1959 17' Chris Craft Sportsman In The Shop For Full Presertation 11 28 2016

Chris-Craft built 2,363 17 foot Sportsman utilities between 1953 and 1959. Offered powered by a wide array of engines, from the B to the 283, this model, which remains affordable today, has almost iconic qualities.
It was also among the first Chris-Craft models with “no leak” bottoms that combined standard 3/8” mahogany planking over a solid layer of marine plywood. With this model, Chris-Craft could rightfully claim, “Drop it in the water and use it immediately. No soaking is required.”
The 1959 hull numbers run from CC-17-3001 to CC-17-4061, so this example, with hull number, CC-17-3961, is among the last group produced.
Visual inspection of her below-waterline planking, and her chines reveals materials in seemingly quite good shape, even though a myriad of bungs and putty countersink filling has popped. Our first step, therefore will involve flipping her and releasing the bottom planks. We will refasten, clean and sand the plywood inner layer, seal it with multiple coats of CPES.
The planks will be stripped and sanded. Only those that cannot be saved will be replaced. All of the planks will be sealed on all sides with CPES before being reinstalled in a thick layer of 3M5200.
While the stem, topside and transom planking will require stripping and refastening where required, and one of the lower transom planks will likely need to be released and possibly replaced, here were are primarily focused on cosmetic work.
Our major challenge comes when we begin addressing the deck planking and covering boards. The wood is very dry and quite cupped, especially on the foredeck. Saving the covering boards, at least from the windshield back to the first joint at the forward seat back bridge, is just not possible.
First we must release all the hardware, the windshield, the rub rails, etc.
We will add videos to this project file as we proceed.