Resources for Restoration

There is nothing you can do that will help your restoration project as much as joining the ACBS. You will be able to find others in the club with the same boat as yours. You will be able to find others that have done the same restoration operations as you need to do. The ability to do this will more than repay the modest expense of joining the organization. We highly recommend membership in the ACBS to anyone contemplating classic boat ownership. For more information on joining the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the ACBS, please go to our membership form. 

We would also be happy to attempt to help answer technical questions. However, please attempt to narrow the focus of your inquiries. However, here's a few hints to get you started:

• The "Real Runabout" series of books by Bob Speltz will go a long way toward answering questions regarding the original appearance of your boat.
• The Mariners' Museum in Norfolk, Virginia has the Chris Craft archives. If you send them your hull number and a modest amount of money they will send you information regarding your boat. Contact them for more information.
• The Antique Outboard Club's website, which is listed on the link page, may be of help for your outboard questions. Also, you will find links to marque clubs on the link list. Your boat's maker may be there.
• The Fiberglassics site has information on early fiberglass boats. You might want to check the Northwest regional Fiberglassics site
• I know of only one book on runabout restoration, How to Restore Your Classic Wooden Runabout by Don Danenberg. I am not familiar with the book, but I have read a bit of Mr. Danenberg writing here and there on the web and he seems knowledgable and his techniques are well founded. Woodenboat sometimes has articles on runabout restoration. Classic Boating is devoted to classic runabouts; every issue typically has information on rebuilding your boat.
  Good luck!