\"CJ\"s First Splash!
 

Today was an exciting day as we launched the 66 Bowrider for the first time....and had great success!
Everything worked very well. Denny aka Bushwacher joined Skip & I for our delightful 4 hour ride.
Here are the pictures....beautiful day!
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j1...aunch001-1.jpg http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j1...aunch009-1.jpg http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j1...aunch012-1.jpg http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j1...aunch014-1.jpg http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j1...aunch006-1.jpg http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j1...aunch005-1.jpg http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j1...aunch002-1.jpg

She's powered with a 115 hp Etec, 13-3/4x15 alum prop, cavitation plate 1" above bottom, got on plane very nicely & easily and full speed of 37mph using GPS.
I'm happy.

Re: \"CJ\"s First Splash!
 

Beautiful. Way to go, Skip & Carla.

Re: \"CJ\"s First Splash!
 

Suberb Job Carla & Skip CJ has all the class.....http://floridasportsman.com/art/worthy.gif

BTW: Is that some Gucci Polished Bronze I see on the Vent Cowls?

Re: \"CJ\"s First Splash!
 

Yeessss! Congrats to you guys! Thanks for the GPS speed :D! Isn't it law over there on the Treasure Coast to posess Gucci on all boats at all times? Very nice.

Re: \"CJ\"s First Splash!
 

Beautiful!! Nice emblem too!

rockdoc

Re: \"CJ\"s First Splash!
 

Hummmmmm,
I may have to paint the Sceptre red????????
Looks great Skip & Carla, but we missed the Champagne
bottle on the bow. :D
Good luck with CJ
Ken & Patti

Re: \"CJ\"s First Splash!
 

Chuck...of course, gucci all the way!
When we removed the hardware, we tried to preserve as much as we could...keeping her as original as possible.

The bow light, chocks, and post cleat had been chromed & flaking off. Skip grounded off the chrome & polished them. Bow light=Brass, chocks=bronze, post=bronze & brass.
A coat of lacquer hopefully, will preserve them for awhile. In six months I'll know more.
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j1...inished002.jpg
Anchor locker door...original. Hinges were even cleaned & then spray painted with Rustoleum Hammered paint. Gives it an old crinkled look.
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j1...inished003.jpg
Side plank of teak, original, just cleaned & teak oil.
Trim (gunnel trim?), originally alum, very thin, could not find a replacement of same size, so again cleaned & spray painted with the Hammered paint. Amazing, it hid all the nicks & scratches! Electrical box made from lexan sprayed with Hammered to match. All the screw heads & pop rivets were painted with the Hammer paint too. Just lots of little details.
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j1...inished004.jpg
Same goes for the transom cleats, rod holders & vent cowls... flaky chrome removed, polished & spayed with lacquer.
Unfortunately the steering wheel fell apart upon removal or that would be on there too.
We've got the bow railing & windshield set aside & have not decided whether or not to put them back on.
Hope to take her out again today for some more fun.

Re: \"CJ\"s First Splash!
 

Really looks sweet both in the water, and the stills back on the trailer. Truly a labor of LOVE.

FellowShip

_______________________________________________

My motto: Just for the Grins :D

Re: \"CJ\"s First Splash!
 

Carla and Skip-

The boat looks great. So do some of those houses in the background. I like the chrome. I have an original tilt steering wheel that came on my 1969 20sf. It's a little stiff but it still seems to work. It's not exactly like the one that came with your boat but maybe a little closer then the one you have on it now? You can have it if you want it. Here is a pic. First thing I'd do is take off the leather. :D

http://www.casdvm.com/photos/20sf/DSCN5102.JPG

strick

Re: \"CJ\"s First Splash!
 

W....O.....W !!!!!!! That steering wheel would look so CLASSIC on "CJ" !!!! If the wheel is aluminum, I bet I could clean it up real nice....if not, I'll just be more creative.
So, yea, I would love to have it! Ship it anyway that's convenient, and I'll definitely reimburse you the shipping cost.....wow...what a find! Thanks Stick!
A classic boat deserves a classic background... :cool:
Unfortunately it's not my house...I'd have to win the lotto first!

Re: \"CJ\"s First Splash!
 

