I first saw this 1951 Chris Craft Holiday in a warehouse in Michigan back in early 2012 and just loved the look of the old girl. Talking with the owner over the next year, we agreed on a price and I was able to purchase her in August of 2013.
It took me a couple of years to be able to get her into my shop and start working on her.
I had my hands full with lots of structure damage from dry rot.
I had to rebuild 90% of the structure.
She has a new 5200 bottom with several coats of new paint and varnish.
I just love the look of the transom with the angled back and how the blond on the sides wraps around to the back.
Yes, it did not stop there; the interior was shot, too. The seats needed replaced and rebuilt.
The steering wheel was gone. If I sent it off to be rebuilt, it was anywhere from $800.00 to $1,000.00. So, I did a little research and tackled it myself. It turned out great.
All the exterior wood was totally replaced. I cut and steamed all the planks.
I had the interior seats professionally done. Maybe some day I will try doing the interior seats myself, but not right now.
On to the next boat.
Great job Jack. You never fail to do a great job with your accomplishments and restoration on those Chris-Craft boats. Very talented!!