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Restoration of a 1964 65' Constellation

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High Seas
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Restoration of a 1964 65' Constellation

Post by High Seas » Fri Apr 18, 2014 11:50 pm

As opening up this new forum, it is to inspire and to educate the restoration process of a large cruiser. I will try to encourage other Constellation owners to submit pics and explanations of their projects in process and start their own thread with their restoration story. We also invite anybody that is curious and thinking of pursuing a Connie as a project, fixer upper, or as a live aboard. We have inspired many people to buy boats abandoned by owners that do not care and become stewards to the vessels that need major restorations. You can contact me at: [email protected] for info on cruisers here in the Northwest that need new homes.
Last edited by High Seas on Thu May 15, 2014 4:22 am, edited 2 times in total.

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Re: Restoration of a 1964 65' Constellation

Post by High Seas » Sat Apr 19, 2014 12:34 am

History to start: CAA-65-002 was custom built for Volney Richmond, owner of NC Machinery, in Sept 1963. As a Caterpillar dealer he had the engines custom built and then shipped to the factory. Volney knew that "Pizzaz" was built at 65',3" and he wanted more, so he had "Dutch Treat" built at 65',6". The major difference between the 2 boats was that Volney wanted double engine stringers to handle the torque of the D343T 475HP Cats. The engine beds are 8" bolted double stringers that run from the forward galley bulkhead to the side stateroom aft. The prediction was true, in 1981, at 2250 RPM, the vibration ripped the motor mounts loose on a trip to Alaska and the mounts were replaced with double spring versions.
In 1984 the boat was sold to Hank Issaccson, owner of Issaccson Steel in Seattle, and was then moved to Seattle Yacht Club. Hank ran the boat from Seattle to Desolation Sound and beyond to Alaska 17 times and shows that he maintained the vessel at a high standard under his ownership. Hank passed away in 1999 and the boat goes downhill after selling it to a family friend. In 2006 we found the boat derelict when the mortgage company that owned it put it up for sale. It lived outside in Seattle for 4 years, in the rain with no maintenance before we bought it. The decks leaked through like a sieve for the first spring until we could afford to get her under cover and start the restoration. On Dec 26th 2006 we signed the papers and were owners of our dream. Are we insane or what!
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whamm511
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Re: Restoration of a 1964 65' Constellation

Post by whamm511 » Sat Apr 19, 2014 5:17 pm

Great info on the start of your thread. Can't wait to see pics go up as well. Have you got your railings back up yet or are you still working on the deck?
Bill Hammond
1960 36' Connie
Flint/Port Huron, MI
http://www.chris-craft.org/registry/vie ... at_id=1708

High Seas
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Re: Restoration of a 1964 65' Constellation

Post by High Seas » Mon Apr 21, 2014 3:03 pm

Rails still off, working on staining new aft caprail and getting at least 8 coats of varnish before CCR. Does she look sexy without rails? I am trying to not put them back on at this point....... I need your input here! My wife thinks I am crazy for cruising without them..... But at 92,000 lbs, even in a 4' chop, we don't move around a lot, she's just afraid of falling off the boat. Liferings were invented for a reason right?
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2012-07-14 14.28.17.jpg
Sans rails and hardware for 2012 CCR
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Re: Restoration of a 1964 65' Constellation

Post by High Seas » Mon Apr 21, 2014 3:46 pm

For history, this is the last picture taken of High Seas in 1999 with previous owner Hank Issacson onboard, he passed away the following year. He purchased it from Volney Richmond in the early 80's and added the flybridge. Hank ran the boat all over Puget Sound, Desolation Sound and Alaska. His son Tommy and I have sat down numerous times since we bought the boat to get a full history from the family.
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IMG_1911.jpg
Hank Issacson on dock at stern
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Re: Restoration of a 1964 65' Constellation

Post by High Seas » Mon Apr 21, 2014 6:01 pm

This is the first pic that I took of the boat before buying it from the mortgage company. It sat here for over 3 years before we found her in a derelict state. Decks leaked like a sieve, all of the hardware, chrome and interior drawers had been stolen by previous vagrant that bought the boat on a contract from the family. We were now officially insane! We signed the papers on Dec 26th 2006 after waiting 3 months for the title to clear all of the back liens on the boat and get the hardware back.....
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image.jpg
Sept 2006
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Re: Restoration of a 1964 65' Constellation

Post by High Seas » Mon Apr 21, 2014 6:14 pm

We spent the first winter reefing and replacing the seams in the bow and side decks. Teak Deck Systems sealant, 11 cases total that year....... Learned in following years it was just a start. Also pulled bad plugs and screws, counter bored and reset over 600 before sanding the deck and adding the first coats of linseed oil and gum terpintine. After that we layed down 4 coats of teak oil.
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image.jpg
All new seams!
image.jpg
Replaced 700 plugs in the deck
image.jpg
Dad reefing the seams
image.jpg
Fein tool with hook blade
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whamm511
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Re: Restoration of a 1964 65' Constellation

