Next insane hobby - wood boat

GolfBavaria said:
I've always wanted a wooden boat for the lake here. Specifically a Riva however Stancraft are are made here in Coeur D'Alene and if you have a Stancraft you are either James Bond, a movie star or a sports figure. I've seen Wayne Gretzky's here at the Pro Am, John Elway's, and others on the lake and they are amazing to say the least.

When I looked into a Chris Craft or similar, what I found was typical now for finding reputable vintage car restorers'. They are very hard to find. Hagadone runs a nice operation but $$$. Then one of the guys that started with Hagadone with his father restoring the wooden boats around here, he said they basically need to be gone through EVERY YEAR and the wait just to get in with these guys is ridiculous, no guarantee he can even get to the maintenance needed every year.

I hope that is a different scenario where you live and the 3M coating or whatever works as promised because even a fiberglass boat is a big expense here every year. At least you can use yours year round. 5-months here and everyone knows the initial expense is just the beginning. Keep us updated on your experience with this boat. It sure is cool looking and I am envious, but not of the maintenance. Cheers -GB
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I bought this from Couer d"Alene - and Hagadone was the seller on his behalf. It was restored by Wood Boat Endeavor there as well. You're correct on all of the above, time will tell if it makes or breaks my spirit! I kinda know what to expect maintenance-wise, and am happy to do it-just not woodwork but I think there is someone locally here that can help with that. Right now I have all the brightwork removed and in my living room for polishing and I am going through everything on the boat before it goes in the water, hopefully next month when it is cooler.
 
Stevehose said:
I bought this from Couer d"Alene - and Hagadone was the seller on his behalf. It was restored by Wood Boat Endeavor there as well. You're correct on all of the above, time will tell if it makes or breaks my spirit! I kinda know what to expect maintenance-wise, and am happy to do it-just not woodwork but I think there is someone locally here that can help with that. Right now I have all the brightwork removed and in my living room for polishing and I am going through everything on the boat before it goes in the water, hopefully next month when it is cooler.
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Small world...
 
After 4 months of sorting and getting to know the boat and engine (complete ignition and starter overhaul, steering linkage tightening etc etc) it had it’s maiden to me voyage. No issues and didn’t sink! Loud AF :cool: Now I can start driving the car again!

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Wow! Just WOW! The only thing more fun than driving your coupe around New Orleans would be driving that boat around!
How far is Sarasota from Hollywood?
 
Gorgeous! I grew up in Miami and worked for a while on older Sportfish and cruisers sanding LOTs of teak and mahogany and applying clear awlgrip. Great catch on getting something restored. They cost a fortune to get right. Make sure your anodes are fresh if you're putting it in salt water!
 
vince said:
That would look great in that beautiful boat!
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or ... maybe a good use of an old mahogany Nardi

Drew Gregg said:
Steve--Dunking your trailer completely in salt water is not a good idea. The boat looks very nice.
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as long as you wash it really good afterwards, it should be okay. it does look like its a galvanized trailer.
 
Drew Gregg said:
Steve--Dunking your trailer completely in salt water is not a good idea. The boat looks very nice.
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I am in the "life is short-don't let details hold you back" period of my life - I am not particularly concerned about trailer preservation, it's 24 years old, galvanized, and if it falls apart I'll replace it with a dual axle one, probably will anyway before taking it to Vermont in the summer. I flush the engine with fresh water, use Salt-Away, clean clean etc.
 
Drew Gregg said:
Steve--Dunking your trailer completely in salt water is not a good idea. The boat looks very nice.
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Totally agree but it’s also a shallow boat ramp plus I want to float the boat onto the trailer as far as possible and not yank on the bow ring any more than necessary. I’m still a noob at this and hope my technique improves with time.
 
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