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1955 Atom Skier Updates

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Category: General Correct Craft Discussion
Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Discription: Anything Correct Craft
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12287
Printed Date: September-25-2024 at 12:29pm


Topic: 1955 Atom Skier Updates
Posted By: nates78ski
Subject: 1955 Atom Skier Updates
Date Posted: November-02-2008 at 12:10am
Here's some pictures of the Atom, Since thursday we've: brought the boat home, built the boat stand, removed the bottom on both sides of the keel, removed the keel, & as of an hour or so ago, removed the starboard side plywood...Making nice progress so far.

Also, Looks like the boat will be white, with a red bottom & as we found tonight, it looks like it has a blue bootstripe, so i think it'll stay that way...

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2115735&l=06769&id=30110893 - 1955 ATOM Pictures

Nate

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Nathan
http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1463&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - My '78 Ski Nautique

<a href="http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski" rel="nofoll



Replies:
Posted By: farmer
Date Posted: November-02-2008 at 12:32am

Nate,you must have done this before. I like your roll around dolly under the boat. It looks like you've got a good start on it. Keep the pictures coming. Farmer

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Watch your fingers.









Posted By: 75 Tique
Date Posted: November-02-2008 at 1:30am
Wow, you guys that take on projects of that magnitude amaze me. But like Gary said, it looks like you know what you're doing. I guess when you can make that kind of progress in a few days, it doesnt get frustrating.

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_____________
“So, how was your weekend?”
“Well, let me see…sun burn, stiff neck, screwed up back, assorted aches and pains….yup, my weekend was great, thanks for asking.”


Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: November-02-2008 at 8:51am
Nate,
Wow, the pictures are bringing back some memories!



Looks like your Atom was in the same condition as mine. All the bedding compound dried out so the boat literally was unscrewed. This picture shows the stern post with new wood as it had lots of rot and one side of the frame chine gussets removed. I wanted to replace the gussets as the originals were falling apart. Doing one side at a time kept the frame shape.

Any rot yet? Get waterline measurements now before you forget.

What are you going to do with the Hercules Chris A-B? Rebuild it yourself? If not, I've got the guy for you.

The picture is also after I got the oil out of the frames. You will need to too. I've never seen a wood boat at this stage that didn't!!

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/diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow -

54 Atom

/diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique

64 X55 Dunphy

Keep it original, Pete
<


Posted By: p/allen
Date Posted: November-02-2008 at 1:21pm
Nate very nice progress . L:ooks like you just jumped into it and took off ripping it apart .
Gives me some incentive to rip into my 59 .

Pete how do you get the oil out of the wood

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w146/72ccfan/100_0242.jpg - our 59 atom

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Pat
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w146/72ccfan/100_5977-1.jpg - My 72 Skier
Rock River
Dixon,ILL.


Posted By: farmer
Date Posted: November-02-2008 at 1:33pm

I was just going to ask the same thing.

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Watch your fingers.









Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: November-08-2008 at 2:26am
A little more progress tonight. Removed the Port Side plywood, so now there's no more plywood on the exterior of the boat. Also, we removed the stem, it was a little rotted, but we knew that going into it. Next step I believe is to find some mahogany & build a new stem before we start removing other pieces.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2115735&l=06769&id=30110893 - '55 Atom Pictures...More Added

Nate

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Nathan
http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1463&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - My '78 Ski Nautique

<a href="http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski" rel="nofoll


Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: November-08-2008 at 9:10am
Getting the oil out of the wood was fairly easy. The new bottom project on my X was the first oil in frames problem I ran into. I was always amazed how Oil Dry would suck it out of a concrete floor so I decided to give it a try.

Grind down the Oil dry into a finer powder by ether using a mortar and pestle or when I got to the Atom project I just spread it on the floor and rolled over it with a steel lawn roller. Using some rather strong but not very fast evaporating solvent like Toulene, brush the areas first to start to soften up/liquefy the oil. Then using the solvent, mix in the ground Oil dry into a paste. This now is a "poultice". Brush some more straight solvent on the areas and then spread on the poultice. Let dry and brush off. You may have to do some real bad area a couple times.

Since oil soaked wood is such a common problem with wood boat restoration, I demonstrated the technique at one of our Blackhawk chapters tech seminars. Everyone that now uses the method reports excellent results.

Nate,
I lucked out on my stem. No rot but just like the rest of the boat, it fell apart. A simple jig on plywood and some epoxy and it was good again.

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/diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow -

54 Atom

/diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique

64 X55 Dunphy

Keep it original, Pete
<


Posted By: farmer
Date Posted: November-08-2008 at 8:39pm
Pete,the stern post is the vertical board shown in the transom? Did you have to replace any other pieces of the frame? I don't know why,but I'd rather look at the framework of a boat or airplane than the finished product. Is that strange or what? Farmer

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Watch your fingers.









Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: November-08-2008 at 9:01pm
Gary,
Yes the stern post in the vertical piece in the center of the transom frame and it was the only piece that had any rot. The frame gussets at the chine I mentioned, weren't rotten but the fir ply CC had used was delaminating. I had plenty of scrap ply available from the deck and transom.

Nate,
Any thoughts on the engine yet? Does it turn over?

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/diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow -

54 Atom

/diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique

64 X55 Dunphy

Keep it original, Pete
<


Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: November-24-2008 at 3:01am
Pete,
Haven't gotten into the engine as of yet, just been working on getting a new stem laminated up, along with the 2 horizontal supports for the transom, so we can then start taking each framing out one by one.

http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski - Atom Skier

I posted the pictures to a new album, b/c im getting tired of Facebook & when i Deactivate it shuts down the albums...

I'll have new pictures of the stem & stern pieces up soon.

Nate

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Nathan
http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1463&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - My '78 Ski Nautique

<a href="http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski" rel="nofoll


Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: November-24-2008 at 7:22am
Originally posted by nates78ski nates78ski wrote:

so we can then start taking each framing out one by one.
Nate


Nate,
What are you doing with each frame?

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/diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow -

54 Atom

/diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique

64 X55 Dunphy

Keep it original, Pete
<


Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: November-24-2008 at 12:51pm
Just cleaning them up & replacing the old plywood 'knees' with new, epoxy coated ones. They're all in pretty good shape, so don't worry, we're not actually pulling each one apart or anything, just making it easier to clean/sand each one, instead of having to climb inbetween each one to get into tight spaces. But once we have the stem and the transom fixed, we shouldn't have to worry about the boat moving on us & coming out of shape.