Post by whamm511 » Mon Apr 21, 2014 6:25 pm

How fortunate to get your hardware back! I know exactly what you mean when you say that you knew you were 'really insane'! I felt the same when I bought mine and it's only 36'!
Bill Hammond
1960 36' Connie
Flint/Port Huron, MI
http://www.chris-craft.org/registry/vie ... at_id=1708

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whamm511
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Re: Restoration of a 1964 65' Constellation

Post by whamm511 » Mon Apr 21, 2014 6:34 pm

When you reefed the seams did you reef only the seams between the actual deck planks or did you reef even the 'false' deck seams? What was your desired outcome with the sanding of the deck, in other words, how far down did you sand? And finally, Linseed oil and gum turpentine, how and why?
Bill Hammond
1960 36' Connie
Flint/Port Huron, MI
http://www.chris-craft.org/registry/vie ... at_id=1708

High Seas
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Re: Restoration of a 1964 65' Constellation

Post by High Seas » Mon Apr 21, 2014 11:55 pm

We reefed only the real seams and then poured gallons of borate treatment to kill any mold in the under decking and then denatured alcohol to remove any moisture from the wood before filling the seams. We also put an industrial dehumidifier in the v-berth during the whole process to draw out any moisture from the wood and shrink the planks and plywood sub to draw the borate solution down into the wood.

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whamm511
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Re: Restoration of a 1964 65' Constellation

Post by whamm511 » Tue Apr 22, 2014 12:29 am

My decks aren't leaking and do not show evidence of having ever leaked (knock on wood). However there is a smell of mustiness in the cabin that might indicate some mildew/mold so using the Borate solution seems reasonable, probably even prudent. This is probably due to the boat having spent a good share of its life (as far as I can determine) under cover.

I have never been responsible for the care and upkeep of Teak decks before and the evidence of how it has been cared for is the presence of gallons of Teak Oil on the boat at purchase. I've been leaning towards using a Sikken's type product because of the reputed upkeep of an oiled deck. However lately I've been reconsidering because of the comparative ease of reoiling compared to refinishing. There is also the benefit to the wood of the oil as well. Any thoughts?
Bill Hammond
1960 36' Connie
Flint/Port Huron, MI
http://www.chris-craft.org/registry/vie ... at_id=1708

High Seas
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Re: Restoration of a 1964 65' Constellation

Post by High Seas » Tue Apr 22, 2014 10:54 pm

Stay away from Cetol, it is a finish that takes recoating every year and if it fails you will have to strip it all off and start over. You need very dry wood to start applying any alklyd resin finish. Teak oil is a lot easier to manage.

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Re: Restoration of a 1964 65' Constellation

Post by High Seas » Sun Apr 27, 2014 5:52 pm

Anybody home?

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whamm511
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Re: Restoration of a 1964 65' Constellation

Post by whamm511 » Sun Apr 27, 2014 10:37 pm

Just got home! So you're definitely in the oil is easier to maintain camp. So I'm going to listen to that advice. Now I have some questions: 1)How do you, over time, keep the teak from becoming too dark? 2) To what degree should I sand my decks here before I oil? It's been at least 6 years since the decks were last oiled perhaps longer. I only know because I asked the previous owner. He never oiled during his 2 seasons of ownership and I haven't yet and I've had the boat now 4 years.
Bill Hammond
1960 36' Connie
Flint/Port Huron, MI
http://www.chris-craft.org/registry/vie ... at_id=1708

High Seas
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Re: Restoration of a 1964 65' Constellation

Post by High Seas » Tue Apr 29, 2014 11:00 pm

If you do not have any wear areas or places where you see dry wood, let it go. Oil is easy to "Feather" in if you need to, clean the area with Teak Wonder and then apply the first coat to the affected area. Second coat come out a couple of inches and so forth. REMEMBER oil takes a week to cure at 60 degrees, do not apply oil over a tacky coat, you will get ripples.

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whamm511
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Re: Restoration of a 1964 65' Constellation

Post by whamm511 » Wed Apr 30, 2014 9:46 am

I would say that my entire Deck is dry except inside the wheelhouse. On the fore deck in particular the grain is raised and I think it should be sanded. When it gets wet the grain will 'lay down'. The boat has been fully covered during the off seasons since it has been in my possession. Prior to purchase it was kept under a roof, apparently for most of it's life. I will get some pictures of the deck to illustrate its current condition soon and post them.
Bill Hammond
1960 36' Connie
Flint/Port Huron, MI
http://www.chris-craft.org/registry/vie ... at_id=1708

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whamm511
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Re: Restoration of a 1964 65' Constellation

Post by whamm511 » Wed Apr 30, 2014 10:07 am

image.jpg
Aftdeck.
image.jpg
This is the Foredeck.
Here are a couple of pictures of my decks taken in August of 2011.
Bill Hammond
1960 36' Connie
Flint/Port Huron, MI
http://www.chris-craft.org/registry/vie ... at_id=1708

High Seas
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Re: Restoration of a 1964 65' Constellation

Post by High Seas » Wed Apr 30, 2014 7:42 pm

Your best bet with wood in that shape is to scrub it down with Teak Wonder A & B, let it dry for a week and then start the treatment I mentioned before, 1/3 Linseed Oil, 1/3 Gum Terpentine, 1/3 Teak Oil. Tape off any areas and then literally pour on the deck at the high point and use a paint brush to work into the grain. The first couple coats will soak in quickly and then you will see where the really dry areas are. We went through 4 gallons in 2 weeks before the color started to come back. Do not sand before because the boards will soak up and return to shape within a month or so. You can lightly sand after 2 months, but may not need if the treatment works. You will see after time and then feather in the dry areas with multiple coats until the color is even, after that you can apply one coat a week of straight Teak Oil until the proper color is good for you. Try not to do more than 4 coats, you don't want buildup that may bubble up in the sunshine. Remember that the deck may be hot in the sun and will flex a lot after the finish is applied.

