by John Bush, Dixieland chapter
In 2006 my wife, Carol and I began searching for a “wood” boat to use at our home on Lake Jordan near Titus, Alabama. Neither of us had any prior experience with “woodies” but owning one was on Carol’s bucket list. As we began our search, our brother-in-law told us that he had a friend who had recently began the process of restoring an old Chris–Craft that he might be interested in selling. That contact led to an ongoing friendship with Don Dunnivan who lives on Lake Martin about 30 miles from us.
Don, who had recently retired, and can do almost anything, had located “Carol Sue” in a barn in Montgomery and brought her to his shop to be restored. During the next year we visited Don and the 1956 Chris Craft Capri several times as the project continued just in case he decided to sell her when the restoration was completed. I still vividly remember seeing my wife slide under the boat on a mechanic’s crawler to look at the inside while Don was in the process of installing a “5200” bottom.
Finally, in March 2008, our woody was delivered to her new home on Lake Jordan where she joins three other classic wooden Chris Crafts. There are few things better than watching the sun set while sitting in a classic wooden boat.
A beautiful story and a beautiful boat. Congratulations on a job well done! And I thank you for sharing.
What a beautiful boat ! You will have a lifetime of memories Congrats!
I had 15 years ago a 1956 Capri 19 ft. and a 21 ft Capri. The 19 had a mercruser engine and the 21 had an originale engine. I sold them and know I regret. I should had put the 21 in a barn until now and just do a certain up keeping every year. They were like New and I was scared to used them because I work so much on the 21 and did not want to do a small scratch on it.
Now I would like to have my 21 here in Florida in the back of my house during the winter. Keep your boat if you had enough,one day it come back and you regret it. Lucky you,I am jealous but very happy for you.
A heart warming story. Nicely done!
Great looking boat John! I have one just like it. A 1955 edition with a Hercules 120 hp flathead 6. Love it!
What a wonderful old woody! Our family bought a new 1956 19ft. Capri (our first CC) through Leighton’s Boat House at Portage Lakes OH. We owned two more Chris Crafts after that, however the 19 Capri remained our favorite with so many great family boating memories. The hull with double planked bottom, curved windshield, and bull nose bow is a Chris Craft treasure. Best wishes for years of enjoyment!
Congratulations. Enjoy you Woody!