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Member Highlight
Lobster Trap or Antique Boat by Don Kliesch
Bob Rice definitely
enjoys challenges. His current project boat is a 1942 17' Chris Craft
Special Runabout.
Bob bought his current project bought in
2002. The restoration was started in the summer of 2003.
Side Car, as Bob calls
it was found in Maine before coming to rest in his garage. The owner
was actually away in Florida at the time and he had to wait until his return
to complete the transaction.
Bob decided to name it
Side Car when compared to his other boat, Lieutenant, a 1949 22' sportsman.
He relates its small size and lack of roominess to that of a side car of a
motorcycle.
Bob's goal is to have
Side Car on the lake for this years boating season. Lieutenant his
daily user boat is having a new bottom put on. Bob would have liked to
do Lieutenant's bottom his self except that it would not fit in his
Garage.
Bob took ownership of the
boat knowing it would need a ground up restoration. It basically
resembled a lobster trap.
All side and
deck planks had been removed, but he had all of them. The original engine
was there as well, though it looked like the proverbial pile of rust. With
the exception of the bow light, the hardware and running gear was complete;
and the instruments were there as well, though they needed to be refaced and
refurbished mechanically.
Bob has made
tremendous progress in the 2 1/2 years since starting the project.
Several of the top frames and deck were replaced as well as the side frames.
This was done to give the boat stability before flipping it to do the
bottom. After completing a 5200 bottom the boat was recently flipped
back up, Bob notes there were several attempts at replacing bottom
planks, due to breaking, "before finally getting it right". He also says "It
is much easier to paint the interior when upside down." He just
completed the transom and is about to start the tedious task of sanding.
By no means is this Bob's first
restoration. He has done everything from a strip and finish to a
complete restoration. This is actually his sixth project boat.
Most notable was Lucky Pup a 1942 17' Deluxe Runabout. It was a Best
in Class and Best in Show at the 2005 Lake Hopatcong Show. Bob
has other notable restorations. Remember the cover of Chris Crafts of
the 50's? That was Bob's project as well. His project's
included: A 1958 Chris Craft 17' Sportsman ..."Filly" ... strip and
refinish; a 1956 CC 19' Capri ....."Flying Pony".....new decks and transom;
a 1951 CC 18' Riviera ...."Miss Scarlett" ....new decks, transom, and
most of one side; a 1958 CC 17' Sportsman ...."Filly" (did it again)
new bottom, decks, transom, and some side planks .....added ceilings
......still on Lake Hopatcong under the name, "GJ" and a 1942 CC 17'
Deluxe Runabout ...."Lucky Pup" ....new bottom, sides, transom and deck
.....new bottom frames ...new chines and one stringer ....new ceilings.
Bob already has his next project lined
up. It is a 1948 17 1/2' Century Sea Maid. He notes there are
major differences in the construction techniques between Century and
Chris Craft. Never the less he is looking forward to the project.
Keep an eye out for Bob and Side Car This
Summer!
Click here or on any photo to begin a slide show of Side Car
On a personal note. I would like
to thank Bob for all of his encouragement and support. Not only on
restoration projects, but on making new members feel welcome. He is
always willing to answer questions and share information.
Bob goes out of his way to make new members feel a part of the club.
If you would like to contribute photos or
articles to the website please send an e-mail to Don -
webmaster@lhacbs.org .
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