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whamm511
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Re: Restoration of a 1964 65' Constellation

Post by whamm511 » Wed Apr 30, 2014 10:40 pm

Thank you so much! You may have just saved me from a grevious mistake!
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: Restoration of a 1964 65' Constellation

Post by tkhersom » Sun May 04, 2014 5:26 pm

My fore deck has been sanded (before I took over).

It seems a lot of people around here just let their teak gray without any treatment.

I was planning on oiling it, but my restorer says that if I do I am looking at a LOT of maintenance to keep it looking good. :x

My aft decks have been varnished, which I know can be slippery, but I am thinking I will keep with that just because that is what is there now.

Any thoughts?
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: Restoration of a 1964 65' Constellation

Post by whamm511 » Sun May 04, 2014 6:10 pm

I don't think doing nothing is a viable option. You've either got to oil them of finish them. The question is which! I've been leaning towards finish because of the perception of the amount of work oiling requires. Now I'm leaning the other way because it's what has been done in the past and I'm learning that there is less prep with oiling so it works out better.
Bill Hammond
1960 36' Connie
Flint/Port Huron, MI
http://www.chris-craft.org/registry/vie ... at_id=1708

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Doug P
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Re: Restoration of a 1964 65' Constellation

Post by Doug P » Sun May 04, 2014 6:40 pm

I am only familiar with Grand Bank's teak decks which were natural, however as the natural oil is depleted, the grain structure opens allowing moisture in that will eventually mildew and turn the wood much darker or even black.

I understand the US Navy would just sand, sand, sand and pickle with salt water.

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whamm511
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Re: Restoration of a 1964 65' Constellation

Post by whamm511 » Sun May 04, 2014 7:12 pm

Doug,

I think that the treatments High Seas mentioned above will take care of those problems.
Bill Hammond
1960 36' Connie
Flint/Port Huron, MI
http://www.chris-craft.org/registry/vie ... at_id=1708

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Re: Restoration of a 1964 65' Constellation

Post by High Seas » Tue May 06, 2014 11:16 am

Our decks were varnished when we got the boat also and took almost a year to remove the peeling remains before replacing the plugs and seams. Oiling is much easier to maintain and is the same amount of prep for varnish. Leaving them gray is good as long as you live undercover.

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Re: Restoration of a 1964 65' Constellation

Post by High Seas » Tue May 06, 2014 11:18 am

Doug P wrote:I am only familiar with Grand Bank's teak decks which were natural, however as the natural oil is depleted, the grain structure opens allowing moisture in that will eventually mildew and turn the wood much darker or even black.

I understand the US Navy would just sand, sand, sand and pickle with salt water.

Right, but the decks on the Missouri were 6" thick to start...........

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Re: Restoration of a 1964 65' Constellation

Post by Doug P » Tue May 06, 2014 12:41 pm

High Seas wrote:
Doug P wrote:I am only familiar with Grand Bank's teak decks which were natural, however as the natural oil is depleted, the grain structure opens allowing moisture in that will eventually mildew and turn the wood much darker or even black.

I understand the US Navy would just sand, sand, sand and pickle with salt water.

Right, but the decks on the Missouri were 6" thick to start...........

They did have wet orbital sanders.

Look how they are gripping the sandstone
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tkhersom
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Re: Restoration of a 1964 65' Constellation

Post by tkhersom » Tue May 06, 2014 3:46 pm

I guess I will have to keep you posted on this one.

I checked with my restorer today to make sure I was understanding him correctly and he stated that he likes to leave Teak decks bare because varnished Teak is very slippery and oiled Teak need to be re-oiled about every three weeks to keep their sheen.:shock:

I love doing the work in the off season, but in the summer I want to GO BOATING!
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: Restoration of a 1964 65' Constellation

Post by Doug P » Tue May 06, 2014 8:26 pm

Troy in ane
You may get something out of this
http://www.ftkltd.com/Teak%20Deck%20Care.htm

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Re: Restoration of a 1964 65' Constellation

Post by High Seas » Wed May 07, 2014 1:03 am

We only recoat once a year with teak oil, not more! Buildup will get worse over time.

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tkhersom
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Re: Restoration of a 1964 65' Constellation

Post by tkhersom » Wed May 07, 2014 5:53 am

Doug P wrote:Troy in ane
You may get something out of this
http://www.ftkltd.com/Teak%20Deck%20Care.htm
A lot to think about in that article. :?

Thanks Doug P in PNW.
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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