Nate

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Nathan
http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1463&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - My '78 Ski Nautique

<a href="http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski" rel="nofoll


Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: November-24-2008 at 12:58pm
Oh, Pete, Also could you post or email me a closer up picture of your transom? I just noticed that while we're making the horizontal pieces for the stern, ours never had the outside Vertical ones. I just need to know if these need to be laminated & molded as well, or if they're just laminated, straight/flat pieces.

Thanks Pete,

Nate

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Nathan
http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1463&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - My '78 Ski Nautique

<a href="http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski" rel="nofoll


Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: November-24-2008 at 1:19pm
Nate,
Just be careful removing frames. The center ones may have some inward force on them from the gunnel support. I really feel replacing one side of the gussets is the better way than removing the complete frame. After the gussets are replaced, you can remove the frame one by one to clean them up. Mine really didn't need anymore than a simple wire brushing. The bilge paint on them is a very thin coating.

The outside hull side transom frames aren't laminated. They are however 4/4 and then slightly beveled to handle the curvature of the transom. (the center stern post too) A belt sander will do it.

You didn't have the transom? If not, the ply on the transom is two layers of 1/4" to get the curvature.

Edit: I see in your pictures that the transom was missing. Did someone start to rebuild it and then gave up??

Edit again!!!: I looked at the pictures again. Looks like someone did start to "restore/rebuild" it! Glad you are now doing it the correct way.
I don't have a closer picture of the transom. Hope my description and the existing picture will do. If not, just keep asking and I'll fill you in the best I can.

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/diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow -

54 Atom

/diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique

64 X55 Dunphy

Keep it original, Pete
<


Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: November-24-2008 at 2:39pm
No, there was no transom. The guy we bought it from's brother started to 'restore' it & i believe quickly realized he was in too deep. (as is evident by the 'plaster of paris') that was on the stem & transom

on the transom, we're thinking about doing it in mahogany planking, like the deck will get, so we may do 1/4" ply, followed by planking, or just straight planking, I'm not sure as of yet.

It's getting exciting though, popping the stem & transom pieces off of the molds is always cool, especially when I started trimming the transom piece to size & i could look at it & the lamination was perfect it's a good feeling!

Nate

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Nathan
http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1463&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - My '78 Ski Nautique

<a href="http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski" rel="nofoll


Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: November-24-2008 at 8:45pm
Originally posted by nates78ski nates78ski wrote:


on the transom, we're thinking about doing it in mahogany planking, like the deck will get, so we may do 1/4" ply, followed by planking, or just straight planking, I'm not sure as of yet.
Nate


Nate,
I saw this statement earlier and was really wondering if I should even comment. If Billy was in on this conversation, he's be saying something about sows ears and silk purses!! You are making a very big mistake that you will regret. The older the boat is the more important originality is. With a wood boat of any year originality is key to any value what so ever. If you want to go through the trouble, money and time to plank this Atom, it's your choice. Expect to keep it for along time unless you happen to find a unsuspecting and uninformed buyer. Don't expect it to come out so glamorous that it will win awards.

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/diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow -

54 Atom

/diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique

64 X55 Dunphy

Keep it original, Pete
<


Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: November-24-2008 at 9:57pm
Pete,

I'm not really concerned with winning awards because of originality. I bought this boat with; no windshield, no step pads or brackets, and basically no other hardware. The chances of me making this boat completely original on my budget, without spending out the nose are very slim. I'm going to do my best within my budget, and in respect to my tastes. If someone doesn't like that something's not perfectly original, they don't have to buy it.

Nate

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Nathan
http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1463&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - My '78 Ski Nautique

<a href="http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski" rel="nofoll


Posted By: boat dr
Date Posted: November-25-2008 at 4:18am
Pete i have been following the thread and you know why. But seeing as to it is Nates baby I would not even comment as to the rhyme or reason behind his latest project.
No purses but chicken soup outa chicken sh it does come to mind tho....boat dr

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boat dr

/diaries/details.asp?ID=4631 - 1949 Dart
/diaries/details.asp?ID=1533 - 1964 American Skier


Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: November-25-2008 at 7:28am
Nate,
Whatever way you decide to go with the boat, I'll of course be around if you have any questions. You mentioned your budget that I'd like to comment on. If you have some mahogany for the planking just laying around fine but if you are going out to buy it, it's not cheap these days! Also, it's highly unlikely you will find it sitting in a warehouse in the 3/8" (or 1/4") thickness. Unless you have resaw and planing equipment the machine work is a added expence. You mentioned putting the planking down over a 1/4" ply. Are you planing on a 5200 plank bedding method? It's going for about $13 a tube. If you put ply on the boat on a budget, you can use Luan underlayment!! You can't get any cheaper than that! Go down to your local home improvement and pick out 4 nice 4x8 sheets.

Don't forget silicon bronze screws. Don't use brass or worse yet stainless deck screws!!

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/diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow -

54 Atom

/diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique

64 X55 Dunphy

Keep it original, Pete
<


Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: November-25-2008 at 6:09pm

Pete,

yes we do have quite a bit of mahogany lying around from other projects, as well as all the equipment necessary for resawing and planing everything, & i've got experience doing all of this. So, that's not a problem. The way I was looking at doing the transom like that is because the transom gets just varnished, not painted white like the rest of the boat, and i was planning on doing the deck in planking, because ive never really been a fan of varnished plywood (just my opinion) so i figured it'd be best if we matched it.

I understand your concerns about keeping it original, and i like like to keep it very close to that, though I like to 'improve' things as to my tastes. If i really wanted to be original, I wouldn't use epoxy & would just laminate the boards for the stem & transom with screws. I know that's taking it to the nth degree, but still I think you get my point.

I value your opinion, but I'm also entitled to my own as well, & since it's my project, where we disagree, ill take yours into consideration, but I'll continue moreso with my plans. It sounds jerk-ish, but it's the truth.

Boat Dr.,

Thank you So much for your opinion on my projects, because you know so in depth and have seen in detail any of my previous projects. Please sir, where you do not know, keep your mouth shut.

