Adding the Shiny Parts

Stainless Steel cutwater
Adding the stainless steel cutwater and rub rails really add the finishing touches.

Chrome and highly polished stainless steel are beautiful things on a Chris Craft.  They really make the boat pop.  Don’t cheap-out on your re-chroming.  There aren’t a lot of chrome shops left in the U.S.  It’s a nasty, dirty process that takes a craftsman’s eye and touch to do right.  It’s expensive, but if you want it to last, you’ve got to pay for it.

Stainless is a little easier.  It’s not terribly expensive yet, and often it’s easier to replace than to try to refurbish.  But if it’s not deformed, a buffing wheel and a little elbow grease can go a long way to making some old stainless look better.

Dry-fitting metal trim pieces on a classic boat
Taping the cutwater in temporary position. Note the edges are taped to guard against scratching the new, soft varnish.

Now, with the boat varnishing completed, the last thing you want to do is mar your finish.  Tape all the sharp edges before dry fitting anything.

 

 

 

 

 

Apply paste wax to the back side of any metal part to make subsequent removal easier.
Apply paste wax to the back side of any metal part to make subsequent removal easier.

And a good coat of paste wax on the varnish-side of any metal will make it easier for the next craftsman to get that piece off without it sticking to your finish.

 

 

 

 

 

A little dab of sealant on the tip of a screw is all it takes to seal out damaging moisture.
A little dab of sealant on the tip of a screw is all it takes to seal out damaging moisture.

Finally, when installing, any penetrations in the hull (i.e. screw holes) must be sealed with a good sealant ( I like BoatLife Caulk) to keep the water from getting in.  A little dab on the end of the screw before you drive it is all it takes.   It’s tedious and messy, but don’t skip this step.

 

 

 

Squeeze out is your indicator that you've properly sealed the penetration.
Squeeze out is your indicator that you’ve properly sealed the penetration.

2 Replies to “Adding the Shiny Parts”

    1. Hi Roger
      Thanks for your nice words. As you know, I did this work some time ago. But if memory serves, the material wasn’t terribly thick; probably about 1/32 of an inch. I hope this helps.
      Tim

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