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38 Riviera Restoration

Discussion in 'Chris Craft Roamer Yacht' started by homer1958, Nov 19, 2009.

  1. homer1958

    homer1958 Member

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    Novacool marine refrigeration

    In response to Icabina's refrigeration question...

    The refrigerator is Canadian made and uses the quieter/cooler more efficient Danfoss compressor. I studied it out and it proved to be higher quality than Norcold and I understand Tundra is good too.

    I liked this model because it was side by side and has a real freezer. The compressor was on top (heat rises) I would say it is a good unit, very nice looking and quiet. If I had any complaints, it would be that I did not think the interior plastic will will any awards. You can add any type wood veneer you want to it as well.

    It was purchased at Boat Electric in CA.. shipped to VA. They are very knowledgeable regarding anything "boat electric." Your choice will be as to whether or not you wish to add the 110 adapter that allows you to be either 12v or 110 detects and autoswitches. You can't assume it will or will not fit in your factory cut-out as mine is custom made so check your dimmensions. Here is the link to get it and a good place to chat about marine refrigeration.

    If I am not mistaken, this model was origianally custom-designed for Riviera Yachts in Australia which is shut down, but this must be a good model as they have been making it a while.

    http://www.boatelectric.com/rfs7501.htm
    Last edited: Dec 6, 2009
  2. homer1958

    homer1958 Member

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    Remote down...

    Soon she shall disappear as though she never existed... I wonder if Joe Kennedy invented this in the 1920's?

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  3. homer1958

    homer1958 Member

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    Two way mirror Portlight?

    OK, enough... you can see out but you can't see in. Door is a 40 pound slider 1.5 inces thick. This allows for a wider opening, more light and considerably more space both in the bow area and in the cabin too. When the Roamer 38/38 was made, they did not use all the space as they basically dropped the interiors in from the shop. They did not use all the space that truly is there. Why... cost and production.

    Behind the door is a double bed and a fullsize chair. Deep closets removed for the space which allowed for a 23' flat screen wall as well as several drawers.

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  4. homer1958

    homer1958 Member

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    Hand carved Anchor locker Door

    This is a handmade African Mikore anchor oval locker door. It will have a mirror in the center, Chris Craft logo will be etched in the glass. It will be backlit with bronze LED baclklights.. at night "Chirs Craft" will shine throguh the mirror.

    We deleted the Vee birth and made a sideways double bed.. plenty of room. Everything curves.. no square corners allowed. Look closely and you will see the bow is shaped and cold molded. The original simply dropped in straight pressboard and covered it with wallpaper.

    Behind the coldmold here is Thinsulate insualtion. The cold mold will be covered with sound deadening closed-cell foam, header Ivory Ultrasuede and fully insulated.

    So you all know, Roamer used pink fiberglass insualation in the salon header only, but never insulated the bow area or the sides of the boat. I always wondered why it would not stay warm or cool in certain places. Well, it will now and much quieter.

    Most of this kinda stuff one can do themsleves with proper materials, time and patience. The original hatch (very high quality cast aluminum BTW) was removed so a new cast couldl be there with full view of the sky plus the ability to put install an Oceana sunscreen unit.

    The old 1600 AC unit is built under the birth, all we did was upgrade the contol unit to the latest. The isolation transformer will be replaced by a Charles Industries unit and located in the helm area under the Captain's Helm to the right. Electric now enters the vessel from the starboard aft.

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  5. homer1958

    homer1958 Member

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    Roamer Mirrror

    We deleted the closet here, rounded the corner, cut-out installed a mirror with the Roamer logo. This gives a nice sene of openness. What did we do with that space? I will show you later... but the bathroom has a full step-down shower with a tinted gray sliding tubular plexiglass shower tube like the new boats.

    The window is there so it opens too. This was one of the flaws fo 37/38 Roamer baths.. could not open a window! How embarrasing it must have been for guests teaching the china man a music lesson.

    As far as closets, we did lose a lot of haning space as we only have one now, but we built so many drawers. The boat actually has twice the organized space than the original however... like everthing else.. give and take.

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  6. homer1958

    homer1958 Member

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    What's new for today...

    Well, Dennis and Sean are mounting the $160 35 pound polished 316 stainless anchor...

    Again, got real tired of the real high prices from Lewmar and others... so tried China. They did a GREAT job... see for yourself. The roller was $99 and makes most of our stuff look so so. It weighs over 20 pounds and you can shave in both.... Custom made for your Roamer

    e-mail me for catelogue and contacts.. very honest people and positive dealings.. you will have to wait a few weeks though.. maybe six.

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  7. homer1958

    homer1958 Member

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    What's going on in the cockpit?