Nate

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Nathan
http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1463&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - My '78 Ski Nautique

<a href="http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski" rel="nofoll


Posted By: BuffaloBFN
Date Posted: November-25-2008 at 6:21pm
Go for it Nate...who's ever gonna know how deep the 'ply' is?

I've seen a liitle of your work and am not concerned!   

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http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2331&sort=&pagenum=12&yrstart=1986&yrend=1990" rel="nofollow - 1988 BFN-sold



"It's a Livin' Thing...What a Terrible Thing to Lose" ELO


Posted By: boat dr
Date Posted: November-25-2008 at 7:00pm
Nate, I think Wakeslayer has an extra windsheild off a Ski Nautique . You can cobble that on to finish off your resto.
As far as me keepin it shut, ain't gonna happen.I am a beleiver it keepin' it as it was, and if not , don't do it.

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boat dr

/diaries/details.asp?ID=4631 - 1949 Dart
/diaries/details.asp?ID=1533 - 1964 American Skier


Posted By: Riley
Date Posted: November-25-2008 at 7:08pm
Not to hijack this thread, but Billy and Pete, you guys never commented on my alternative flotation for my Mustang. I've got all my old scuba gear from 30+ years ago. I'm going to install the tank up in the bow and hitch a rope to the j valve and run it through the dash to a factory looking knob. I'm then going to hook up my old regulator and cut the mouth piece off and run the hose into an old lift bag. In the event that I take on water and start to sink, I'll pull the knob and the tank will release 300lbs of air and fill the lift bag keeping me afloat. What do you think?

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Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: November-25-2008 at 7:18pm
Originally posted by boat dr boat dr wrote:

Nate.... You can cobble that on to finish off your resto.


Nothing is being cobbled together for this resto. So don't worry about that. & besides i looked through the reference section & i believe I saw that an option on these boats would be to have 'double planked mahogany throughout' & while I wont be double planking throughout... mahogany on the Atom isn't exactly cobbling it together.

Besides, EVERYONE who restores a boat and does it well, makes it BETTER THAN FACTORY condition... doesn't that make it unoriginal? doesn't using new sprayer technology to spray paint or gel make it unoriginal? should i just screw together all my laminations instead of using this new fangled 'epoxy' stuff? These boats were fairly poorly constructed when they came from the factory, a little extra here & there wouldn't hurt it.

So thanks again for your so eloquently written input, it will be filed appropriately.

Buffalo.. Thanks
Riley... haha that's awesome, you should absolutely use your scuba gear for flotation... but make sure your scuba gear is the same year as the boat.


Nate

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Nathan
http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1463&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - My '78 Ski Nautique

<a href="http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski" rel="nofoll


Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: November-25-2008 at 7:33pm
Bruce,
Don't you know how to swim? What if you are incapacitated and can't make it to the knob on the dash?

Nate,
Sounds like you are a woodworker and are well equipped but from your statement about using epoxy, it sounds like you are going to hard glue the planking. You may want to reconsider this and do some research. Get Danenbergs book so you know some tried and true methods of boat construction before you get in trouble. You could even plank the whole boat while your at it. Since you have the resaw capacity, you might as well book match.

Tell me more about the other projects Greg mentioned. Any of them wood boats?

BTW, The use of epoxy is acceptable in the ACBS rules.

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/diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow -

54 Atom

/diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique

64 X55 Dunphy

Keep it original, Pete
<


Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: November-26-2008 at 2:12am
no, we're not planning on epoxying the planking. I was pointing out the use of epoxy as a whole for everything else around the boat, seeing as how it's not how the boat was ORIGINALLY constructed

Well I built my wooden Kayak completely from scratch a couple years ago. But maybe that's not considered a 'real boat' by some people, but I take a great deal of pride in it. & my father has restored & rebuilt quite a few wooden boats, one was a '39 Chris 15 1/2ft Deluxe Runabout, a Garwood, and a couple other Chris' that i dont remember offhand. So what I don't know, he's got a pretty firm grasp on.

I love how this place is so great & welcoming, until one decide to make their own decisions & not go along with groupthink heaven forbid I should do my boat how I see it fit...

Nate

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Nathan
http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1463&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - My '78 Ski Nautique

<a href="http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski" rel="nofoll


Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: November-26-2008 at 7:41am
Nate,
I'm very glad to hear that you have the expertise and experience of your father. Listen to him and learn. I don't see him listed in the ACBS directory. Sounds like he certainly should be a member! Also glad to hear that you aren't planning on hard epoxy glueing the planking. I've seen some disasters!!

Your reference to double planking "throughout" is on other models. The "Super" Atom did have the planking but it was bottom only. It was a regular ply Atom with the planking added. The thought there was with the higher HP engines, it would hold the boat together better!!

Yes, people do over restore boats but that is usually with the "fit and finish". Don't confuse it with modern materials such as 5200 and epoxy used to put them back together - as mentioned, they are well accepted. Regarding the use of the spray equipment to apply finishes, it began in the early 20's with the larger boat builders. Chris was even heating their spar varnish to reduce it's viscosity!!

Does your dad have any pictures of his boats? I'd love to see them. Your kayak too!

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/diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow -

54 Atom

/diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique

64 X55 Dunphy

Keep it original, Pete
<


Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: November-26-2008 at 9:11am
Originally posted by nates78ski nates78ski wrote:


Pete,
The way I was looking at doing the transom like that is because the transom gets just varnished, not painted white like the rest of the boat, and i was planning on doing the deck in planking, because ive never really been a fan of varnished plywood (just my opinion) so i figured it'd be best if we matched it.
Nate


Nate,
Since you didn't get a transom with the Atom, and the old brochures really don't show a decent rear picture, you may or may not know that the transoms were varnished.



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/diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow -

54 Atom

/diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique

64 X55 Dunphy

Keep it original, Pete
<


Posted By: TRBenj
Date Posted: November-26-2008 at 10:22am
Originally posted by nates78ski nates78ski wrote:

I love how this place is so great & welcoming, until one decide to make their own decisions & not go along with groupthink heaven forbid I should do my boat how I see it fit...

Nate, I hope you didnt post your update/plans and expect to NOT get a reaction! Isnt that what this place is for?

Lord knows I havent stayed 100% original on my projects- but an Atom is a bit rarer and quite a bit older than what Ive got. Having seen Pete's in person, it sure would be cool to know theres more than one expertly restored original example out there. With your skills, Im sure you could pull it off. It seems like most wooden CC restorations out there have deviated quite a bit- having an original boat would be rarer and cooler, IMHO.

