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TOPIC: 1951 Chris Craft 34'
1951 Chris Craft 34' 13 years 8 months ago #59287
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I found this gal. One owner boat until 9 years ago. Sat in covered mooring in Seattle since new. Owner died, moorage not paid, marina sold at auction. Bought and moved to Idaho where it has been outside uncovered for the last 9 years. Current owner says both engines and trannys work fine and boat sits 99% complete. I am planning on looking at her this Sunday. There is no trailer, which would require a HUGE one.What do you guys think. I missed out on a 27 foot Owens a couple months ago, maybe this is the one. You won't believe the price. But you gotta guess. And no, it isn't free!
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Neil and Mary Ousnamer
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Re:1951 Chris Craft 34' 13 years 8 months ago #59289
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This CC is a boat worth restoring but you'll need deep pockets. Estimate the cost, double them and you'll be half right...same with the time required. First, you'll need to have the boat moved by a professional boat mover with a high-end fully adjustable trailer...someone who really knows what he's doing. Then, have a complete marine survey done. There could be serious structural issues that might manifest themselves after the boat has been moved. A survey could save you many thousands of dollars thrown away on a boat that might not be restorable for less than the cost of an oceanfront home. After the survey, if you still intend to restore, you'll need to build a shed over it that is about 6' longer than the boat on both ends...and high windproof! Start on the inside of the cabin at the bow and work your way aft. On the exterior, start at the top and work down. Do the bottom dead last and launch immediately but make sure the marine surveyor re-surveys while she is still on the hard...or you'll never get insurance! My references: matriarchyacht.com; nautilusrestorations.com
P.S. My guess is $100. (The engines and hardware are worth thousands.) 
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Website: NautilusRestorations.com
Mentor to the unenlightened! "Never allow logic to interfere with a boat purchase." - J. S. Hadley "Vintage quality beats new junk every time." - J. S. Hadley "Anything supposed to do two things does both of them half-assed." - J. S. Hadley "Success makes... |
Re:1951 Chris Craft 34' 13 years 8 months ago #59290
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I'll guess less than $500 and it will be work but jump on that baby. That's one beautiful boat when she's in her glory! Personal opinion of course. I had a chance on a CC 42' double cabin fly bridge but missed it by a day. Floating but need the exterior done from water line up. Could have got it for $2k probably.
Bob |
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Re:1951 Chris Craft 34' 13 years 8 months ago #59293
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Bob
42 foot would have been a massive undertaking. Nautilus I knew you would be in here! I have been watching your progress and it has been influencing my decision to even consider this kind of a project. The boat is 2 1/2 hours from me. Transportation is going to be a factor for sure. Luckily my shop has a 40 x 72 footprint, so this girl would be inside. It is intimidating to say the least. But if broken into sections and worked on section at a time, it is just a wooden boat built by humans and can be repaired by humans. And the money, well, there is plenty out there to be had. I have woodworking skills and tools and plenty of determination. Luckily for me this is not a restore that I am doing for someone or something that I am looking to flip for profit. This would be a labor of love. Neil |
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Neil and Mary Ousnamer
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Re:1951 Chris Craft 34' 13 years 8 months ago #59303
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My wife calls them labors of lust!
Anyway, you have the right facilities and attitude. Just make sure you have the right equipment to lift the boat off the trailer when you get it indoors. That Chris has great lines and if it were within 250 miles of me, I'd most likely buy it myself. However, I wouldn't take the owners word that the engines and trannys are good. He may not know the current condition. It's been sitting for nine years. Take a hot battery with you to at least make sure the engines or starters aren't siezed. (Could be 6V system?) Rebuilding flatheads is not cheap. There are seldom pleasant surprises when restoring wooden boats. I always try to minimize as many as possible before I commit to a restoration. Check the keel! Check the bow and all the ribs, particularly in the stern. Take an ice pick and poke everything you can reach. If you do decide to take the plunge, I wish you good luck and if I can help in any way, I'd be glad to. |
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Website: NautilusRestorations.com
Mentor to the unenlightened! "Never allow logic to interfere with a boat purchase." - J. S. Hadley "Vintage quality beats new junk every time." - J. S. Hadley "Anything supposed to do two things does both of them half-assed." - J. S. Hadley "Success makes... |
Re:1951 Chris Craft 34' 13 years 8 months ago #59304
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yeah! not only is it a sweet project, but then there will be a stream of pics i can show my wife to prove that she should consider herself lucky i've only got one project! and it fits in the garage!
all kidding aside, i really wish i had the facilities to take on stuff like this. too neat. best wishes! |
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Re:1951 Chris Craft 34' 13 years 8 months ago #59306
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Thanks for the vote of confidence guys. Seller is asking $1200. I thought that to be reasonable. We will see upon further inspection.
