What kind of maintenance is required on wooden boats like Chris Craft's?

Question

I am looking to purchase a restored chriscraft 46' constellation but not sure what kind of upkeep it will need. I know it is more intense than fiberglass hulls, but I really like the classic lines and design of this boat. Any input woud be helpful.

Answer 1

I owned 2 wooden workboats, and I'll say this: 50 weeks of pure pleasure, 2 weeks of misery, every year.

       If the boat is restored, you MUST have a survey done by a reputable marine surveyer who's experienced with wooden hulls.

As far as maintenance, you need to haul the boat periodically and go over the hull thoroughly. Check the seams- gouging out rotten caulking, and laying in fresh stuff, sealing the caulking in. Examining the joins at the bow and stern- looking for loose plugs over the nail-holes, setting a schedule for when to replace hull planks in upcoming years based on what you see, testing the strength of the wood outside and in by stabbing it with an awl all over the place, etc. Also, you need to really go over the keel to look for rot. Rotten areas can be scarfed out (cut and filled without pulling the timber) if necessary.

Also, you need to examine each and every through-hull fitting for rot in the surrounding wood. Marine filler is your friend. Then comes the sanding and painting.

Topside, it's just woodwork- if it's pretty, it's probably pretty good. Routine maintenance.

Also, you don't want to dry-store a 46' boat in the winter if you can avoid it. better for the wood if you leave it in!

Good luck! Get friendly with your surveyor