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Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: November-28-2008 at 8:02pm
I'm not sure if i'm allowed to ask questions anymore, but I was wondering if the light green paint on all of the stringers/framing is original, or is it grey. Because we're about to start cleaning up the framing & we figured we should know this now & get the paint soon. I'm hoping the green's original... it looks cooler than grey

Nate

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Nathan
http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1463&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - My '78 Ski Nautique

<a href="http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski" rel="nofoll


Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: November-28-2008 at 8:45pm
Nate,
Yes you're allowed to ask questions! I told you I'd still be around to help!

Here's a paragraph out of the "68 Chris" thread regarding bilge paints in Correct Crafts:

"Chris's were at least consistent and actually used a bilge paint like most wood boat builders did. Now, with wood Correct Crafts, I've seen enough of them to know they would through all their left over paints and solvent washes in a bucket and call it "bilge" paint!!! My Atom is a mix of green and gray!!"

I must say however that I am very surprised about you being concerned about the original color of the bilge paint!!

Any pictures of your dads boats yet?

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/diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow -

54 Atom

/diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique

64 X55 Dunphy

Keep it original, Pete
<


Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: December-30-2008 at 2:00pm
Pete, wondering if this pylon looks like it could be for my Atom... looking at possibly picking it up...

http://cgi.ebay.com/Water-Ski-Towing-Pylon_W0QQitemZ280297375900QQcmdZViewItemQQptZWakeboarding_Waterskiing?hash=item280297375900&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A120566%3A265%3A1239%3A1240%3A1318301%3A1293%3A1294%3A50 - Pylon

Thanks,

Nate

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Nathan
http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1463&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - My '78 Ski Nautique

<a href="http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski" rel="nofoll


Posted By: Terp
Date Posted: December-30-2008 at 2:55pm
Nate, the ring and finger look different from mine but see if they can shoot you a pic of the base.

Pete, did they change the pylon between '55 & '64? If not, I've got a good shot of the base and the R&F of mine here... http://s386.photobucket.com/albums/oo308/terp/ - '64 Atom pylon

Nate, I'll be back home early on the 1st and can get measurements off mine if Pete (or someone else) says they're the same.


Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: January-18-2009 at 5:19pm
New Pictures Uploaded... We just got the new stringers in yesterday, they're only clamped in place at the moment, as we're waiting for bolts, but soon. Even with just the clamps, it's amazing how much they stiffen up the boat as compared to the old ones...

Nate

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Nathan
http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1463&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - My '78 Ski Nautique

<a href="http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski" rel="nofoll


Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: January-18-2009 at 6:59pm
Originally posted by Terp Terp wrote:

Nate, the ring and finger look different from mine but see if they can shoot you a pic of the base.

Pete, did they change the pylon between '55 & '64? If not, I've got a good shot of the base and the R&F of mine here... http://s386.photobucket.com/albums/oo308/terp/ - '64 Atom pylon

Nate, I'll be back home early on the 1st and can get measurements off mine if Pete (or someone else) says they're the same.


John,
Sorry but I missed your post/question while I was up north for Christmas and New Years. I just caught it when Nate brought the tread back to the top.

Yes, the 50's and 60's pylons are different. The 50's were anywhere from a chrome pipe if exposed to a painted pipe if under a section of deck. John, your picture is a great example. The ring and finger was simply a 3/4" round shaft onto which the ring and finger were welded on and then chromed. The early 60's pylons were really the first ones made with any consistency. They too were made with pipe and stepped larger by inserting/welding larger and larger pipe towards the bottom. I think it was 3 steps. The 1" ring and finger into 1" pipe. the 1&1/4" pipe and then 1&1/2" pipe.

Nate,
The pylon you found on ebay isn't a CC. To me, it's a 70's generic (after market).

-------------
/diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow -

54 Atom

/diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique

64 X55 Dunphy

Keep it original, Pete
<


Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: February-09-2009 at 1:09am
Stringers bolted in as well as new chines in place & screwed in. Everything's painted & ready for the plywood.

Link to pictures in Signature

Nate

-------------
Nathan
http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1463&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - My '78 Ski Nautique

<a href="http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski" rel="nofoll


Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: February-09-2009 at 10:31am
Nate,
Looking good!! Sure brings back some memories!

I do have a question. Is that paint on the frames bonding surfaces to the hull? Are you planning on using 5200 or epoxy to bond the ply to the frames? Ether way, if paint, it's not the greatest for adhesion.



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/diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow -

54 Atom

/diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique

64 X55 Dunphy

Keep it original, Pete
<


Posted By: boat dr
Date Posted: February-09-2009 at 11:20am
Pete give me a call if you get a chance.................Boat dr

-------------
boat dr

/diaries/details.asp?ID=4631 - 1949 Dart
/diaries/details.asp?ID=1533 - 1964 American Skier


Posted By: farmer
Date Posted: February-09-2009 at 9:22pm

Nate,the Atom looks great! What kind of wood did you use for the chines and frames? Gary

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Watch your fingers.









Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: February-20-2009 at 11:23am
Gary,

For the chines we went with air dried oak and for the frames (we only replaced 1.5) we used Phillipine Mahogany.

We're looking to start getting the bottom on tonight after work & tomorrow depending on if we head up to the Detroit Boat Show...

Nate

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Nathan
http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1463&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - My '78 Ski Nautique

<a href="http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski" rel="nofoll


Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: February-22-2009 at 6:32pm
Pete, here's some pictures of my dads old 1939 Chris Craft 15.6ft Deluxe Runabout that you asked about a while back...

http://photobucket.com/Sashay - Sashay

Nate

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Nathan
http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1463&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - My '78 Ski Nautique

<a href="http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski" rel="nofoll


Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: February-22-2009 at 6:55pm
Nate,
Nice!! Does he still have it? Is that you in your younger years standing on the dock in the red shorts?

-------------
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54 Atom

/diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique

64 X55 Dunphy

Keep it original, Pete
<


Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: February-23-2009 at 12:50am
Thanks Pete, No he doesn't have it anymore. & no, in the first picture with someone in it that's my older brother in the red shorts standing on the sailboat.. I think when that picture was taken I would have been around 5-6 years old & then the later one with Sashay in the background & the paddle boat in front of it, I'm the one in the water, pondering how i'm going to get into the boat, with my brother sitting in it. I think i was probably 7-8 at that point.

Nate

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Nathan
http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1463&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - My '78 Ski Nautique

<a href="http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski" rel="nofoll


Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: March-02-2009 at 4:46pm
The bottom is on the atom as of Saturday afternoon. No pictures yet, because of some weird shadows that we were getting taking them, but i'll have some up soon.

The Sides are next... Hopefully this Weekend!!

Nate

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Nathan
http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1463&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - My '78 Ski Nautique

<a href="http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski" rel="nofoll


Posted By: 75 stang
Date Posted: March-03-2009 at 11:07am
Looking good! Ill bet those plywood sides go on a lot faster than these planks I'm working on! I didn't see if you were using any 5200 on the frames, I think that stuff is better than the screws for holding power.

Get those pics up... We should be puttng on sides this week as well.

later


-------------
Take your work seriously, not yourself.
http://s133.photobucket.com/albums/q70/Bigblockbandit/Lake%20and%20boats/ - Boat Pics


Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: March-03-2009 at 12:47pm
We 5200'd all the frames & battens just before laying the sheeting down. the 5200 definitely has some holding power, but from my past uses of it & my understanding of it. It's basically a glorified caulk... so the screws will stay in Besides, we already drilled all those holes in the plywood... we'll have to fill them anyhow

Nate

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Nathan
http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1463&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - My '78 Ski Nautique

<a href="http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski" rel="nofoll


Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: March-13-2009 at 2:33am
The Sides ARE ON!!!

Not gonna lie, i'm pretty geeked about it. Actually looks like a boat again. Though, the work's nowhere near finished, it's nice to see it like this. Pistures updates in Sig.

Nate

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Nathan
http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1463&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - My '78 Ski Nautique

<a href="http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski" rel="nofoll


Posted By: boat dr
Date Posted: March-13-2009 at 2:51am
Nate , did you get my E Mail? give me a call about W/S Brackets..........Billy

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boat dr

/diaries/details.asp?ID=4631 - 1949 Dart
/diaries/details.asp?ID=1533 - 1964 American Skier


Posted By: 75 stang
Date Posted: March-13-2009 at 10:41am
Lookin' good! Im going to have to play catch up now...

-------------
Take your work seriously, not yourself.
http://s133.photobucket.com/albums/q70/Bigblockbandit/Lake%20and%20boats/ - Boat Pics


Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: March-13-2009 at 11:29am
Get At it Sean!

Billy, Got your email, took pictures this morning uploading them as we speak at work & I will email them to you in about 5 minutes.

Nate

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Nathan
http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1463&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - My '78 Ski Nautique

<a href="http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski" rel="nofoll


Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: March-30-2009 at 3:19pm
the bottom was fiberglassed this past Tuesday night, with 2 more coats of epoxy since then. Epoxied the sides Saturday morning, so they're ready to be sanded a bit & painted, though I believe we're holding off on painting the sides until we flip it over to start working on the decks & the interior. Ordering bottom paint today, hope to have the bottom painted by the end of the week & maybe have her flipped over by Saturday.



My pictures in the signature on Photobucket were updated today, the last of those pictures is from Tuesday night right after 'glassing the bottom. Probably wont update it until we get it painted & Flipped. Enjoy!

Nate

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Nathan
http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1463&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - My '78 Ski Nautique

<a href="http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski" rel="nofoll


Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: April-16-2009 at 5:21pm
Got the Atom Primed & bottom painted this past week.



Also got her flipped over this afternoon... Ready to start on the topside.



The Sides will get painted once we get alot more of the inside of the boat finished, so that we don't have to be quite as careful hopping into & out of the boat as to not mar the sides.

Nate

-------------
Nathan
http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1463&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - My '78 Ski Nautique

<a href="http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski" rel="nofoll


Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: April-16-2009 at 6:03pm
Nate,
You're making progress! You think you'll have it in the water in a couple months? Any work on the engine?

I just noticed you haven't put any spray rails on the hull. Are you leaving them off?

-------------
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54 Atom

/diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique

64 X55 Dunphy

Keep it original, Pete
<


Posted By: nautique frk
Date Posted: April-16-2009 at 6:42pm
Nate, That is looking really Nice !!!!!!


Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: April-16-2009 at 8:39pm
Pete,
We just got the valve guides we'd been waiting on for the last month or so. So the motor is ready to put back together, clean up & paint.

Also, As for the spray rails, we're going to put them back on, but they'll go on before we paint the sides... probably sometime over the next month or so.

& yes, i'm still shooting for an Early June deadline. Though with the way my early june is shaping up... it won't matter if it's finished then, it probably won't get launched until mid-late June.

Thanks Mike!

Nate

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Nathan
http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1463&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - My '78 Ski Nautique

<a href="http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski" rel="nofoll


Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: April-16-2009 at 9:42pm
Nate,

Are you finally going to get in the darned car and show up at Green Lake this year. It would be great if you had the Atom in tow, but it would be fine if you brought the 78 as well. Actually, it would be fine if you just showed up.

BKH

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Livin' the Dream



Posted By: 81nautique
Date Posted: April-17-2009 at 1:30am
Great progress Nate, I love the fact that your doing this with your dad.

Ditto what Brian said, Green Lake or bust.



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You can’t change the wind but you can adjust your sails


Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: April-17-2009 at 1:52am
Thanks guys.

Yeah i've been toying with the idea of Green Lake. My only thing is it's like 2 weeks out from my 2 A Triathlons this year.... i'm not sure how that'd work into my training schedule.

Nate

-------------
Nathan
http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1463&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - My '78 Ski Nautique

<a href="http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski" rel="nofoll


Posted By: boat dr
Date Posted: April-17-2009 at 2:16am
Nate, Pete and I are gonna need to see some "OLD WOOD" . You never know I may be thru with the Dart by then.If so your woody will have some company. Now if we can get Pete to bring his.
Would that not be too cool,
The Dart is a 1949
Your Atom is a '50s
I am sure we will have a '60s boat or two
A bunch of '70s
And of course the '80s
The 90 year models
And then, here comes the '00

That would give us Seven Generations of CC boats gatherd at one place......Boat dr


-------------
boat dr

/diaries/details.asp?ID=4631 - 1949 Dart
/diaries/details.asp?ID=1533 - 1964 American Skier


Posted By: Terp
Date Posted: April-17-2009 at 12:08pm
Nate, did you do the scarf joints on the plywood yourself?


Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: April-17-2009 at 12:20pm
Nate,
I was just looking at your engine pictures again. I didn't notice it before but now see your Chris A-B has been converted to 12 volt. Probably when the PO converted it over to the alternator. Wow, what a hack job on that hole cutout for the alternator conversion!! It's a fairly common conversion on a Chris/Hercules BUT the fan is removed on the alternator. This allows for the smaller center "pilot" on the alternator to fit into the cast front engine mount but still leaves enough for elongated alternator mounting holes for belt tensioning. Not much there left for you to work with! Removal of the fan isn't a problem because the required output of the alternator is so low. Also, he didn't swap out the pulley on the alternator. You can tell because it's riding so high. The crank pulley and the belt should be a industrial "B" size which is 21/32" (5/8") top width.

While you have the engine apart, I'd set the front engine mount up in the mill and machine some decent flat aternator mounting surfaces back into it. Then you would need to come up with some type of adapter mounting plate to make it a reliable charging system.

It's amazing to see what some of the "hackers" out there will do!!!

-------------
/diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow -

54 Atom

/diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique

64 X55 Dunphy

Keep it original, Pete
<


Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: April-17-2009 at 12:23pm
Yeah, Pete My dad went to work on that hole a couple days ago, got a few pieces welded in then we'll have to grind it down & re-cut the hole. Quite a bit cleaner this time around.

Nate

-------------
Nathan
http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1463&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - My '78 Ski Nautique

<a href="http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski" rel="nofoll


Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: April-17-2009 at 12:25pm
John, Yeah we scarfed the joints ourselves. Bought the scarfing tool. Mounted it on an old saw & it worked perfectly.

Nate

-------------
Nathan
http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1463&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - My '78 Ski Nautique

<a href="http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski" rel="nofoll


Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: April-17-2009 at 12:36pm
Originally posted by nates78ski nates78ski wrote:

John, Yeah we scarfed the joints ourselves. Bought the scarfing tool. Mounted it on an old saw & it worked perfectly.

Nate


Nate,
Did you get the West scarfing adapter? I looked at it once and even contacted them about it. My concern was it would be fine for a painted ply panel but not good enough for a bright finished one. They confirmed that the cut it produces is quite rough.

-------------
/diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow -

54 Atom

/diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique

64 X55 Dunphy

Keep it original, Pete
<


Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: April-17-2009 at 1:01pm
Yeah, it's the West Scarfing adapter. Thing works pretty sweet. The way they showed in the little booklet for how to clean up the cuts after cutting 3/8 & using a hand plane to take out the ridge we found we actually had better results leaving the ridge on each panel & then just butting them to eachother. If it was bright finished it would take a little more work, but i think you could make the joint nearly invisible with some time.

Nate

-------------
Nathan
http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1463&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - My '78 Ski Nautique

<a href="http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski" rel="nofoll


Posted By: Terp
Date Posted: April-17-2009 at 1:17pm
Nate if you have time, could you post a pic of the joint so we can see the pre-painted result?


Posted By: TRBenj
Date Posted: April-17-2009 at 1:53pm

Nate, I may not know my a$$ from my elbow when it comes to wood boats- but that looks like a plywood transom to me. I take it youre staying original with the bright ply rather going with the mahogony planking?

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Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: April-17-2009 at 2:12pm
John,
I can't remember what year your Atom is. It is a painted hull correct? As long as it is painted then the scarf is relatively simple. Here's Nates scarf:
On a bright finish it gets complicated but I can go into details if needed.

Tim,
It looks like a planked tramsom to me!! I had my hopes up there a second too!!

Nate,
Why did you overlay the transom planking to the hull sides and bottom rather that the original inlayed? So the ply edge wouldn't show? Won't matter from the standpoint of potential water intrusion at the joint since you've glassed the bottom. Did you catch the Compact Skier I/O on ebay with the transom overlay?


-------------
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54 Atom

/diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique

64 X55 Dunphy

Keep it original, Pete
<


Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: April-17-2009 at 2:20pm
Tim,

You're correct. That is in fact plywood. Though a much better looking ply than the rest of the boat. It's actually Ribbon grain Mahogany plywood. Not cheap, but absolutely gorgeous looking. The decks will get the same, I can't wait to see it varnished.

Pete,

We layed the transom over the sides just to cover up the end grain of the sides. Since the sides get paint, we figured it would be an easy way to keep the transom looking nice & clean w/ the ribbon grain ply, instead of having the ends of the sides showing through when it's varnished. It wasn't anything to do with water tightness... everything joint's 5200'ed & the bottom is glassed. So there's no worries there. No i didn't see the boat on ebay. what's the deal?

Nate

-------------
Nathan
http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1463&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - My '78 Ski Nautique

<a href="http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski" rel="nofoll


Posted By: TRBenj
Date Posted: April-17-2009 at 2:24pm
Nate, very cool!

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Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: April-17-2009 at 2:48pm
Nate,
Greg (skicat) started the thead on the CC I/O. http://www.correctcraftfan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=13261&PN=2 - CC Panther Read through it if you get a chance. Interesting things pop up on ebay!!

Ok, so it's ribbon gain ply. I was going to comment on the tightness of your seams! Of course that would have been a compliment to your woodworking skills but also a warning - I've seen a couple cabinet makers do boats that have turned into disasters after the planking took on some summer humidity!!

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54 Atom

/diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique

64 X55 Dunphy

Keep it original, Pete
<


Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: April-17-2009 at 2:54pm
Yeah, I remember seeing that one a little while back. I'm not concerned though, because as stated, every seam is filled with 5200 & then has glass over it. Should be pretty water tight.

Nate

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Nathan
http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1463&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - My '78 Ski Nautique

<a href="http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski" rel="nofoll


Posted By: 81nautique
Date Posted: April-17-2009 at 3:57pm
Just a question guys, I've read here in the past where Pete has warned of a wood boat thats been glassed over, is that just a warning on a repair/hide job and not a concern on a restoration like this?

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You can’t change the wind but you can adjust your sails


Posted By: Riley
Date Posted: April-17-2009 at 4:45pm
Alan, I wonder about that to because I often see wooden boats for sale that have a "West System" bottom. I've got a friend that has a 1937 Elco Cruisette, a gorgeous boat that he paid big bucks for that West System bottom. I hope he didn't ruin his boat.

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Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: April-17-2009 at 5:15pm
Originally posted by 81nautique 81nautique wrote:

Just a question guys, I've read here in the past where Pete has warned of a wood boat thats been glassed over, is that just a warning on a repair/hide job and not a concern on a restoration like this?


Alan,
Most but not all of the problems associated with glassed bottoms are from the repair/hide jobs. When the "technique" started, everyone thought it was going to be a miracle cure all. The glass was put over already loose planking that a thin layer of glass isn't going to hold together for very long. Then, these jobs were done with polyester resin! It being hygroscopic it didn't take long for the bond to fail from water going though it as well as from the bilge or even from the bottom still having a high moisture content. If the bond didn't fail right away, then there was the rot issue and it destroyed the bond. I mentioned it once before that I happened to be boating next to a glassed over boat one day. Almost the whole glass bottom came off at once and took some of the wood with it!

With a new plywood bottom, CPES treatment and epoxy bond failure isn't as much of a problem but still can be. The cure to this is not glassing the boat! I don't feel there's a need to. The glass isn't significantly adding anything structural to the ply and with 5200 seams (or epoxy) it's not adding any real leak protection. A good coating of CPES is all that's needed. Epoxy coat is optional.

Now with a double plank bottom the 5200 job has really proven itself. This however must be a complete down to the frame job. If the wood is good and the moisture content is good then it's reused. If not it's typically the inner planking that's bad and replaced with new or ply if the hull bottom shape will take it. There is absolutely no reason to glass it!!!

-------------
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54 Atom

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64 X55 Dunphy

Keep it original, Pete
<


Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: April-17-2009 at 5:27pm
Like Pete said, it's the people who think epoxy/fiberglass will fix their deteriorating boat & make everything new again, This is where people run into problems & people get iffy about using epoxy or glass. My dad's had nothing but good experiences on a number of boats he's restored, some going on probably 15-20 years now. So in the end, it once again just comes down to preparation & knowing what you're doing... not just hoping for some cure all to bring your old wooden boat back to life.

Nate

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Nathan
http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1463&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - My '78 Ski Nautique

<a href="http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski" rel="nofoll


Posted By: Riley
Date Posted: April-17-2009 at 5:27pm
Pete, this boat is beautiful. The owner put a "West System" bottom on it. Is "West System a technique or just refers to the product used?



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Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: April-17-2009 at 5:34pm
Originally posted by Riley Riley wrote:

Alan, I wonder about that to because I often see wooden boats for sale that have a "West System" bottom. I've got a friend that has a 1937 Elco Cruisette, a gorgeous boat that he paid big bucks for that West System bottom. I hope he didn't ruin his boat.


Bruce,
Some problems are starting to show up with so called West "bottoms". It goes back to how they were done. The problems seen are if epoxy and glass were simply used to cover up the bottom. Moisture of the wood when the bottom is done seems to be a key. If your friends Elco was a down to the frame job then most likely he'll be ok. It's also not a high speed boat that will get lots of shock loading - the West due to it's hardness is known to get hairline cracking at high stress points. This is why the 5200 is now the prefered method.

-------------
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54 Atom

/diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique

64 X55 Dunphy

Keep it original, Pete
<


Posted By: Riley
Date Posted: April-17-2009 at 5:44pm
Pete, the only "shock loading" that Elco has seen has come from the coolers carried on board. And those days are over as the owner settled down and got married.

The term "West System" implies a job very well done. I had been wondering about it since I learned a little about glass over the past year. Sounds like original is better.

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Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: April-17-2009 at 5:46pm
Originally posted by Riley Riley wrote:

Pete, this boat is beautiful. The owner put a "West System" bottom on it. Is "West System a technique or just refers to the product used?


West never was a bottom "technique" just a product line of epoxy. They started off making cold molded hulls (ice boats) with thin wood veneers each saturated with epoxy and laid over the previous until the hull thickness gave them the strength needed. You end up with a complete encapsulated epoxy boat.

Then, someone started using the epoxy (probably after the polyester failures!) for "repairs" to the bottom. The failures with them prompted West to add a complete "how to" section in their book on the do's and dont's!!

-------------
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54 Atom

/diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique

64 X55 Dunphy

Keep it original, Pete
<


Posted By: Riley
Date Posted: April-17-2009 at 6:33pm
So the bottom line is when someone advertises a boat for sale with a "West System" bottom, WTF knows what you're getting.

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Posted By: Terp
Date Posted: April-17-2009 at 8:10pm
Originally posted by 8122pbrainard 8122pbrainard wrote:

John,
I can't remember what year your Atom is. It is a painted hull correct? As long as it is painted then the scarf is relatively simple.


'64. Clear finish. Constructing the joint appears to me to be a potential source of great frustration b/c of the clear finish.


Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: April-17-2009 at 9:36pm
Originally posted by Terp Terp wrote:

Originally posted by 8122pbrainard 8122pbrainard wrote:

John,
I can't remember what year your Atom is. It is a painted hull correct? As long as it is painted then the scarf is relatively simple.


'64. Clear finish. Constructing the joint appears to me to be a potential source of great frustration b/c of the clear finish.


John,
Don't let this problem hold you back from doing a original restoration. I may have mentioned the process before but here it is. More care is needed to make the scarf and there as several more steps. When you get to the point of cutting the scarf I do not suggest the West saw adapter. I have a sketch at work that shows the basic router sled (large base).

You will need a large (you can probably do the ply in 2' widths) flat clamping surface. A means of clamping the ply flat and guiding the router sled. A hinge mortising bit in the router will give you a nice clean cut. Now, the ply needs to be prestained (filler stain), sealed and a couple coats of varnish slightly into the scarf bevel. This will allow you to epoxy the scarf and any epoxy that oozes out can be wiped off and not soak into the bare wood. Without the prestain/seal/varnish, the epoxy that soaks into the face veneer will prevent it from "taking" a stain. With todays ply, the face veneer is .020" to .030" at best so you have absolutely no material for sanding.

When I get to work on Monday I'll post the basic scarfing set up so you can get the idea how the router is set up.