I will get more pictures and if I get her, well, there will be a question for every pound this old girl weights. Neil And to all of our boating wives---bless your hearts,every one!!  |
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Neil and Mary Ousnamer
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Re:1951 Chris Craft 34' 13 years 8 months ago #59366
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If the boat is in the Seattle area, the local ACBS chapter has some very knowlegable cruiser guys that could take a look. Some may have already looked and give you an opinion on what she needs.
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Re:1951 Chris Craft 34' 13 years 8 months ago #59373
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I have a 1947 48 foot Elco Deluxe Cruiser (not mine) available for a song. Any takers!?!?
I included a photo of the Elco PT 20 class PT boat so you can see where her lines are derived from. Jim 
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Re:1951 Chris Craft 34' 13 years 8 months ago #59398
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Pretty boat Jim, how much work does she need and which song? You know I had to ask.
Bob |
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Re:1951 Chris Craft 34' 13 years 8 months ago #59408
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areas of cabin, plumbing and electrical. Lots has been done to the hull already as far as stem, planks and stern. 100% there bar motors. V-Drives from the set of 318's that were in it are still in the boat but the motors are gone. "Freebird" is the name of the song!
more pics s718.photobucket.com/albums/ww188/g3jim/Fanqui%201947%2048%20foot%20Elco%20Deluxe%20Cruiser/ s718.photobucket.com/albums/ww188/g3jim/Fanqui%201947%2048%20foot%20Elco%20Deluxe%20Cruiser/Fanqui%201947%2048%20foot%20Elco%20Deluxe%20Cruiser%20new%20pics/ |
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Re:1951 Chris Craft 34' 13 years 8 months ago #59444
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I did not get to go and check this girl out this past weekend.
I did talk to a marina about the transport. I spent quite a bit of time on the phone with him and he offered to go and look at it with me. He wanted to get measurements so he could determine the correct trailer. He has a couple trailers that he can use and this is a twin. He also restores these old cruisers. Nice guy. g3Jim had also pm'd me with some pointers on things to check for. Thank you Jim. All free advise that was needed and greatly appreciated. I owe ya a beer and a steak dinner!! I will get to this girl yet! |
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Neil and Mary Ousnamer
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Re:1951 Chris Craft 34' 13 years 8 months ago #59447
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You go Neil!! That will be a great project and she'll look awesome when your done with her.
Bob |
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Re:1951 Chris Craft 34' 13 years 8 months ago #59490
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g3Jim had also pm'd me with some pointers on things to check for. Thank you Jim. All free advise that was needed and greatly appreciated. I owe ya a beer and a steak dinner!!
You owe me nothing sir but I do hope someday to crack a brew and enjoy a meal with you and lots of folks on this web site. Good luck on the project. There is a ton of enjoyment in doing these old boats. I remember countless hours on my Owens just peacefully and lovingly working away. Tranquil and satisfying. I better stop now or I will talk myself back into one and be divorced! Enjoy!!! |
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Re:1951 Chris Craft 34' 13 years 8 months ago #59535
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Afro
Honestly? Your first post is an add? Really? |
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Neil and Mary Ousnamer
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Re:1951 Chris Craft 34' 13 years 8 months ago #59539
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I removed Afros spam post.
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Mike Russon
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Re:1951 Chris Craft 34' 13 years 8 months ago #59567
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Thank you Mike.
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Neil and Mary Ousnamer
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Re:1951 Chris Craft 34' 13 years 8 months ago #59650
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Well Neil did you ever go look at her? I have had my eye on it for a while but it looks like we are going to buy a house this year so my wood boat dreams will be on the backburner for a while.
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Nick
1961 Uniflite 19' Express, Bearcat 55 powered 1975 Chris Craft 25' Tournament Fisherman, Twin 181 FL inboard |
Re:1951 Chris Craft 34' 13 years 8 months ago #59659
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I just made arrangements to go see the boat tomorrow.
Did not get there last weekend. Something tells me I am going to fall for this old girl, so I must keep my wits about me and use good judgement. This is TONS more involved than just a little runabout sitting is a backyard. BBBUUUTTT---You only go around once, right? If you go around right, once is enough!!!!!!!!!!!!! There will be more pics coming. Neil |
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Neil and Mary Ousnamer
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Re:1951 Chris Craft 34' 13 years 8 months ago #59681
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Good luck with it Neil. The boat I am trying to help get rid of for free will cut up if no one takes her in less than 30 days. Tough times for these old beauties no doubt.
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Re:1951 Chris Craft 34' 13 years 8 months ago #59818
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Here are a few pics. Thoughts?
