1955 CC Hurricane Restoration

Well, the Hurricane has found a new home. We headed out friday morning arriving in Birmingham around 5pm, checked out the boat and what we we're in for to get it out and on the trailer then headed for a good night sleep after the 700 mile drive.

Got back to the boat at 7:30 am saturday and after 5 hours we were loaded and ready to start the trip home. Here's a collection of photos from the weekend.

I really need to thank a bunch of people to make this happen, Kurt and Kevin for loaning me a trailer, Pete for finding the boat and David Taylor for scoping it out and sending us pictures before the trip. Once again the memebers of this site come through with flying colors.



















Obviously the boat needs alot of work but it is a "complete" boat that came with so many extras, every piece of hardware has been rechromed, new fuel tank, new prop shaft, reconditioned prop, new glass for the windshield, mahogony ply and solid planks to for repairs, two rebuilt carbs, the list goes on and on. We couldn't happier and will post picts as we progress.

Looks great Alan, glad you had a safe trip

Alan, I think you need to take another look at the priorities on your "to do" list!! Forget about the garage door!

What can be said, awesome boat going to the right place.. Thats nice...

That is amazing. Congratulations!! Cannot wait to see more.

Mike

Congrats Alan. I can't wait to see how it will turn out. I'm sure there will be no disappointments.

Rob

critter wrote: I kinda still wish I still lived in Chicago so that I could stop by and help some.

Well I don't wish I lived there..hear it snows..but I wish I was closer so I could stop over, drink some of your beer and watch.

john

Heard it was snowing there during the Bears game.

I know it is crowded there but for the life of me can't figure out why.

You planning on visiting Dad down here? If so better figure on stopping here.

Stay warm and dry tomorrow!

john

Of course money...the reason I stayed where I was for so long. The money was good. But don't really miss it that much.
I am remembering right aren't I...he does go south at some point?

john

Pat, The boat is in my warehouse in Warrenville, anybody wants to stop by give me a call anytime.

Godfather, Good Eye on the Decals, they look perfect up there. Thank you

Lewy2001, I was ready for the worst but this boat is in amazingly good condition structurally, there are some repairs needed but very little wood will need replacing. It is a dream project for a first time wood restorer.

The planning was intense and executed brilliantly with my wifes help, that's her in the uhaul. Those dolly's and the engine hoist came with the boat!!! I also was handed a 1" think folder with receipts, old literature, and a spread sheet that the seller had made of every single item board for board that needed to be done to the boat. This was not his first boat restoration but his health stopped him on it. Every piece of hardware on the boat has been rechromed and there is a receipt in the folder for $1560 for it.

We felt a little bad taking it out of there but in the end I think the owners were happy to see it on it's way to being restored than collecting dust. Very nice people and they even called us on our way home to see how we were doing. We probably could have spent hours talking but the clock was ticking on the drive home.

Great boat, know you will bring her back to life.
Look forward to see the updates as she rebuilt.

RainDog wrote: That 327 is far more complete and original than mine. You have a good starting point with it. I'll copy the manual and send it on its way. Take a pic of the chrome bits when you get the chance. I'd like to see what was on the boat. It will be a real treat to see this brought back to life.

Steve No need for the manual, the boat came with a complete one. I'm going to start unpacking all the chrome tonight and get a few pics. I keep finding more stuff the seller threw in like brand new dock bumpers, dock lines, prop puller, stuffing wrench, 2 gallons of epoxy, it's like Christmas.

That's sweet. I see it has the "Euro Transom" . Must've been the inspiration for the 90-96 Ski Nautiques.

The brand name on the strap webbing says it all.

Joel,
The "Euro transom" is actually a means of getting the rudder way aft with the engine moved aft without having to use a V drive. (Chris Craft used the same technique) The basic hull frame I believe is common with the Commuter because it has the same beam. Same hull frame with slight mods to the transom frame. Kicking the transom out gives the Hurricane 5" of extra length. Different decking and hull paint scheme and the Hurricane.

Allen,
Did you get any indication as to what the original engine was? I have a feeling that because the Hurricane was a premium anniversary boat that CC would have dropped in what was considered a premium engine back then - A Chysler 6 rather than a normal Gray 6.

M3Fan wrote: Oh, and the kicker- the license plate is still the original license plate from when Kurt and Kevin actually bought the 88 many years ago. Hilarious.

Joel, I noticed that when the seller said " I thought you came from Chicago?" took me a minute to figure out what he was talking about. Figured if we got stopped I'd just tell the officer we just bought the boat AND trailer and maybe get by with it.

The seller who is an ex Coast guardsman got a huge laugh when he saw the "NO Jap ***************" sticker on the trailer!!!