    Well, let's jump around....
    Note the slider... lots more room now and door is 1.5 inchs thick.. next week watch the porthole and lockset join the party.

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  8. homer1958

    homer1958 Member

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    Is that Snakewood?

    Snakewood... Haa?

    A rare exotic Snakewood is found in remote areas of South America... a place we will all have to go if the economy goes anymore North. All it is is veneer covering a piece of PVC that acts as a decoratve cover for the 3 inch aluminum pipe that is welded into to hull and to the welded aluminum top. Once it is clearcoated really looks cool. Dress up your Roamer, why not?

    The new wood you see is 3/4" solid, and double sound proofed behind. Note the fine joinery being crafted by Capt. Sean. We create as we go... no plans or drawings here.

    I look forward to the finish work.. it's a hobby of mine that I have been practicing since 12 years old and am actualy getting pretty good at... at least I think so. If you like to sniff glue, boat epoxies and clearcoats bring a whole new dimmension to the sport... Come on now, just joking.

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  9. homer1958

    homer1958 Member

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    I'm sweating and smell bad...

    I stink... all this sweat equity is a stinker. Let's clean-up test the new Astro-Tube Star Trek step-down Beam Me UP shower. Oops forgot to pay the water bill! Yes, we lost the closet but who cares.. it was a lot of deep dead space that was well worth the trade-off. Those shower curtain showers that douche the whole bathroom with steam and water.. NO MORE!

    We now have a window in the bath that opens and a really nice shower that is "with the times." Again.. goal is 196O's classic style exterior with the 2010 interior. I beliveve it has been achieved.. and it is a lot of work, but it's fun too! Nothing worse than an old mildew gal. Se smells sweet... "The New Boat Smell." If there is one stink that is the worst it's boat mildew.

    Actually Roamers generally do not have this problem.. praise Metal Hulls!! When is the last time you saw a super tanker made of fiberglass? They use metal for a reason... it's stronger.

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  10. homer1958

    homer1958 Member

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    How to afford it? Think 1969!

    Yearly Inflation Rate USA 5.46 %
    Yearly Inflation Rate UK 5.6%
    Year End Close Dow Jones Industrial Average 800
    Average Cost of new house $15,550.00
    Average Income per year $8,550.00
    Average Monthly Rent $135.00
    Average Cost New Car $3,270.00
    Toyota Corona $1,950.00
    Gas per Gallon 35 cents
    Alarm Clock from Westclox $9.98
    Median Home Price $24,000
    Price of a New Aluminum Roamer $40,000 w/427 Cobras
    (No fuel in tanks... that would have cost $91.00 for 240 gallons.
    We all know how high marina gas was back then.
  11. homer1958

    homer1958 Member

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    Who was HOT?!

    She's a Lady...
    Yes we know Tom, talk about Roamers... "takes one to know one."

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  12. homer1958

    homer1958 Member

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    1969 - Most popular songs

    1. Build Me Up Buttercup - Foundations
    (Billboard High Chart: #3)
    2. Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond
    (Billboard High Chart: #4)
    3. Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye - Steam
    (Billboard High Chart: #1)
    4. More Today Than Yesterday - Spiral Staircase
    (Billboard High Chart: #12)
    5. Mah-Na-Mah-Na (Mahna Mahna) - Piero Umiliani
    (Billboard High Chart: #55)
    6. Son Of A Preacher Man - Dusty Springfield
    (Billboard High Chart: #10)
    7. My Way - Frank Sinatra
    (Billboard High Chart: #27)
    8. Proud Mary - Creedence Clearwater Revival
    (Billboard High Chart: #2)
    9. Something - the Beatles
    (Billboard High Chart: #3)
    10. Sugar Sugar - Archies
    (Billboard High Chart: #1)
    11. Stand By Your Man - Tammy Wynette
    (Billboard High Chart: #19)
    12. Touch Me - Doors
    (Billboard High Chart: #3)
    13. Honky Tonk Women - Rolling Stones
    (Billboard High Chart: #1)
    14. Bad Moon Rising - Creedence Clearwater Revival
    (Billboard High Chart: #2)
    15. Hooked On A Feeling - B.J. Thomas
    (Billboard High Chart: #5)
    16. I Can't Get Next To You - Temptations
    (Billboard High Chart: #1)
    17. Come Together - the Beatles
    (Billboard High Chart: #1)
    18. Grazing In The Grass - Friends of Distinction
    (Billboard High Chart: #3)
    19. Traces - Classics IV & Dennis Yost
    (Billboard High Chart: #2)
    20. Hawaii 5-0 - Ventures
    (Billboard High Chart: #4)
    21. It's Your Thing - The Isley Brothers
    (Billboard High Chart: #2)
    22. My Cherie Amour - Stevie Wonder
    (Billboard High Chart: #4)
    23. Hot Fun In The Summertime - Sly and the Family Stone
    (Billboard High Chart: #2)
    24. Someday We'll Be Together - Diana Ross and the Supremes
    (Billboard High Chart: #1)
    25. Everybody's Talkin' - Nilsson
    (Billboard High Chart: #6)


