Hull number location

[dholdmann]

Just picked up what I believe to be a 1947 22 Chris Craft sedan and I'm trying to find the hull number. Where would be a good place to look? It's also missing a lot of pieces so the usual places to look may be gone. I will be posting a lot of follow up questions as I get further into the boat.

[Captain Nemo]

Congrats on your new toy! The first place to look for the hull# is on top of the engine stringers or on the edges of any hatches.
You will find a lot of helpful and sharp people on this site, and post pics of your progress.

[dholdmann]

I'm still looking for a number, I think the previous owner let this boat go way to long. Every spot that I would expect to find the number is either missing or so rotten away that I can't find it.

[Greg Wallace]

Check the vertical face of the bow cap on forward deck facing the stern.

[charlesquimby]

If you have difficulty reading the number when you find it, a wet wipe with laquer thinner will bring the number up. Seat backs, stringers, top surface of bottom transom frame are some places to look. CQ

[drrot]

Check the vertical face of the bow cap on forward deck facing the stern.

Best spot. Also remove the rear seat and look on the starboard side of the aft deck frame. Also around the front deck hatch if it has one.
Is it Oldsmobile powered?

[dholdmann]

Yes it is Oldsmobile powered. I really dont know what possessed me to buy this boat. Being a younger person getting involved in this hobby it really upsets me to see all these antique and classic boats left out to die in some parking lot. Looking the boat over there really isn't any wood worth saving, maybe just a pattern boat. Jim, if you know any history of the boat I would love to know. Still don't know what to do with the boat, for now its just cleaned out and properly covered.

[drrot]

I drove the boat a long time ago. Very fast. Had a J-2 Olds converted for marine use. Get rid of it. Boat would crest a wave and next thing you know would pull a 180.

[dholdmann]

The previous owner took the heads and manifolds off the engine and then left it open to the elements for years. Does not look like it will ever run again and I also would never really want it in the boat. You say get rid of it, do you really think I should just junk it and sell what ever trim pieces I can? My quess is that the bottom has been out of shape for many many years and that's what caused it to do the 180 turns. I have cleaned out the inside and still am unable to find a number, next I am going to try power washing and see if one pops up. I do have a old title, would that help in any way? If I am unable uncover any number is the boat worthless?

[Greg Wallace]

I suspect Jim was referring to the engine not the whole boat. Too much power can make a boat do unexpected silly things.

[drrot]

The previous owner took the heads and manifolds off the engine and then left it open to the elements for years. Does not look like it will ever run again and I also would never really want it in the boat. You say get rid of it, do you really think I should just junk it and sell what ever trim pieces I can? My quess is that the bottom has been out of shape for many many years and that's what caused it to do the 180 turns. I have cleaned out the inside and still am unable to find a number, next I am going to try power washing and see if one pops up. I do have a old title, would that help in any way? If I am unable uncover any number is the boat worthless?

The boat can be saved with lots of work. Get rid of the engine. It was left handed and caused problems. I seem to remember the front windows did not open. Was real toasty inside. That needs to be fixed if you restore it.