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Early Glass CC Runabout

Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2014 6:32 pm
by joanroy
I'm looking for a restoration project. Hoping fiberglass aficionados can lead me in the right direction to the best choice in a glass runabout. What am I looking for?

Re: Early Glass CC Runabout

Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2014 8:31 pm
by Don Vogt
joan roy, the late 50's cc silver arrow is way cool, imho. If you are not familiar with this model, you can google cc silver arrow and see lots of pictures of them.I think it is great you are interested in helping preserve a fiberglass model. Let us know what you end up doing. good luck!

Re: Early Glass CC Runabout

Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2014 11:12 pm
by Chad Durren
joanroy, I believe you are looking for a 1969-1973 Commander SS / XK 19
zzxk-21_8.jpg
zzxk-21_8.jpg (26.08 KiB) Viewed 5627 times

Re: Early Glass CC Runabout

Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2014 6:17 am
by joanroy
Don, I googled the silver arrow. That's a fantastical craft , kind of a combination of 57 Chevy and Sputnik. Chad , I can see myself in the XK 19 jetting back to the JoanRoy for a nap, which I'll need after a blast it that beast. The early CC glass is the future of Antique and Classic boating. They are beautifully designed and appointed and definitely Not Tupperware. Of coarse I love my old cruiser and wouldn't sell it for any amount, but there's something to be said for a great classic that actually started from day one with a no leak bottom. The search continues...........

Re: Early Glass CC Runabout

Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2014 6:45 am
by tkhersom
Joanroy I may be run out of town for even asking this, but do you intend on staying with Chris Craft only?

Being relatively new to the Cruiser World I can understand your desire for a smaller faster boat to "get around" in. There are a lot of other nice fiberglass boats that are becoming classics. Donzi, Thunderbird (AKA Formula), Bertram, Magnum Marine, ........ Pretty much anything from a C. Ray Hunt design has potential.

Here is my soon to be classic Formula. It is a user boat and will never win a show I am sure, but it is fun and reliable and I would love to take it on the St. Johns river cruise and the Dora Canal one day if I am ever willing to drag it that far.

Re: Early Glass CC Runabout

Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2014 8:34 am
by Oberon01
I would agree with Troy that there are MANY, MANY choices out there aside from CC's - CC was relatively late to the fiberglass party and while they made some very beautiful and compelling boats, there are not that many of them. The XK-19 is probably my favorite, and they are becoming rare and costly because evidently, others feel the same way.

The Silver Arrow was apparently fiberglass over a full wood frame - the fiberglass took the place of planking in traditional construction. They are supposed to be very expensive, heavy, slow and prone to delamination. There are not many around but I saw one a few weeks back in a storage building at the ABM - very wild looking boats, and attention getters to be sure.

What size are you looking for? Much of the real early stuff was small - 14' - 16' and not particularly versatile. My only advice, as the owner of a 1965 Glastron (really cool!) is to cast a wide net and take your time - find something that just hits you. There are a lot of very cool old glass boats out there, with real flair and pizazz. Some of those are even CC's.

Re: Early Glass CC Runabout

Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2014 9:20 am
by quitchabitchin
I myself am partial to the '69 CC Ski Boat, however there are so many other great choices out there. The '69 Commander SS is an awesome boat but not cheap in restored condition and hard to find in unrestored, project condition. They were the predecessor to the XK series and were Inboard vs I/O.

The intended use would be a big factor for me. If you are planning on using on bigger water, look for something larger such as an XK 22 or Century Arabian. The Arabians are really great riding boats and many were made with Big Block power, so they are also very fun. My Ski boat was not made for rough water and will beat you to death on larger, busy lakes.

The Lancer series included many awesome boats and were available early on with inboard power and ride great in rougher water. The good thing is that you can still find many reasonably priced early glass boats out there and the restoration costs are much less than that of wood. Good luck!

Re: Early Glass CC Runabout

Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2014 10:39 am
by Chad Durren
I should have given you a few more options. I believe there are quite a few CC models that ARE/WILL continue to grow in popularity:

Last week I failed to make an offer on a project 70' XK19. I called the seller the next morning and he sold the boat for $850 to another buyer.

69- 70 Ski Boat
77-79 Super Sports
17'-19' Lancers, 23' Lancers for bigger water
ski.jpg
sideslow-05.jpg

Re: Early Glass CC Runabout

Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2014 1:04 pm
by joanroy
Thanks guys, your showing me some great examples. Of course, I'm partial to Chris Craft because I love the boats and the history, but I'm open to other builders. The ideal would be the Barn Find, original, unrestored, but who doesn't want that? I like a project so the ones that are already done don't interest me. I would like to find something with a inboard shaft drive. I'd use it in calm waters and only go outside on perfect days. It's a lot of fun finding out what's out there in glass, and a nice little break from bronze screws and mahogany planks. The search continues.......

Re: Early Glass CC Runabout

Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2014 2:11 pm
by ccfan2010
I have a 1972 XK-19 for sale on ebay right now. It appears to be mostly original, including the original engine. Let me know if you want more information.

Steve

Re: Early Glass CC Runabout

Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2014 4:35 pm
by quitchabitchin
There has been a 78-79 Super Sport on eBay a few times that looks to be one of the nicest around. I don't think it sold, so it should show up again soon.

Also, Chad, where did you take that pic of the '70 Ski Boat? I thought I had seen all '69-70 Ski Boats but certainly have not seen that one.

Re: Early Glass CC Runabout

Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2014 5:54 pm
by joanroy
Steve, nice XK 19 ,but I'm on the east coast of Mass. California is a long ride. The good news is I found an unrestored XK 19 closer to home that I'll be checking out in a few days. The bad news is it's sitting in a field and not in a barn. He also has many more unrestored boats that he's getting rid of. Stay tuned, I'll take and post pictures. Any more info on the XK 19 model would be greatly appreciated.

