I give up!

[Taylor Tarvin]

Not really giving up but I do need some advice. Some years ago I began a restoration of a 1964 17' Century Resorter. As with most projects it requires more work than originally thought (what project doesn't). Along with a chine log, some frames and some planking that needed to be replaced, the stem was rotted at the joint of the gripe and stem. I pieced the stem together as best I could and made a pattern for the new stem. Baecause of the amount of rotted wood involved I wasn't able to to get a great match and subsequently the stem didn't fit properly.

I have contacted every group or individual I can think of trying to get drawings for the stem or any information to make one that works. All of this has been to no avail and I have run out of ideas. I would welcome any and all ideas, advice, any thing on how to get the dimensions I need to make a stem that fits. Thank you in advance! Taylor

[AndreasJordahlRhude]

Have you contacted folks at the Century Boat Club? www.centuryboatclub.com

Many professional boat restorers that work on speed boats may have worked on a similar boat and may have a pattern laying about.

Andreas

[kenjamin]

It would be a lot better for us and for you if you could post some pictures so we could see the problem better. Do a search for "posting pictures." In general, though, I find that custom fitting is best done with a heavy brown paper and a soft rounded carpenter's pencil. Stretch the paper across where the custom wood piece needs to go and do much rubbing with the pencil to highlight the wood structure underneath. The paper should be fairly stiff but still able to crunch down into crevices that define the shape. Use the pencil marks and the creases of the paper to layout the piece. Build the piece a little oversized and adjust with a 4" grinder or a power planer – at least that's the way I do it.

[Taylor Tarvin]

Andreas, no luck with the Century Boat club.

Kenjamin, I'm going to be out of town for a couple of days. When I get back I'll try to post some pictures. Thanks