CJ looks amazing! it's hard to tell who is smiling more Bushwacker or Skip! Well done Skip & Carla

Re: \"CJ\"s First Splash!
 

Looks really good without the WS, not sure I would put it back on.

Re: \"CJ\"s First Splash!
 

Carla-

I have to apologize because that pic I put up of the steering wheel is from 8 months ago. When I went out to look at it last night I see that the center plastic nut cover is missing. Despite a one hour search last night I could not find it. I'm gonna keep looking but I have over an acre to search. You may be able to put a teak nut cover in it. I'll still ship it to you if you still want it. You can keep it or chuck it after you take a look at it. PM me with your address if still interested.

strick

Re: \"CJ\"s First Splash!
 

Carla,

I love the look of your bow light, chocks, and post cleat with the chrome removed! What did Skip use to grind off the chrome?

rockdoc

Re: \"CJ\"s First Splash!
 

That is about "cool" as it gets!!!! What a great boat!!! I wonder what is being built today that will stand 40 year "test of time". It is hard to put a price tag on HISTORY.

Phil

Re: \"CJ\"s First Splash!
 

Carla & Skip,
The boat looks terrific. A time capsule back to when you could get a boat worth its asking price!!

If you get the steering wheel and would like a teak center to it, I volunteer to turn one for you in my shop. I've done it for myself and a few friends and would be proud if you would accept the offer. If you prefer mahogany, I have a little of that, too. It would be neat to think I made a "small" contribution to such a labor of love!!!

Re: \"CJ\"s First Splash!
 

Rockdoc,

Hi, this is Skip, the other half of 65Bowrider.
On all the hardware, I started with a 2" fine wire wheel & got off most of the chrome. Then I took my drummel with a rotary sandpaper, 150 grit & finished taking off the thin layer of copper to get to the brass & bronze. Then used 220 followed by 400 abrasive wheel on the drummel to get the smooth & polished look. The final step was using 1500 wet/dry sand paper which gave it a higher shine. Followed by several coats of sprayed laquer. Lots of work, but worth the effort.
Skip

Re: \"CJ\"s First Splash!
 

BigLew
The steering wheel is coming our way...how fantastic is that!
A teak center would be the 'greatest'... and will gladly take you up on your offer! The finishing touch of a beautiful classic wheel is a major contribution between you and Strick.
Thanks sooooo much!!!!!!
Carla

Re: \"CJ\"s First Splash!
 

Carla,
Check your email that you gave when you signed up. I sent a note to you at the address.

Re: \"CJ\"s First Splash!
 

Boy O'Boy , I had the pleasure of taking a ride on Cj today. What a beautiful job the 65 Bowrider team have done. The bowrider sure handles much differently than the CC. Thanks again Skip & Carla, I much enjoyed our visit!

BTW: I hope Carla posts a close-up of the teak anchor locker door. Talk about "GUCCI" You guys won't believe it :eek:

Re: \"CJ\"s First Splash!
 

Capt. Chuck,

We were honored to have you take a ride on CJ!
I wish I had my camera to take a picture of you at her helm!
Here's a picture of the locker door, an original with the bowriders going back to the mid 60's. This was before it was 'cleaned' up.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j1...BROrigDoor.jpg

Re: \"CJ\"s First Splash!
 

capt chuck-

how would you describe the difference in handling between the bowrider and the CCs?

rockdoc

Re: \"CJ\"s First Splash!
 

According to Ole Capt. Chuck, he had to change his BVD's
when he got home. I can't wait to take a ride myself.
See ya, Ken

Re: \"CJ\"s First Splash!
 

The shape of the cut out on the door-VDH all the way-PF :cool:

Re: \"CJ\"s First Splash!
 

Steve

I guess because your "Up front and on the side" but it just feels heavier and less hull slap. Imediately on plane from the hole shot but I think a set of trimtabs are in order with three people.

Btw: Carla needs to tell the story of how Frank Brown had configured a drain plug in his bow rider and filled it with water like a mini swimming pool for the kids when they were small :D

Re: \"CJ\"s First Splash!
 

Per Frank Brown, not hard to do & kept the kids happy in their "pool" while Daddy got to fish!

Yes, trim tabs would be good....I tried with the raffle!
Ken, looking forward to your taking a ride...anytime! ... and this time I'll have my camera.