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New Owner and Member needs lots of help with ID

Are you in need of information regarding "the way it was?" Or are you are a walking "who's-who" of Chris-Craft history? Share what you don't know—or do know here.

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jimoss124
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New Owner and Member needs lots of help with ID

Post by jimoss124 » Wed Oct 07, 2009 3:34 pm

Any input on the exact hull type and any details would be appreciated. I am assuming it has been re-configured somehow. I am new at this whole deal but anxious to learn as much as I can about it before restoration.
Titled as a 1939 Racing Runabout
Still working on getting a hull number
Hull Measurements....16' X 5'8"
Holman Moody Racing 289 with velvetdrive added in the 70's
Thanks
Jim O'Grady/ Amelia Island Fl.




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Don Vogt
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Post by Don Vogt » Thu Oct 08, 2009 7:00 am

interesting. doesnt look like a special race boat that was built from 37-40. hull numbers from 42000 to 42166. It had no blonde wood, this boat has post war steering wheel, different instrument panel, etc. The race boat had a distinct barrell stern, that is the top half of the transom edge was almost a half circle. there should be hull numbers on stringers, and a number of other places.

jimoss124
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Post by jimoss124 » Thu Oct 08, 2009 7:56 am

Thanks for your response..didn't know about the post war steering wheel... I do know the front windsheild brackets appear to be from the hydrophane. Still strugging to find the hull number. Previous owner (inherited the boat) says he has the plate somewhere but I guess I need to take some more action. Got a bum leg right now and was looking for an easy way out. Again thanks Jim
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bjornbakken
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Post by bjornbakken » Thu Oct 08, 2009 9:13 am

The hull number should be stamped on forward side-end of the engine hatches, and/or on the aft side of the engine hatch framing.

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Bjorn B.
1940 17' Chris Craft Deluxe
1958 Riva Florida No. 319
1955 Riva Ariston

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Al Benton
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Post by Al Benton » Thu Oct 08, 2009 11:39 am

This boat has some of the shapes present on the 16' Deluxe Runabout: 1934-1936 but the decking is different than any of the CC Runabouts in The Essential Guide, post- and pre-war.

Al

jimoss124
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Post by jimoss124 » Thu Oct 08, 2009 11:55 am

Thats what I thought too Al, but the beam is 5'8" and the 34-36 Deluxe has a 5'5'' beam. I think it has been re-decked and maybe reconfigured as well. Can't for the life of me find the hull number to find what they started with. Thanks Jim

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Al Benton
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Post by Al Benton » Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:58 pm

There are several hulls that meet the 5'-8" beam both pre- and post war. The forward windshield brackets could be from either era, the nav. lights could be from either as well, the fairleader looks late 30's but the cutwater may be custom built. Keep looking for numbers. I have a feeling you'll find something eventually.

Al

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Bill Basler
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Post by Bill Basler » Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:59 pm

I'm guessing a 16-foot runabout that has been redecked. Could be an early one ...it's hard to say with the current deck and hardware.

The windshield brackets were used on the Hydro, but also on the pre war Deluxes, and early post war Deluxes and Rivieras. Later versions of the same brackets had a slightly different cutout in the side brackets. Maybe the donor boat for much of this hardware was a post war Deluxe or Riviera. It might explain the steering wheel, step pads, windshield and some of the deck hardware.

Also, the decks look very much like they have a bit post war 17-Deluxe influence. Kind of flat covering board with a broad radius to the outside edge. The mitered and radiused transom has post war Riviera and 20 Custom influence as well.

I think she could be a pre war hull that has been heavily post "warrified."
Bill Basler

jimoss124
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Post by jimoss124 » Thu Oct 08, 2009 3:43 pm

Thanks Bill,
That is pretty much the same thing I was coming up with..someone with more knowledge could have probably looked at the structure and how it was modified and what from.Still hoping to get a hull number or find one. I really like the boat a lot and appreciate the details you shared with me. I'll keep you updated on my progress.. thanks everbody for your quick help and interest.