Re: Early Glass CC Runabout

Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2014 5:33 am
by joanroy
The boat I'm looking at is a XK 22 and now that I'm into it I've found a lot of great info on this model. Don't know if this is what I'm looking for but I'll check it out. Definitely a go fast boat. There's a lot of cool early fiberglass out there.

Re: Early Glass CC Runabout

Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2014 1:01 pm
by Chad Durren
I should also mention that Paul P's Commander Forum is an excellence source of information regarding early CC fiberglass boats. There are a LOT of Corsair, XK/Lancer/Commander enthusiasts there to support you with your decision.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/424840/

Re: Early Glass CC Runabout

Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2014 6:09 pm
by joanroy
Chad, thanks for directing me to the Commander Site. Lots of great photos and info, but a little confusing to negotiate. I'd like to hear from a XK 22 owner and find out what I'd be getting into with a restoration . What are some of the little quirks the XK 22 might have that could be problematic during the restoration process? How should it perform if done to factory specs, how fast and how will it handle in two to four foot seas?

Dan T

Re: Early Glass CC Runabout

Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2014 6:15 pm
by Peter M Jardine
There an XK22 for sale on kijiji in ontario complete for 4k...with a tandem trailer...motor has been replaced drive is original

Re: Early Glass CC Runabout

Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2014 7:21 pm
by joanroy
Peter, that's a nice boat for a fair price. Looks fairly original with the exception of the motor. Wish it was closer to Buzzards Bay.

Re: Early Glass CC Runabout

Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2014 6:56 am
by tkhersom
Here is a listing Chad sent to me a bit ago up here in the ANE (Maine to be exact).

Does not fit your desire for a project boat, but looks like a winner to me. :D

https://maine.craigslist.org/boa/4602139730.html

Re: Early Glass CC Runabout

Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2014 4:26 pm
by joanroy
Troy and Chad, did you have to show me that? Looks like the only thing it needs is maybe a coat of wax and probably not even that. It would just be so much easier than the XK 22 I'm currently considering that is covered in mold and seems to have more than a few parts missing. Its a real tease, and after all, I do love the great state of Maine. Wife's not home yet so I have a little time to work out my strategy. Maybe if I tell her the grand kids will love it. She just drove in. Gotta go.

Re: Early Glass CC Runabout

Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2014 4:32 pm
by Don Vogt
assuming they are restored correctly, buying someone else's restoration at a discount from the amount they typically put into a boat is usually a pretty good deal. I love to see those ads, "100,000 invested, will sell for $50,000.

Re: Early Glass CC Runabout

Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2014 5:43 pm
by tkhersom
This one has been listed for a while. Bet it could be had for 12.5. Maybe that is a little low, but it is October in Maine, so you never know.

502 with a Bravo, doesn't get much better than that if you want speed. :mrgreen:

Re: Early Glass CC Runabout

Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2014 6:30 pm
by Peter M Jardine
joanroy wrote:Peter, that's a nice boat for a fair price. Looks fairly original with the exception of the motor. Wish it was closer to Buzzards Bay.
He was asking quite a bit more originally, but it has been for sale for a while on several different sites. I thought it was a fair price, and you could likely find the right casting number for an engine. The trailer has to be worth over a thousand. It's a nine hour drive from you... you have a place to crash if you need it :mrgreen:

I was thinking about buying it, but that would result in my head being placed on a stake on my front lawn with my wife dancing around it. :shock:

Re: Early Glass CC Runabout

Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2014 6:50 pm
by joanroy
You guys are killing me? XK19 or XK 22.......XK 22 or XK 19........... Xk 19 OR XK 22 I'm so confused. Why did I enter into this strange world of fiberglass??? I gotta head down to JoanRoy and take a nap.

Re: Early Glass CC Runabout

Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2014 6:51 pm
by Don Vogt
peter, many of us can relate to that!

Re: Early Glass CC Runabout

Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2014 7:21 pm
by mfine
joanroy wrote:You guys are killing me? XK19 or XK 22.......XK 22 or XK 19........... Xk 19 OR XK 22 I'm so confused. Why did I enter into this strange world of fiberglass??? I gotta head down to JoanRoy and take a nap.
Sounds like you need to research the XK-18!

Re: Early Glass CC Runabout

Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2014 7:28 pm
by mfine
Peter M Jardine wrote:I was thinking about buying it, but that would result in my head being placed on a stake on my front lawn with my wife dancing around it. :shock:
I have EXACTLY the same problem.

Re: Early Glass CC Runabout

Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2014 8:08 pm
by Peter M Jardine
Don Vogt wrote:peter, many of us can relate to that!
My wife is a little crazy. She's starts mumbling things like "Why don't you finish the boats you have" and other such insane phrases.

Re: Early Glass CC Runabout

Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2014 8:09 pm
by tkhersom
mfine wrote:
Peter M Jardine wrote:I was thinking about buying it, but that would result in my head being placed on a stake on my front lawn with my wife dancing around it. :shock:
I have EXACTLY the same problem.
I thought the 19 would be a good buy and it is in my back yard, but I have the same problem. :cry:

Re: Early Glass CC Runabout

Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2014 8:12 pm
by tkhersom
Sandi says maybe if she gets another Diamond Ring. :)

She is reading over my shoulder.

Re: Early Glass CC Runabout

Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2014 8:17 pm
by Peter M Jardine
...... to which you reply, "but Honey, I thought this boat should be named 'Sandi' " :mrgreen: