| Does It
Ever End? |
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| Many who
boarded the boat wondered if we had it in us to complete the
project. And I must admit, there were times when I wondered it
myself. The 27' we owned was a complete interior restoration
job, and having just come off that project, jumping into this
one, I had moments where I doubted myself. But, I also had
those moments when I looked at the boat, and knew that it
could be a real beauty. Those were those private moments that
kept me going. |
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| This a
picture of the v-berth shelf. The front of this shelf (where
the outlet is located) was covered in a white laminate. I
pulled a corner away, and noticed the beautiful wood beneath.
I then began ripping, and had yet more wood to sand and
refinish. This Makita sander and I were to become the best of
friends. |
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A beautiful (but
somewhat chilly) Virginia sunset in June.
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| A Little
Fun Along the Way
Jamie and I
live in Portsmouth, Virginia, at mile marker "0" of
the Intercoastal waterway. In fact, if you were to take a left
out of our marina, you would be about 15-20 minutes from the
Chesapeake Bay. Turn right, and you're heading down the
Intercoastal Waterway, which is exactly what I did, along with
my best friend, Lee Dahlen, in the summer of 2002.
Jamie and I
are what I would definitely consider recreational, quiet
boaters. We're not in it for speed, and we're not looking to
make landmark journeys to destinations unknown. We are the
kind of boaters that are mindful of others, and respect the
waterways in every way.
During the
process of refinishing the cabin's interior, Jamie and I had
some fun along the way. The boat was in decent-running shape,
and we took opportunities, when they presented themselves, to
enjoy the very boat that was working us to death. It was these
moments when we knew we had bought a fine vessel, and one that
would serve us for many years to come. |
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| The
Commander Club
The Chris
Craft Commander Club is a union of owners of these fine
fiberglass cruisers, which were built between the years of
1964 and 1972.
To learn more
about the Commander Club, visit their website at www.commanderclub.com.
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| First Mate:
Jamie Rolison
The first
mate aboard CONFERENCE is Jamie Rolison, my partner of 10
years. We have shared so much together, and the ownership of
our beloved Chris Craft is no different. Jamie grew up in
Beaufort, North Carolina, where boating is as natural to
residents as driving an automobile.
Jamie owns
his own landscaping business, and also works full-time for an
advertising agency. He also does a killer job in marine
interior design. |
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