New PROJECT

[Joe ( Cold Spring on Hudson )]

Originally posted down in the bilge but I will obviously looking for serious answers up here.

Thinking of taking on a new project. A buddy of mine has this 1953 Chapman 18'-4" LOA 7' Beam. It's been sitting covered on a trailer for a few years. The engine turns but does not start. The hull seems sound but ribs need replacing. Rib's replacing seems like a BIG deal to me since their steam bent & riveted. There is one worry spot under the bow. But other than that she seems sound. What do you guys think ?? Too many boats and not enough time? Or should this one be saved? Just looking at her lines this would make one nice Picnic boat even if she is a stinkpot.

[Joe ( Cold Spring on Hudson )]

What I need first is to write up a plan of action. What to do first then second so I can break down this task into manageable parts and delegate sections to the other people involved in the restoration. Any assistance you all can give me on this will be greatly appreciated. Also any history of Chapman boats would be wonderful she has a Chris craft engin.

[ 11-30-2003, 03:40 PM: Message edited by: Joe ( Cold Spring on Hudson ) ]

[L.W. Baxter]

Am I wrong in guessing that a restoration like this might take almost as many hours, though certainly less money, as a new construction?

You're saving the cost and time of setting up and planking the hull, but you'll lose some of that time in scraping, sanding, removing old fasteners, etc. And virtually everything else would have to be removed, refurbished, and reinstalled, right? Whew!

[Gary E]

Hi Joe,
Nice to see you looking at another project, you have the barn space, and what you dont have can be figgered out....only one thing troubles me, "partners"... being 1/3 owner means to me I am not 3/3rds owner.

You may end with a nice one like this....
http://www.internetboats.com/boatfiles/22570.html

Good luck
G

[Figment]

Originally posted by Joe ( Cold Spring on Hudson ):
What I need first is to write up a plan of action. What to do first then second so I can break down this task into manageable parts and delegate sections to the other people involved in the restoration.

That sounds too much like "work".

[nedL]

Joe, it looks like a real pretty little skiff & worth the work if you want the boat in the end. Lots of work between here & there though. Start by pulling the engine, blocking her real well & removing everything from inside (stringers included). Then you can re-rib her & start going forward. Save the engine(!) there is a definate market for it even if it does not go back in the boat. -It might not even take much to get it running, a year ago I got a similar one running again (in about 4 hours) after sitting untouched for 15 years. - Lots of work, but nice boat when you are done. Good luck pondering! [img]smile.gif[/img]

Oh, I should have asked what kind of shape is her bottom in? Has she been blocked well(?), is the bottom nice & straight and fair, or are things kind of wavey & lumpy from poor blocking (trailer rollers)?

[ 12-01-2003, 09:03 AM: Message edited by: nedL ]

[Matt J.]

Joe, I know you're ambitious, but just how many wives, jobs, kids, dogs, old homes, and troubled boats do you think you need? Obviously the wife and kid take priority, but then you gotta take care of them, which means working, then you have that house... that place seems to like to demand your time as well.

Could be a nice boat, but I'm wondering when you'l run out of time and other precious resources ($ and time needed for family, too, you know).

[Roger Stouff]

Joe,
A great looking boat, but as someone who took on a very similar project with very similar problems, then ended up abandoning it because it was just overwhelming, it's going to be a long, hard haul.

However, I'm sure that if you choose to go for it, you'll get plenty of good help and support from all on this forum!

Bestwishes with whatever you decide,
R

[Domesticated_Mr. Know It All]

You know me Joe and how I feel about "Stinkpot" restoration. You'd have to be crazy like me but I say, go for it. Where were Chapman's built?
Peace---> Kevin in Ohio

[Joe ( Cold Spring on Hudson )]

Update. After a long debate we have decided to pass on restoration of this old gal . One of the thoughts that came in my mind was there would be no way to recoup the time spent working on her in actual enjoyment time on the water. I would have to move to FLA. and motor her 10 hr. a day for the next 10 years to get the time spent working on her back

We have decided to put her up for auction on Ebay, wonderful trailer included. I have been asked to handle the transaction does anyone have any experience putting up boats for sale on ebay? I have bought one but never sold one

[ 01-14-2004, 10:06 AM: Message edited by: Joe ( Cold Spring on Hudson ) ]

[Joe ( Cold Spring on Hudson )]

Bump - I guess everyone is down in the bilge talking politics

[Chris Coose]

One of the thoughts that came in my mind was there would be no way to recoup the time spent working on her in actual enjoyment time on the water. I would have to move to FLA. and motor her 10 hr. a day for the next 10 years to get the time spent working on her back

That mental activity has no merit. Maybe too left brained for any of us, especially the boat.

Reminds me of couples who look at the balance sheet before getting pregnant.

[cs]

Joe, e-mail me the auction when you get it up. If you weren't so far away I would very interested. Looks like a cool project.

Chad

[Joe ( Cold Spring on Hudson )]

Fair enough Chris I think I'm partially just making up an excuse not to get into such and extensive project. Especially since the Sailing skiff is soooo close to completion and the Weekender Sailboat is next on the list. Anyway it was a group decision to put her up for bid. The other guys are looking for larger and easier project a downeaster is being talked about. All I have to contribute is storage and MINOR restoration or upkeep

[Leon m]

After restoring two boats now I've come up with
a guidline for "should I, Shouldn't I ". Either
the boat must REALLY pull at my heart strings,or
there is a good profit to be made.

Sounds like neither is happening for you.

Nice trailer though !

[imported_Conrad]

What, no pictures of Joe?

I'm going to be posting some notes on goal setting and priorities soon, in the bilge. Read them.

[ 01-14-2004, 07:09 PM: Message edited by: Conrad S. ]

[Beowolf]

Yeah Chad...Cuz you need another project!



Jeff

[cs]

Originally posted by Beowolf:
Yeah Chad...Cuz you need another project!



Jeff

Of course! Besides it might be interesting to have a boat that moved under something other than wind or arm power.

Chad