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54 Atom

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64 X55 Dunphy

Keep it original, Pete
<


Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: April-17-2009 at 9:54pm
Originally posted by Riley Riley wrote:

So the bottom line is when someone advertises a boat for sale with a "West System" bottom, WTF knows what you're getting.


Yup!! Bruce, you should read some of the comments that Don Danenberg makes on his site when someone asks about a "West bottom"!! He's known to be rude and crude, and doesn't hold back when discussing a West bottom!!

One of his statements: "By the way, there is no such thing as a 'West System bottom'. I know this because it is clearly stated so by the Gougeon Bros representatives who occasionally write me and remind me that they have lawyers."

In person he adds a few expletives!!


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54 Atom

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64 X55 Dunphy

Keep it original, Pete
<


Posted By: Terp
Date Posted: April-17-2009 at 10:42pm
Thanks Pete, that's the one part of the resto that worries me a bit. (Maybe b/c I just haven't learned enough yet to be concerned about how other aspects of it may be particularly troublesome!)


Posted By: p/allen
Date Posted: April-18-2009 at 12:01pm
Hey Pete , how about a link to Don Danenbergs sight.

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Pat
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w146/72ccfan/100_5977-1.jpg - My 72 Skier
Rock River
Dixon,ILL.


Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: April-18-2009 at 12:20pm
Pat,
Here the link:
http://www.danenbergboatworks.com/ - Don Danenberg

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54 Atom

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64 X55 Dunphy

Keep it original, Pete
<


Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: May-30-2009 at 3:44am
Well Guys, finally got the last piece of decking put on on Tuesday night & did the final inner & outer trimming of it. I know how you guys like pictures posted here instead of having to go all the way to the bottom of my post to click on my sig. so here's some of the highlights...










Nate

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Nathan
http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1463&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - My '78 Ski Nautique

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Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: May-30-2009 at 11:29am
Nate,
You're getting there! Still lots of work before the water. I sure can appreciate the man hours!

When you decided to plank the deck, did you ever consider doing it with covering boards instead of just the straight planking?

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54 Atom

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64 X55 Dunphy

Keep it original, Pete
<


Posted By: farmer
Date Posted: May-31-2009 at 11:15pm

Nate,The boat really looks great.


Pete,what are covering boards?

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Watch your fingers.









Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: May-31-2009 at 11:56pm
Gary,
Covering boards are deck planks that parallel the hull sides. I went looking for a picture where the description of covering boards would be easy. In this picture they are stained the walnut/black color. Sometimes used in conjunction with a "king" plank down the center like this boat but not always. The main "field" planking with the seams between each typically goes straight through to the transom. This one has the covering board wrapping around the aft.



Here's a more typical deck with all the same color stain but you can still see the covering boards. It's king plank is blond (no stain at all)



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54 Atom

/diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique

64 X55 Dunphy

Keep it original, Pete
<


Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: June-01-2009 at 12:28am
Originally posted by 8122pbrainard 8122pbrainard wrote:

Nate,
You're getting there! Still lots of work before the water. I sure can appreciate the man hours!

When you decided to plank the deck, did you ever consider doing it with covering boards instead of just the straight planking?


Yeah, we thought of doing the covering boards separate from the rear deck but we liked how the front cockpit corners were radiused so we wanted to do something like that back there as well. Not the same radius (about 2 in. smaller if i remember correctly) but I like how it dresses it up a little bit.

Nate

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Nathan
http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1463&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - My '78 Ski Nautique

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Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: June-10-2009 at 2:39am
The decks are all bunged & getting close to ready for varnish.

Also got another coat of primer on the sides. Plan to block it out fill any voids that remain & get the sides finish painted by early next week.







Nate

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Nathan
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski" rel="nofoll


Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: June-10-2009 at 2:45am
Also, Pete I was looking around a bit more & covering boards would actually run the entire length of the boat & looking through all available pictures I've yet to see one that had covering boards. The look like they're all just straight plywood-ed over. doesn't seem original I'm sorry... I had to.

Nate

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Nathan
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Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: June-10-2009 at 9:24am
Originally posted by nates78ski nates78ski wrote:

Also, Pete I was looking around a bit more & covering boards would actually run the entire length of the boat & looking through all available pictures I've yet to see one that had covering boards. The look like they're all just straight plywood-ed over. doesn't seem original I'm sorry... I had to.

Nate


Nate, Absolutely correct that they where all ply decks but, on the "super delux" fake seems were added in the ply to give the effect of covering boards and the king plank. Other ply decks were done the same way on models like the Aqua and Junior. There's a good overhead picture in the ref. section showing the Junior. My asking you about the covering boards comes from way back when you said you were going to plank the deck. At least you stuck to the ply even though it's the ribbon!! You're half original!

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54 Atom

/diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique

64 X55 Dunphy

Keep it original, Pete
<


Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: June-10-2009 at 12:03pm
Good call on the fake seams. I was going to add that above but decided to leave it out. I may be 1/2 original, but the ribbon looks way better than original or standard ply, so I'll sleep OK

Nate

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Nathan
http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1463&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - My '78 Ski Nautique

<a href="http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski" rel="nofoll


Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: June-30-2009 at 11:28am
Last week we got the Atom's Sides Painted.

Last night we sanded the deck & then stained it.









Nate

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Nathan
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Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: June-30-2009 at 11:58am
Nate,
How are you trimming off the hull side to deck intersection where the rub rail goes? Didn't your Atom have a extra piece of wood (a cap -molding) over the ply edge of the deck held down from the top surface about 1/8"? It's face is even double beveled to match the underside of the metal rub rail. All the CC plys I've seen we done that way. It just makes a good "seat" for the rub rail and also trims off the edge.

Billy's Dart was the first ply I'd seen without the wood cap. I feel it may have been removed during the so called "restoration" they did at the CC factory. Anyway, without the wood molding, Billy had issues trying to position the metal rub rail properly to the top of the deck.

-------------
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54 Atom

/diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique

64 X55 Dunphy

Keep it original, Pete
<


Posted By: nates78ski
Date Posted: June-30-2009 at 12:40pm
Pete,

the Hull side to deck intersection point is already trimmed. We dry fit the rub rail a week or two ago and it lines up perfectly, it'll screw into the side while covering about 1/4" of the deck. So the seam will be completely covered.

Nate

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Nathan
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