In the summer of 1994 I purchased the derelict remains of this Chris Craft 19 foot Capri mahogany speedboat.  It has been passed through a series of less than careful owners for the last 12 years who had dreams of restoring it but  had no woodworking skills.  During these years the boat had at some time been stripped and most of the parts lost including the engine which was even then a non-standard replacement.

This boat was built and shipped in December 1956 to England from Chris Crafts Cadillac plant near Michigan and as a new model year, had the mint green upholstery along with the twin carburettor KFL six cylinder petrol engine.  It was fitted with a fore-deck mounted search light and an engine hour meter from new.  The boat seats six including the driver and is capable of close to 40mph if you dare!  After a number of years searching and collecting all the missing parts including an original engine, it is now time to start on the hull.

As with car bodies the same principles apply, a matter of straightening the framework and a programme of stabilising and or replacement of the wooden components before re-planking.

Because of the poor storage over the years the hull has really suffered and now has a large hole in the bottom and transom on the port side.  The first operation will be to turn it over to repair the bottom and framework after straightening.  You will be able to follow its progress on this site.