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 .