZc made! it is online but can't remember where at the moment. I do know the peak year was in 1961 with 1090 cruisers turned out and downhill from there until 1973.

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