Plank repair question

[boat_q?]

Hello, im going to be looking at a wood planked boat this week that i may buy. I have been told by current owner some of the planks need repair from wear over the years and when it was pulled out last year straps were in wrong spot. Its a 35 ft or so. This is my first larger boat purchase.

What all should I be looking at to see if this is a boat to rebuild or fire wood ?, I have no idea where to start ?

Thanks

[wizbang 13]

If you have no idea where to start, don't.
Boats do not "wear" out planks.
If she was damaged in slings, well, that is never a good sign. Usually the boat is already toast for slings to harm her.
Or, maybe it is not a big deal?
more info, pics, description of vessel , and location help us help you.

[ron ll]

What all should I be looking at to see if this is a boat to rebuild or fire wood ?

Thanks

Phone numbers of qualified surveyors.

[boat_q?]

As per request here are some pics of the boat ......

http://photobucket.com/owensboat








Should be able to view if i did it right.....

Theres more at the photobucket link.

Please advise me what i should do . I can get this boat extremely cheap ...

I climbed in around the engine bay and everywhere i could. Al the ribs (not sure of proper name.....side braces or what have you) all seem like the ones in the pic. IS it worth bringing back to life ?

[Brian Palmer]

Welcome.

From all the pictures in your album, I think you are looking at a boat with a lot of rot and failed fastenings that needs a complete rebuild. I would keep looking for one in better shape before even spending the money for a survey. It does not matter how cheaply you can buy the boat; that is only the start in a case like this.

Here is a good thread about some major work being done professionally on a similar sized and vintage boat that is already in good condition:

http://forum.woodenboat.com/showthre...ot-Chris-Craft

There are some other good threads in building and repair on similar projects being done both professionally and by the owners.

Good luck!

Brian

[wizbang 13]

This does not happen to sound boats.

[Lew Barrett]

There are many fine boats available in this market. Buying the best one you can find is always the very wisest course. It is what experienced people do (or should do) if they are wise. Keep looking and you will find a dream boat. Do not be falsely charmed by "lines" or price. Spend a little to get a lot.

[Jay Greer]

I agree with Lew. Unless you are very skilled as a wood worker and have both a lot of spare money and time to kill, I would pass on this one unless you are coming to my place to spend lots O'bucks!
Jay

[nedL]

Not good. 1960's Owens.... they never had a great reputation. I am about the last one to ever walk away from a project, but unfortunately unless this particular boat were to have some extreme special meaning (like family connection with lots of sentimental value, and money and time were of no concern) I can't see doing anything but walk away. Just knowing it is an Owens & seeing some of the issues (i.e. crushed chine, rot induced lifting paint on the topsides, significant superstructure issues, etc.) I wouldn't be surprised if one were to end up having to replace (literally) at least 50% of her in order to be back in good shape. Even then, it is 'just' an Owens, which will never command a high value in the wooden boat world. -- I will say, she is a bit of a survivor. Most of here sisterships had significant issues when they were only ten or fifteen years old, not 40. --- Though I suppose at some point even a '76 Dodge Aspen is 'collectable".

[crcarter37404@gmail.com]

Regarding Owens, Has anyone here read or researched the
history of the Owens Yacht Manufacturing Company.
Actually one of the sons of the father of Owens boats just passed away this year Feb. 2012. The company played a very large part in WW II, With the outbreak of World War II, the company shifted production from pleasure craft to landing craft for the Army when it received a contract to build 2,500 Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel, which Mr. Owens supervised.He told The Capital in Annapolis in a 1994 interview that he "felt proud his company had played a small part" in the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944, and that the company's workers "realized the importance of doing a good job and as quickly as they could."

I think it is a shame for some to discount the historical significance of such a boat.

If a man can built a boat out on nothing.... One can certainly repair one.
I think that slack attitudes should be kept to themselves.

I'm sorry, that is the way I feel.

Hello, im going to be looking at a wood planked boat this week that i may buy. I have been told by current owner some of the planks need repair from wear over the years and when it was pulled out last year straps were in wrong spot. Its a 35 ft or so. This is my first larger boat purchase.

What all should I be looking at to see if this is a boat to rebuild or fire wood ?, I have no idea where to start ?

Thanks

[Dannybb55]

A good yard could probably get it in the water for a 500,000 bucks but it would be a close thing. That would be if there was nothing else wrong with it.
Danny Nye