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**knottybuoyz** · 29-05-2008, 05:46

Not totally committed to this project but seriously considering taking the plunge. The boat is a '67 31' Chris Craft Commander. It's been out of the water for just a year (owner bought a bigger boat). I don't have too many details on it and have a qualified marine engineer going to have a look at it this week before we make the committment to go see it for ourselves (about 500 miles south of us).

We have been told that one engine (327 chevy) needs a head! Hmmm? Not a hurdle I can't get over, been there, done that. I'm figuring on replacing both. Anyhow, anyone done a restoration on an older boat like this? Wondering what pitfalls or signs I should look for that'd be a deal breaker? Signs of water intrusion around the windows and portlights are something I'd pay special attention to, things like that.

According to the owner it is in good shape with the exception of the head on one engine and was used up to the time it was hauled. There's no batteries and all the nav, mooring, safety equipment has been taken off. Again not an insurmountable hurdle. My concerns is she seaworthy enough to do 450 NM up the Hudson, Erie Canal, Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence Seaway to get her home! I guess we'll have to wait and see but if anybody is familiar with this type of boat or has done a restoration we'd appreciate hearing about your experiences.

29-05-2008, 05:46	#1
knottybuoyz Moderator Moderator Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Canada Boat: Bateau.com TW28 Modified Posts: 2,343	Big boat! Old Boat! Restoration Project? Not totally committed to this project but seriously considering taking the plunge. The boat is a '67 31' Chris Craft Commander. It's been out of the water for just a year (owner bought a bigger boat). I don't have too many details on it and have a qualified marine engineer going to have a look at it this week before we make the committment to go see it for ourselves (about 500 miles south of us). We have been told that one engine (327 chevy) needs a head! Hmmm? Not a hurdle I can't get over, been there, done that. I'm figuring on replacing both. Anyhow, anyone done a restoration on an older boat like this? Wondering what pitfalls or signs I should look for that'd be a deal breaker? Signs of water intrusion around the windows and portlights are something I'd pay special attention to, things like that. According to the owner it is in good shape with the exception of the head on one engine and was used up to the time it was hauled. There's no batteries and all the nav, mooring, safety equipment has been taken off. Again not an insurmountable hurdle. My concerns is she seaworthy enough to do 450 NM up the Hudson, Erie Canal, Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence Seaway to get her home! I guess we'll have to wait and see but if anybody is familiar with this type of boat or has done a restoration we'd appreciate hearing about your experiences. Attached Thumbnails __________________ Yours Aye! Rick ~^~^~^^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~~^~^~~^~^~^^~~^~^ "If it breaks, make it stronger." If it's not broke, try harder!" Author unknown.