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maritimeclassics
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Post by maritimeclassics » Thu Oct 08, 2009 4:25 pm

It looks like a 16' Rocket that someone wanted to be a 16' Riviera, thats my guess. I think we should hold a contest.
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Restoration Projects:
1936 25' Gar Wood Custom
1947 Ventnor Hydroplane
1957 17' Deluxe Runabout
1948 25' Chris Craft Sportsman Twin
1959 19' Sliver Arrow Hull #75
1929 26' Chris Craft Custom Runabout
1937 25' Chris Craft Custom Runabout

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Al Benton
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Post by Al Benton » Thu Oct 08, 2009 5:39 pm

OR, maybe it's a 16' Riviera that someone wanted to look like a short racing runabout.

What ever it is it's a nice looking boat, appears to be in fairly good shape and should be a lot of fun with that engine.

Al

THE RAZZ
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Post by THE RAZZ » Fri Oct 09, 2009 1:17 am

re hull number- How about looking on the top of the engine stringer forward of the the fuel tank straps?!
1942 17' barrelback 71923
1987 21' CC Stinger

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steve bunda
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Post by steve bunda » Fri Oct 09, 2009 8:28 am

Hi Jim, do you have a picture inside the hull bilge area? I am thinking Century? steve

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Don Vogt
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Post by Don Vogt » Fri Oct 09, 2009 9:43 am

Well, i wondered about that. It is either a curious mix of various cc elements or another boat brand. The interior wood, for example, is more reminiscent of a post war boat to me.

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Bill Basler
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Post by Bill Basler » Fri Oct 09, 2009 9:48 am

You know Steve, I wondered about that as well, but was too shy to say something. If it has a batten seam bottom, could be a whole other kind of hybrid.
Bill Basler

jimoss124
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Post by jimoss124 » Fri Oct 09, 2009 11:08 am

Thanks Guys,
Took some accurate length measurements with help and it actually measures 16'4" not 16(Sorry DUH!). Were any of the prewar 17's actually less than the 17'listed in the Essential Guide or the 16's more than sixteen as they are post war. Headed home in a few hours to look in the suggested places for hull number and take the suggested pictures for post later this evening.

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Don Vogt
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Post by Don Vogt » Fri Oct 09, 2009 11:14 am

This morning's woody boater has a picture of a higgins. the instrument panel looks like the one in the "mystery" boat except that the center point is up rather than down. Are they the same?

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maritimeclassics
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Post by maritimeclassics » Fri Oct 09, 2009 1:13 pm

You need to find a hull# quick my anxiety level is way up there on this one and I keep checking the Boat Buzz about every three hours. :lol:
Family member of Chris Craft founder
Owner of Maritime Classics
http://www.maritimeclassics.com
Ph# 231-486-6148

Restoration Projects:
1936 25' Gar Wood Custom
1947 Ventnor Hydroplane
1957 17' Deluxe Runabout
1948 25' Chris Craft Sportsman Twin
1959 19' Sliver Arrow Hull #75
1929 26' Chris Craft Custom Runabout
1937 25' Chris Craft Custom Runabout

jimoss124
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Post by jimoss124 » Fri Oct 09, 2009 3:48 pm

No hull #'s...killing me too..heres the pics ..hope it helps..starting to wonder if this is even a CC.
No matter I guess as I bought it because it appealed to me for what it is, just wish I knew what it WAS.




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jimoss124
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Post by jimoss124 » Fri Oct 09, 2009 4:27 pm

I think the engine stringers may have been replaced with the powertrain upgrade.
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Bill Basler
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Post by Bill Basler » Fri Oct 09, 2009 4:32 pm

If I am looking at the inside of the hull bottom in the above photo, then the bottom is a batten seam bottom typical of Century.
Bill Basler

jimoss124
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Post by jimoss124 » Fri Oct 09, 2009 4:51 pm

Thanks Bill.. That is the inside bottom and it appears to be the batten seams you described..
Anyone know good reference site or book on Century Boats? Maybe that was the reluctance of the owner to be forthcoming with the plate or hull info. Think it was more ignorance than deception if this in fact turns out to be a Century as indicated. The boat as I said was inherited from the long time original owner.