    Wait a Minute.... Roamers don't leak, sink, were fast and the screens worked... Fast too. Bring it on Sea Ray! Bottoms up-- yours Bundancer... a 1969 Rivie will take a 2009 Sundancer.. yes it will.. speed or chicken, place your bets boys!

    Yellow Submarine.... What's that? A Bayliner with a cracked Monomatic Head Gasket?

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  13. homer1958

    homer1958 Member

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    What song was #1 for 1969...

    Splashed in the Spring of 69.... The Roamer Ballad Launched... America was America... the way we loved and respected her. Reflect, Go Roamin and everyday will be a new day. Made in America, Holland Michigan, designed by Dick Avery stolen from Ford Motor Company. Is Dick still with us, yes he is, as timeless as his designs.

    Forget the Day
    Forget the Time
    Make your Dreams Come True
    Find a Roamer to Save.. even if it is yours.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuqHlv1YPe0

    THE NUMBER ONE SONG FOR 1969: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EegRh8Z4H-o

    Don't forget... Richard Nixon for 2012.
  14. homer1958

    homer1958 Member

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    Another Roamer Citing...

    It's not a UFO, three F-16's just flew over from Andrews in formation... look closely, she's anchored out in front of Mount Vernon just a few miles from Washington. Hard to find one sitting still, 427 Ford Cobras have terminal "ADD." Yes, she's bold... bathing in the No Fly Zone... exceptions are made.

    She's a long way from home. Look closely again... was this Roamer in a Swimsuit Competition? Is there room for two woman?.... You bet!!

    But did she win?... Not sure, but good chance.

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    Last edited: Dec 10, 2009
  15. homer1958

    homer1958 Member

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    What Did Bond Service in 1969?...

    Her Majesty's Secret Service of Course. I rather doubt even Bond would touch the Queen. And if he bowed, it was only to the Queen. Anyone who attended class 101 knows you wait for the lady to extend her hand. Is 101 now be denied too? The American Constitution is based on English Common Law, no other. That is our tradition, this is our law our waters. Next year we all have our last chance to save her... Please go Roamin back... Coke tried too, the Classic won... fingers crossed for 2010. Fads do not hold value, never have, never will.

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    Last edited: Dec 10, 2009
  16. homer1958

    homer1958 Member

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    How it was. How we bow it remains...

    Have Chris Craft Roamers been knighted with Classic bows?...
    You bet your sweet transom.
    Speaking of transoms... Boy, she's got a nice transom.

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  17. q240z

    q240z New Member

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    homer1958, I'm curious--what's the "turbocharged" setup look like? On my 46, they took out the original 427s and put in SeaMasters, twin turbo + intercooled Ford 534 Ford Super Duty monsters. The thing is, the carbs sat on watercooled plenums and were of the "draw through" design. Air first came through the carbs, then into the turbos. The compressed air-fuel mix was then pushed through hoses and manifolding up to the intercooler housing, which bolted onto the intake manifold where the carburetor would normally go. This was some pretty wild, dragster technology in 1972, but with modern eyes it looked like the world's biggest Roman (Roamin'?) candle. Fuel-air mix under pressure going through hoses???

    So how is yours configured, and when was the turbo setup added?

    Also, what led you to get rid of the stainless accent strips on the cabin top and go with wood? The same thing was done to my 46 back in the late 70's or 80's, but I actually thought the stainless looked better. Unfortunately, they don't make those parts anymore...
  18. homer1958

    homer1958 Member

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    I know you, I know your boat.

    It rested in disrepair for years ready to pass on the Anacostia in a rough neighborhood. You totally saved her life and are doing a fantastic job.. don't kid yourself, I follow your thread (it seems to have stopped?) You knew well in advance that under the chippy Mexican house paint and muck lied 5086 aluminum and the sedan top was fiberglass. She looked horrible... but she sure does not now, it may win a show... nobody would believe it today if they saw the "before and after." Sorry to be so direct, but you probably would not disagree.

