Well it was a hectic morning and it's just getting started for me. I was stepping into the shower this morning and the phone rang, "hello, is this Paul, (yes) your boat is in the driveway".
The boat was in my parents driveway 20-miles away, grin, and we had a little less than perfect communications on this, but at least it's here. I haven't seen it yet, but Janet raced off to meet the guy with the remainder of the shipping cost due, and I raced off to the office to jump into a meeting in 5 minutes. Stay tuned, photos later today, but still shrink wrapped.
Here is a photo of the boat, as she sat in Medina, NY, just south of Lake Ontario, two days ago.
This is the haul out season for these guys and I'm very lucky (and pleased) they could work me in. The driver drove all night to avoid rush hour traffic, etc., and if I had only known it was going to be an early morning delivery I could have been there. Oh well, all that ends well "is" well.
On my way in to the office Janet called and said where do you want them to put the boat. I said to put it all the way back in the driveway so we could still get in and out. My parents were still asleep. They'll be surprised to see a 20-foot high freeboard sea skiff sitting there.
The restoration saga now begins! The first thing I have to do is look at the rotation of the prop (if it has one, lol) so i can verify the rotation of the motor etc. Looking down the road, at this time I don't know the conditiion of the motor, so anything goes, inclucing a 427.
Paul
Edit comment: This is now an old thread, and a LOT has happened since this initial post. The boat has undergone a complete inside and outside restoration, all the way down to the engine stringers and steering gear, new instruments, new transmission and exhaust manifolds/risers, new carb, new seats and floor structure, you name it. The boat has also been test run and it's ready for full service in 2008. Here is a link to the complete restoration thread, which should be of value to anyone with a similar boat, or anyone contemplating restoration of an older Chris Craft fiberglass runabout. This one was built just like a Commander, same construction technique, same resin and glass, and same era when the first Commanders were establishing their reputation. Even though this is a 41 year old boat, the bottom was never painted and it has NO blisters. Amazing quality from Chris Craft back then!
Here is the complete restoration thread:
http://www.network54.com/Forum/424840/message/1166307789/
Regards,
Paul