It is sitting supported full length on the keel, so that is a plus. These are the pictures of the worst of the boat. The interior needs work, but is not as bad. I am still on the fence here. This may be above my skill level. Neil |
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Neil and Mary Ousnamer
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Re:1951 Chris Craft 34' 13 years 8 months ago #59819
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Well if you are looking for a project to take up the better part of the rest of your life, looks like you found it. I did a mid 50s Chris Craft back in the 90s. It was in pretty sad shape at the time and I went ahead with it only because I was given the boat. I ended up replaceing about 60% of the planking and almost all the transom. The bigest problem I found was making new frames for it. I ended up buying more tools and clamps than I would ever use in the rest of my life.It took me about 2 yrs just to do the hull and deck. after I did the engines and drives a person who loved the boat more than me made me an offer i just could not refuse and so it found a new home really fast. They can be fun to work on if you like lead paint removal, learning the art of steam bending, drilling. making plugs and about a hundred other unknown trades. It looks like the hull is kinda rough but check out all the frames and the transom really good. This is the spot that can really cost the most to repair on these boats. But if you got nothing to do for the next couple of years go for it. They are fun to work on on a nice day. Skip.
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Re:1951 Chris Craft 34' 13 years 8 months ago #59821
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I hear you Skip. There would be alot of time into this one. I do have the space and the majority of the tools. But this old girl may be too far gone. There is still the interior, electrical and propulsion systems to deal with. Then once completed, there is the maintainance of a 34 foot, 60 year old boat. I believe you hit the "rest of your life" right on the nose.
Neil |
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Neil and Mary Ousnamer
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Re:1951 Chris Craft 34' 13 years 8 months ago #59822
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you would be better off with the Elco Neil. She is free. The guy wants cash for this? I know logisticaly the Elco is too far away but her over all condition and free is a better starting point than this old Chrissie. Look at the Chris Nautilus has. Her condition is also a far cry better than this one.
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Re:1951 Chris Craft 34' 13 years 8 months ago #59823
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Thanks Jim and Skip.
I really had no idea at what state these old boats were being resurrected from. I am going to take you advise and pass on this one. Neil |
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Neil and Mary Ousnamer
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Re:1951 Chris Craft 34' 13 years 8 months ago #59824
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Neil,Yep I have to agree with Jim. That's a whole lot of work and rough shape to be asking what he's asking. $100 maybe at best, especially when the boat Jim is taking about is in far better shape and it's FREE!
Jim, I'm going to check with the local marina guy, he has a 1930 27' Elco now. He might want a big younger sister for her. Bob |
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Re:1951 Chris Craft 34' 13 years 8 months ago #59826
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Thanks again for all of the input. Another valuable resource here at FG that is free. You guys have no doubt saved me a big heartache.
So, on to the next one. If you ain't lookin' you ain't findin'!! And Jim, if I were closer, I'd have that Elco. Neil |
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Neil and Mary Ousnamer
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Re:1951 Chris Craft 34' 13 years 8 months ago #59827
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Neil, goodluck on your quest for a "new" boat.The cash you saved on this one will more than likely buy you a 1/2 doz. more boats. Skip.
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Re:1951 Chris Craft 34' 13 years 8 months ago #59830
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@ Waterwings..Thank you Bob. If you think the guy wants it and is serious I will place him in contact with the owner. Time is running out.
Jim 
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Re:1951 Chris Craft 34' 13 years 8 months ago #59833
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just out of curiosity, what's it cost to have one of these old gals hauled somewhere? i'd imagine expensive, but HOW expensive?
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Re:1951 Chris Craft 34' 13 years 8 months ago #59842
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these guys typically get so much per foot to put it in the trailer and so much a mile plus tolls and state fees (escorts, permits etc...)
The Elco is in Gloucester, MA she is 48'L x 13'W she will have to have the flying bridge removed (not original anyway) and she will need to ride on a low boy trailer to make the road height as far as weight with no motors 9 1/2 tons in 2006 my 30 foot Owens cost $3250 to haul out here from Lake Minnetonka MN |
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Re:1951 Chris Craft 34' 13 years 8 months ago #59933
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Jim,
Left you an E-mail. No joy with the Marina unfortunately. Sorry bud. Bob |
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Re: 1951 Chris Craft 34' 13 years 5 months ago #64102
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These photos of the Aqua D's, posted by he Ousnamers, got my interest. Were is it and who owns it? Is it for sale? I have the same boat and would love to take a look at it and we also live very close to Seattle (East side.) Any info would be helpful.
Al Hoviland |
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Re:1951 Chris Craft 34' 13 years 5 months ago #64112
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Beautiful boat. Hopefully somebody ends up restoring it.
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Re:1951 Chris Craft 34' 13 years 5 months ago #64139
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nonuser
Here is the add for the galley table from the boat. They pulled the boat add but the phone number is the same. I am not sure if they still have the boat. Good luck. spokane.craigslist.org/boa/3077179820.html Neil |
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Neil and Mary Ousnamer
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Re:1951 Chris Craft 34' 12 years 5 months ago #80467
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contact me if you still have the boat very interested
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