Subject: repair of 1956 Chris Craft cruiser
Date: Mon, 09 Mar 1998

I have a 1956 Chris Craft cruiser, 28 feet, originally painted, which I have stripped (Commander model, I believe - it has an inner plywood hull with planking outside). The boat has some very minor rot. I wish to refinish the hull, and have been advised that 1) a wood boat should not be glassed, and 2) a wood boat should be glassed. I intend to start restoration this Spring. Please send me your best advice, including descriptions of your products which would be appropriate for my use.

Thanks,

Den A.

Den:

Well, I am of the school that a wood boat constructed to be wood should remain wood. Here's the reason: The boats are designed to have a certain amount of *flex* to the structure, and you cover that with glass and you risk cracks and fractures due to the flexing, water gets in, the wood rots, and because of the glass covering you can't see it. By the time the glass starts to come off the hull due to the rotted wood, you have a disaster. I've seen it happen.

It CAN be done, with very careful preparation and the use of just the right materials under just the right conditions. It's expensive. But in your case, why do it? Minor rot can be dealt with and the wood reconstituted using our Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer (CPES) and, if necessary, a couple of our other products. New paint and you're done and ready to go. If future rot problems occur somewhere else, then you can see it and get right on it in the same way.

I assume you have seen our web site which describes our products. Get back to me with information of where the rot is, where the boat is (in or out of the water) and what part of the country you're in, and I'll tell you what I believe ought to be done and how.

Doc