Mailbag
Apologies... when I switched over my email I lost some of the letters that I've been meaning to post. I'll try to get some newer stuff up soon.
This is your opportunity to have us post your questions, suggestions and comments. Give it a try !
Received 2-15-02:
First of all I have to apologize because of my bad english.
My name is Artur Grossthal and I am from Estonia. It is in Europe.
The problem why I am writing to you is that I want to find a place
where I could learn how to build wooden boats. I have a dream to make a
little boat factory with my brothers here in my village in Estonia. But
first I want to learn some old technics.
If there is a possibility that You could help me, then please let me know.
Best wishes
Artur Grossthal
Received 7-24-01:
I'm in a position to purchase this 1968 Chriscraft constellation 45' for $28000.00
What I want to know, since I never owned a wooden boat before, is how long you can leave them in the water before pulling. I plan on living aboard this vessel. Also, when you do pull them, are they a real expense to maintain and keep up ?
Jim Snier
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><
Received 8-3-01:
To answer Jim:
Great idea to have an exchange of info, I've been looking for a list like
myself. There are so many Chris' out there in so many different states of
repair I'm surprised that there isn't a list.
Anyway, to the person who posted about how long in the water, far as I know
you need to pull them and paint the bottom every year or 2, which is no big
deal. But, as I learned the hard way, really inspect the wood and ribs, look
for cracks, dry rot, etc.. I looked pretty good, but not really good, had a
plank come off out in the Pacific, barely made it back. Had I paid closer
attention it would have been obvious, 2 ribs were cracked and the plywood
was soft.
But, gave me a chance to get her hauled out and take a really good look this
time.
Jeff Smith
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Hey guys , just wanted to drop a note to you wishing you all the luck with the boat. I just aquired a 59 Crist Craft as well , 35' in faily good shape. My girl friend and I intend to fully restore this boat this winter.We are fortunate that her father is a carpenter and a boat builder in New Zealand. We have sent a airline ticket to him and he's going to come down for the winter and restore the boat with us.
Any information you need regarding the history , plans , diagrams etc can be attained from the mariners museum as they hold all the documents for Crist Crafts older boats. www.mariner.org/collectexhib.html
Good luck
Philippa & David
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Tom & Laura,
I came across your website by accident. My 36' 1962 Connie has very similar lines except for the bullnose.
I've got a website with numerous pictures & details of several years of refitting & updating on my gal. There may be some ideas of use to you.
http://go.to/62connie
regards,
Jack Dosenberg
(A note from Tom..... you should take a look at Jack's web site. He's selling the boat, so be prepared. However, he's had a tremendous amount of work done on the boat. It's like going to the home shows and looking at REALLY expensive mansions. It gives you ideas of what you like and don't like.)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
You have acquired my dream boat. For a number of years, I have been
wanting the very boat you have acquired. I hope you have a good experience
and wish you the very best. She looks beautiful!
Larry J. Smith
Saginaw, MI
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Received 8-5-01:
I Purchased a 1959 Chriscraft Constellation in fall of 2000. I also didn't take a really good look at the bottom and I too had a plank come off of the port side mid ship, fortunately I was only on a small lake in Canada, but it was still a close call for getting back. My question is the boat now needs approx $6000.00 to fix the bottom properly. Is is really worth the money or should I just pay extra attention tothe other boat that I just Aquired which is a 1963 34' constellation in excellent cond.
Thank you
Steve
