1958 Chris-Craft Sea Skiff

30’ 1958 Chris Craft Sea Skiff
10’ 6” Beam – No Trailer
Acquired 5 years ago in Marquette, Michigan, our 30’ Chris Craft Sea Skiff
cruised the big waters of Lake Superior her entire life before our
acquisition and subsequent use on Lake Monroe here in Indiana.   The Dr.
and family we purchased it from used it on weekends and outings for many
years.  The history before that is unknown but my guess is that it was used
as a commercial fishing or gear boat.   The Sea Skiff model s are open and
very easily adaptable to many needs, whether pleasure or commercial.   The
previous owners have kept the crud out of the bilge area and between the
interior ribs and lapstrakes.   This is evidenced by the great condition of
the ribs, which are known to crack at the bend point towards the keel.  Our
Sea Skiff shows no signs of deterioration at this point and the keel and
stringers are sound.
She is powered by the original Chris Craft “K” 6 cylinder flat head gas
engines and they both run beautifully.  When purchased, I had them checked
out thoroughly, had the carburetors rebuilt, added fuel filters as well as
new ignition parts.  They started up nicely and still do.  The water pumps
run effectively and keep the engine at 140 degrees consistently.  I have a
spare water pump as well and various ignition parts for emergencies.  The
fuel tanks are clean and have had fresh fuel in them consistently with no
issues.   The transmissions are very smooth and enable easy maneuvering in
and out of the slip.  Cruising speed is 2700 RPM’s at about 22 -30 knots.
She takes waves up to 12 ft I am told.  Any splash over the deck is
discharged by the scuppers in the aft deck area.  The 4 to 5 ft waves on
Lake Monroe are barely noticeable.
Restoration – When we acquired her, she had multiple layers of bottom paint
and side paint.  This was a good thing, as this had preserved the wood on
both areas.  This was also bad because I had to remove all this paint while
stripping down to bare wood.  Three years ago, I began the tedious effort
of removing all that paint from the deck down.  Once completed, I was
amazed at the condition of the bottom, keel transom and sides.  I was
expecting to find some replacement areas but there were none.  After
sanding, and filling some minor nicks, using Smith Fill-It system, and
re-fastening some screws, she was ready to start the finishing.  After
sanding and filling, Smith Seeping Epoxy (CPES) was applied on both sides
and bottom, then a second application.  This system is perfect for wood, as
it seals all micro and small cracks and stress points.&n