    I knew her long before you bought her. I can't remember the name, but think it began with an "S?" It's aluminum, has monster racing motors and probably flys. I can't answer your engine questions as they are out of my knowledge sphere. Under the hood of the 38 Rivie lies two Yanmar 370 LY turbos acquired years ago on a special deal... last of the mechanical Yanmar turbos. I can't expect others to do such surgery, it was brutal in several ways. But, she's a sleeper and takes no crap off any boat her size, new or otherwise... a quiet understated beast, so quiet with the Centek lift mufflers she spits like a Honda at idle, but she's no Honda. When the turbos kick... if you are not holding on, fanny fast hits the deck you go. Props are 23 by 31.5 custom four blades with 2 inch aquamet shafts, new rudders, and Seastar hydraullic steering. She only weights about 18,500-19,000. More than the original because of the quality and density of the new interior, yet the motors and trans are within 10 pounds of the original.

    As far as the strips, they are going to be as beautiful as you decide to finish them. I would put emphasis on these strips. They are the front cover of your book, what people see... the Roamer name, the brand, a shimmering base for the chrome Roamer logo.

    There is nothing wrong with using the stainless strips either, they are true to the breed. However, nothing could be more beautiful than Pommel Sappelle. I used African Pomell Makore, because they were out of Pomell Sapelle. Exotic Hardwoods in WhiteHall MD has it all.

    To do it right, put on several coats 3/4 of Maas epoxy and sand it smooth as glass with an autobody repair hard foam block. Then, spray Dupont Chromaclear 7900S. It is professsional stuff and must be mixed properly .. it also has isocyonites, so use good protection. It is super easy to repair too.. pliable, has UV protection and good on wood compared to other clearcoats. It is top of the line and costs more.

    This product is shiney like a mirror. When done, sand smooth with 1500 wetsand paper (autobody stuff). Then take 3000 grit pads on a DA sander if you have one and hit it lightly with a bit of soapy water spray. After that.... 3M 3000 "Perfect it." After that, 3M swirl/ glazing compound. Then wait a month and wax with carnuba. This will give a look that is beyond show. I did this with the toerail as well.. the job was not easy nor fast... but in the sun, she gleems from far away. There is not a piece of dust in the finish, not one, no drips or sags... just a Ribbon Sappelle mirror.

    How do I know all this stuff.. to me it was the same as as a good bodyshop would do a Hot Rod. So I went to them to learn.

    The 46 is a true Yacht. My father always wanted that particular model, but could not afford with four kids too. It was very expensive.. maybe like $90,000 with 427's.. diesels way more. There was one in Alexandria Bay/ 1000 Islands.. remember it as a child. I think it was new and sold by Bonnie Castle Yacht Basin. It was named "Beefeater" and owned by the Grandma Brown's Baked Beans Family. She too was a 1969 model.
  19. q240z

    q240z New Member

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    "I follow your thread (it seems to have stopped?)"

    There hasn't been much to post on mine recently. Forward motion stopped in June when Coltons Point became hostile to the project, so I splashed the boat and moved it to Deale where it now sits on land again. I shrinkwrapped it last Sunday. Whoop dee doo. Hardly worth updating the thread, y'know?

    On the "chippy Mexican house paint," I know the guy who painted Sa Va back in the late 80's, and he swears it was badly checked Interlux Premium Yacht Enamel. lol

    You know, you wrote about the 427s so much that I forgot that you'd swapped them out for Yanmars. Call it a senior moment...

    So, who's the guy who did your interior and what's his hourly rate?
  20. homer1958

    homer1958 Member

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    A few guys

    A few guys who worked on the side for $35/hr a couple of years ago and did not fudge the hours. They did a lot right and a lot wrong, worked for a firm in Annapolis but were extremely immature, if a fight started with a girlfriend it would end up like a beaver hit the wood. One was good, the other an argumentative blowhard so I have to pay again to get it repaired. I have a new fellow who seems to be doing good quality. Hourly is subjective, depends on thier speed, efficiency and honor. I have seen it all: good, bad, worse and great too. Hard to say really until the end. Woodwork is tough, the toughest part I think to get the right match. You can still get $35.00 per hour in Wanchese NC.. and get the finest joinery. I know who, several in fact, but that's a long haul. Let's see how this goes now, but in general things are over-priced around MD and VA compared to NC and anywhere else for that matter. Everyone else has had to cut back.. so these guys do too with this economic mess... better to have work than none at all.

    I have a new one now and will let you know how it goes, will know by mid January for certain.They all ask for plenty, but in the end you will know. I swear by my painter.. he still is around but we have a long history. It is always a risk. Many people are out of work, as is my field in rough shape. Don't get me going about politics... if you read this post closely you certainly can figure it out. I go slowly one step at a time.. not interested in getting in trouble or having issues but I have great respect for a good joiner.. cabinet making is a true skill.
    Last edited: Dec 11, 2009