Boat Buzz

Greetings,

I came across a project that I couldn't pass up. I've always wanted to rebuild a grey boat, especially a larger runabout. I can't really afford a large investment for the premium boats. I tripped upon this boat this weekend, it's been left outside for 20+ years in very rough condition. The stringers and frames look intact, and is holding it's shape very well on a cradle. As expected, there's no documentation and I couldn't find a hull number. The owner was absolutely certain the boat was built in 1950 from the guy he got it from. So, I'm thinking it's a 20' 1950 Riviera. Not too many were made, so I think this is a good candidate for me. I'm just disappointed to not find the hull number. But with closer inspection, it might be there somewhere. I also noticed the cutwater had a four digit stamping. What's really cool is it has a Packard V8 coupled to a Paragon. Anyways, anyone with any thoughts or suggestions on tracking the history or figuring out the hull number.

Regards,

Clay Platt

Clay:

I am by no means an expert on finding these numbers but I can tell you that on my 1947 Runabout the hull number is on various pieces of the interior wood. The engine hatch cover not only has a plate screwed inside with the information but it is also routered in the wood frame making up the hatch cover. I also found the number on a couple other parts that I had removed for refinishing. I don't recall finding any numbers on any of the hull structure such as the frames, chines, keel plank or any of the type of "permanent" hull parts.

Good Luck!
Mike

If it is in fact a Chris Craft Riviera and by any chance the engine is original the Mariners Museum can probably track it by the engine numbers. Give them a call.

http://www.marinersmuseum.org/library/chris-craft

Post photos.
Look on hatch edges and sides of hatch hole for numbers.

Yep need photos. I am restoring a 17' and a 20' Riviera at this time so with some photos I might be able to tell.

Here's some pictures, beware they are not pretty... not much left of any of the structure around the hatch or seats.

Clay,
Looks like a Riv.
Good find.

It looks like the engine stringers are still intact. On single engine boats I believe Chris Craft stamped the hull identification number on the starboard stringer behind the rear engine mount. Here is what mine looks like so you have an idea what it might look like:
Also look for the following:

• On a metal plate attached to the underside of the engine hatch cover or engine box on single engine models, and on a metal plate attached to the underside of the starboard engine hatch cover or engine box on twin engine models.
• Stamped into the aft surface of the forward header of the engine hatch on single engine models, and stamped into the aft surface of the forward header of the port engine hatch on twin engine models.
• Stamped into the top edge of the engine stringer starboard adjacent to engine coupling on single engine models, and stamped into the top edge of the inboard stringer, port engine, adjacent to engine coupling on twin engine models.
• Either on top of wood towing bitt, aft face of bow block, extreme forward inboard surface of port toe rail, or aft face of stem midway between chine and sheer.

Yup, 20' Riv.

The one I am working on is R-20-548 it will be interesting to see what number you have. Let me know if you need any information, they are pretty straight forward. We will have hull 548 at the International show along with 2 other boats. Enjoy

If you haven't found the hull number yet another place to look is under the Transom cap. We have restored about a dozen Riv's over the years and this was a spot they often stamped a hull number.

Found it!!!! Started working on my new project boat and almost gave up on finding the hull number. Then on the back of the dash.... there it is. Definitely, made my day.

NICE!