A mid-winter musing about our Chris Crafts.
As my 1973 41’ is tucked away indoors waiting for its 51’st launch and my 30th year of ownership I find some things remarkable.
First, the initial product quality and design has made it possible for these boats to survive decades of use by multiple owners. Second, those very qualities inspire decades of maintenance and care. It takes both.
This all results in so many of these boats still proudly in use. It’s nice to think about in mid-winter and far better when getting back on board in spring.
The discription better than when it came out of the factory is your boat from your pictures. Your finish was not my lazy "Cetol". Do you put a new coat on every one or two years? When do you have to strip it down to bare wood and to start again? Barry
Fortunately 'Challenger' has the benefit of inside winter storage, so as soon as it's warm enough the mahogany toe rails and wood trim get a light sanding and one annual maintenance coat of Epifanes. It's easier than stretching it to two years and film failure and risking the task of taking it down to bare wood, filling the grain and laying on 4+ build coats to bring it back. It's all about UV protection and an intact film. Plus, varnishing can be relaxing. :-)
Hey Bill,
Thank YOU so much for the info!😀
Bill, great looking boat... well cared for, and ready for another 51 years hopefully. I recently replaced the toe rails on my 42. Not for everyone, but if you can do the required maintenance, the looks from everyone is totally worth it! 😁
Chris Orphal . . . I agree with you regarding toerail replacement projects. It demands a a lot of measurments and woodworking skills . . . with expensive lumber. Mine are mahogany so there was a little rot here and there and fortunately I only had to replace a few sections. Machining the openings for the fuel fills, vents, deck cleats and stanchions was a challenge for this novice.