1967 Chris Craft 38 Commander custom-built Cat 3126 Diesel conversion project

Description

1967 Chris Craft 38 Commander Cat3126 Diesel conversion
Hull FXA-38-3025
This is a nearly completed restoration and diesel conversion. The basic details of what has been done to date are described as follows.
This conversion renovation process has been followed, inspected by a marine surveyor to yacht standards during all of the de construction and re-construction process. John Campbell Yacht surveys of Marco Island documented the entire project to date.
Carefully taken apart to restore convert and rebuild. She has been taken down to the bare fiberglass hull shell, all sub structures for entire cabin and all bilge and motor areas were removed are re fabricated and reconstructed.
All fiberglass underwater hull areas sanded and ground, prepped for cloth and vinyl ester resin lamination added to entire running surface structure, re enforced stringers new bulk heads etc. Entire interior of the hull stringer structure has been re laminated and gel coat sealed. During this process the boat was properly blocked on keel and stands for alignment.
The exterior hull bottom was shaved and re laminated with bi axle fiberglass cloth and vinyl ester resin. There are new layers of material installed. There were some osmosis blisters this prep was done to facilitate the best possible bond of the lamination process. The bottom was then gel coated and epoxy barrier coated with bottom paint. The running bottom has been filled fared and epoxy barrier coated and bottom painted. Minor touch is needed.
The hull interior is now gel coat to the top of the hull and deck joint. Totally clean and sealed. This was possible as the hull was bare to keel totally empty.
During re lamination process a Bow Thruster was installed. Also new prop shaft tubes and exhaust tubes were installed for the diesel conversion.
A Redesign of motor bay and stringer area modifications was done to convert to the Cat 3126 Power. Motors are preowned low hour freshened up motors by Ruffing marine in Naples
The exterior hull sides and deck areas are partially prepped for paint.
The original windshield and hardtop are intact and could be re used.
The cock pit deck hatches were redesigned with a overboard gutter drain system and have 3 new Composite hatches that recess into the that drainage gutter system. All cockpit areas now drain overboard with nothing to the bilges.
A aluminum welded frame motor bay structure was fabricated and installed for the Cat 3126 power.
All struts rudders and 2 “props shafts are fabricated of Stainless Steel are one off designed and installed and connected to motor steering etc. Every part of the running gear is new in stainless steel.
During the hull fiberglass lamination process New fiberglass shaft log tubes and exhaust tubes were installed. The exhaust system is new.
A pair of Re Manufactured Cat 3126diesel motors are installed and aligned. The Motor installation is completed.
2 new 130-gallon custom aluminum fuel tanks with Weema senders are installed and plumbed
A Racor water separator fuel filter system to motors is installed
A new custom 120-gallon aluminum water tank with Pex line system is installed in bow.
A generator pad has been designed in the stern for several diesel gen set options
Most of the fresh water system is installed. Tank is in lines run, fixtures valve at head area etc. Galley has a sink and fixtures ready to be installed. The shower sump drainage system is installed. The head area has a full fiberglass shower pan and sink counter assembly custom molded. The head is a Sea-land Vacu-flush system The plumbing is there. The shower sump drainage system is installed. The 24 gallon HST waste tank for Vacu- flush head is needed and would get installed at port outboard side of motor which is behind head wall.
Bilge Pumps auto and manual system is installed with high water alarm switches pumps etc.
2” Bronze thru hulls, valves and Sea strainers are installed and plumbed.
A new cabin floor truss substructure was designed and built in place for the new cabin layout. there are no old parts of the structure all is new framed and sealed
Cabin interior is finished in Cherry not Mahogany as original boats both solid and laminated plywood were used. The cabin carpentry is 90% complete. There should be enough wood to finish trim out with boat.
The interior layout is open concept retro modern. All of interior is new and relocated spaces. Head area with vanity, shower and vacu- flush head system. Larger forward berth with storage .Larger seatee and larger linear galley area with loads of storage. The head area has a molded fiberglass floor pan with drain and molded sink. the head area has fiberglass panels for walls.
The 12 vdc battery system is wired through the cabin and battery switches and terminal blocks installed. All of the head liner is new and 12vdc wired.
There is a 18500 BTU ac system installed and mostly completed.
The 110 ac system is planed but not installed It would be terminated at the battery switch area enclosed in a cabinet with yacht standard panels etc. Something like a Blue Sea system was in mind.
The dash area has a similar redesigned fold out fiberglass console. Sleeker and easy access. All power for motors would run there. The ignition harness are with motors the 12vdc boat systems are run to terminal blocks at console.
All Sea Star Hydraulic Steering is new and the Morse binnacle controls are new as well. steering hose and cables not installed yet.
There is a complete motor gauge package and harness set ups not installed. In boat cabin drawers.
All the parts installed are new for the systems on boat. There are key parts that of course have been refurbished re chromed
etc.
to maintain the heritage of the boat. There are no old wires, hoses, rubber, cushions, plastics etc.
All the original chrome bronze parts have been restored and re chromed.
The hard top, wind shield frames and glass panels are intact for cabin and cockpit.
This Chris Craft has been rebuilt to better than new modern yacht standards. In the current state of completion, she will allow you to add your custom spin on a classic vessel with all new running gear and systems from the hull to the flag pole tips.
Every fiberglass structural part on this boat has been inspected and renewed to a higher standard.
Most of the heavy restoration work and a very large amount of money has been spent to date.
This is a unique opportunity for Twin diesel power in a small Timeless Classic yacht that can cruise in any condition. And be recognized and awed at any marina or yacht club.
The boat is stored in a secure building in Naples and can be seen by appointment.
I have a hydraulic trailer that I can move the boat to a local boat yard for a travel lift load on your low boy for transport.
I can be reached to share more about the restoration that has been done and provide additional pictures as needed. I of course can take you for a tour of the boat in person.
[email protected]
239-253-7357
Phone or text