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Reginald Down
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Post by Reginald Down » Fri Oct 09, 2009 8:51 pm

This is a real stretch - But other than the windshield and square cockpits, are there any similarities to the 1946 15' Century Seamaid Split Cockpit?

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To me the covering boards on the mystery boat are Century like...

These photos are displayed on the Century Boat Club web site http://www.centuryboatclub.com/
Reg Down

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Reginald Down
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Post by Reginald Down » Fri Oct 09, 2009 9:08 pm

Or possibly a mid to late 1930's Century Split Cockpit like these, also shown on the century Boat club web site.

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Reg Down

jimoss124
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Post by jimoss124 » Fri Oct 09, 2009 10:10 pm

Looks very close...Trying to find good pics of 1939 Century Seamaid Model 50 or 51 looks close and also has a length of 16'3'. Same winsheild etc. Maybe we are getting close.

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Reginald Down
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Post by Reginald Down » Fri Oct 09, 2009 11:52 pm

Jim - You may want to try contacting Chuck Miklos at Miklos & Sons Restorations (412) 766-3180. They are very knowledgeable when it comes to the classic / antique Century boats, and may be able to suggest where to look for a hull number, etc.

Good luck, and let us know what you find out if in fact it's a Century (or not).
Reg Down

jimoss124
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Post by jimoss124 » Sat Oct 10, 2009 4:29 am

Thanks Reg...Think you may have it..Has the general look and many of the same odds and ends as well. I'll let everybody know for sure.

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Captain Nemo
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Post by Captain Nemo » Sat Oct 10, 2009 8:56 am

Hi Jim,
Century stamped the hull# on the port side of the transom plank near the waterline, which in most cases have been replaced so that is usually lost. They also sometimes stamped the # on the inside of the starboard engine stringer between the fuel tank and the engine. On some runabouts they stamped it on the starboard stringer in a location which you would have to pull the engine to see it. This has been a very exciting thread and I have been watching very closely. Good luck w/ your search.
-Mark
Boats are to be made of wood, otherwise, God would have grown fiberglass trees.

jimoss124
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Post by jimoss124 » Sat Oct 10, 2009 8:58 pm

No Hull Number yet on boat but on the paperwork was a hull number of NCZ5027B0I39 which of course doesn't correspond to ChrisCraft so I disregarded it. But it does resemble a Century with the 39 at the end. That is the year it was titled as. I think at this point it certainly indicates a 1939 Century Seamaid 50 or 51 despite being titled along the way as a 1939 ChrisCraft 17' racing runabout.

"Century had hull plates afixed inside the motor boxes or inside engine hatches in the 1930s, 1940s, & 1950s. These had the hull number and engine number. But these plates prior to 1942 only had a partial number like 49 The whole number on the transom may have been 49 over 3754. In this case The year was 37 the model was model 54 Seamaid and the production run # was 49."

Still can't quite make sense of it..maybe some transposition mistakes over the last 70 years..
anyone with any input on this ? The saga continues. Thanks Again Jim

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Kerry Price
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Post by Kerry Price » Sun Oct 11, 2009 7:30 pm

Jim,
I've been following this post and no...I don't know what this boat is. The batten seam bottom does indicate the possibility of a Century. I have paged through Classic Century Powerboats by Milkos and based on the build sheets the only 16'4" boat listed that Century produced was the Corsair made between 1957-1967. The Corsairs were a utility with an upholstered fore deck and modern interior so I have my doubts on it being this. Here I go sticking my neck out but I have my doubts about this being a pre war Seamaid either. From the pictures of this boat -at least as best I can tell- the fore deck and engine deck crowns do not appear to have the degree of crown found on the Seamaid. Also and most obvious is that none of the hardware looks correct for a pre war boat. The scoops look like post war Chris Craft. Closer inspection is warranted. I’m thinking that this may be a utility conversion. Whatever it is it looks like a fun project. Do keep us posted
Last edited by Kerry Price on Sun Oct 11, 2009 8:06 pm, edited 1 time in total.
1946 20' Custom Runabout: R-20-092
1938 19' Sportsman: 19501
http://www.chris-craft.org/registry/vie ... oat_id=532

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