Well, as if I didn't have enough to do, I went and bought a 1964 Birch Craft boat, 13' long, trailer and 45 horse outboard all at a yardsale for $50. There is A LOT of work involved, transom will be replaced all the outside 2 or 3 layers of fiberglass pulled off, sanded etc, etc, etc.
FIRST I have to say THANK YOU to my wife who, I'm still not convinced thinks it's a good idea, said, "ok" to my "project." When this thing is done, you'll love it. I bought the boat on Saturday July 10, 2010 and picked it up on Sunday. The motor looks clean but I haven't started it yet. The gentleman (a committed believer in Jesus) said they went skiing in 1994 on it and haven't used it since. It's been in that family since it was bought new in 1964, 2 years before I was born. ;-) . The gentleman grew up skiing on that boat and was a little sad to see it go. It really was part of the family and growing up.
Even though I was glad to get the boat and restore it, I felt a little sadness for the family as a part of his happy childhood was gone. Although I told him I'd bring it by after restoration and let him see it. I think it's pretty cool that even though the son owned it after his dad, I am really only the second owner of this boat. I honestly hope I can do it justice.
My goal is to make a tubing boat out of it for the kids BUT....in the fashion of a 1930's to 1940's Chris Craft boat. If you don't know what those are, just Google Images: Antique Chris Craft Boat. You'll see the lines and beautiful form and fashion of the 30's and 40's. There is A LOT of work coming.
I anticipate there will be at least a year's worth of work. I've had it a few days now and have already pulled most of the fiberglass off the sides...that's work! Not to mention my arms are really itching right now as I'm typing.
I've pulled most of the insides out and alternate between the inside, outside and front and back for a change of scenery. My next big move is to remove the motor with the help of one of my fishin' buddies James, who I want to thank for giving me ideas and helping me with his woodworking knowledge, then I'll pull the transom off. I've posted some pics of the day I picked it up and pulling the insides out and pulling the fiberglass off.
I also want to thank my buddy David for donating wood and his expertise in wood working to help with the future beautiful outcome of my Birch Craft/ Chris Craft knock off. I think I'll keep my 12' aluminium boat that I've put a deck and live well in and made into a "miniature bass boat" for fishin'.
I need your help. If anyone can find anything about Birch Craft Runabouts, especially 1964, either in articles, advertisements or images would you please pass that on to me?
Well, i guess that's about all. Tonight I'll work on pulling off more fiberglass and removing more stuff from the inside. If anyone has any extra fiberglass epoxy, fiberglass cloth or wood laying around (mahogany, teak, maple, cherry) I'd be happy to take those as donations! Or any extra money laying around you want to contribute to the "cause" I wouldn't refuse that either. ;-) Did I mention this is going to be A LOT of work?
Keep your motor oiled,
Boatin' Dan
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