TOPIC: Cutter 15' Restoration has Begun

I started stripping the boat down so it can be flipped over so I can start working on the hull. I took a few photos of the "before" state.

I am starting to think this is actually a 1960 "Cutter 15", not a '61. It does have the same seating arrangement as the '59 Cutter Como. Some day I will find out it's true name.
[img][IMG]http://i1045.photobucket.com/albums/b460/TXCurbster/tag.jpg[/img]
[img][IMG]http://i1045.photobucket.com/albums/b460/TXCurbster/IMG_0342s.jpg[/img]

Here is the boat when we got her home and befor removing anything.
[img][IMG]http://i1045.photobucket.com/albums/b460/TXCurbster/IMG_0294s.jpg[/img]
[img][IMG]http://i1045.photobucket.com/albums/b460/TXCurbster/IMG_0293s.jpg[/img]

Now the stripping pics:
[img][IMG]http://i1045.photobucket.com/albums/b460/TXCurbster/IMG_0398s.jpg[/img]
[IMG] [img][IMG]http://i1045.photobucket.com/albums/b460/TXCurbster/IMG_0406s.jpg[/img]

Found the part of the motor that clamps to the transom broken. I will need a replacement.
[img][IMG]http://i1045.photobucket.com/albums/b460/TXCurbster/IMG_0409s.jpg[/img]

Here are some shots of the transom. You can see the original red color. The blue paint job was done very terrible. No big deal though.
[img][IMG]http://i1045.photobucket.com/albums/b460/TXCurbster/IMG_0427S.jpg[/img]
[img][IMG]http://i1045.photobucket.com/albums/b460/TXCurbster/IMG_0418S.jpg[/img]

The good. The two Vollrath pieces are nice. Wthat is the hole on the top of the bow light for? A flag?
[img][IMG]http://i1045.photobucket.com/albums/b460/TXCurbster/IMG_0301s.jpg[/img]
[IMG] [img][IMG]http://i1045.photobucket.com/albums/b460/TXCurbster/vollrath1.jpg[/img]

Next thing I will do is use a small drill to check for wood rot in the transom and stringers.

More pics

the hole in the bowlight is for a flag staff. ron

Ritchie, you caught the fever! Great start and looking forward to your progress over the next few months. Something about fins make those boats special. Don't let the boat beat you.
Cal

welcome ritchie,i have a 1959 cutter they are very well made boats,about the only wood in them ,is in the transom.
if i were you though ,i would cut out an oval or circle big enough to remove the foam under each seat,mine was soaked,but be prepared to go though alot of jigsaw blades,lol,those seats are made well.
and like i said cut a circle or oval,because a square or 90 degree cut will eventually crack at the corners.
also if your rubrail is savable,hang onto it,i still havent found a good replacement for mine.
your jet de ville will be a beauty,JAG had a beautiful one.
here is a pic of my seat with just some of the foam removed,the bottom half was soaked .
a picture of "JAG's' cutter,its an inspiration for me.

Thanks Cal & John,

yep. i have got the fever.

I will cut ovals in the seats and pull the foam out like in your pic.

The rub rail is hardened but the aluminium is good.

JAGs jet de Ville is BOSS! I wish I had the Jet de Ville. I think I have the Como.

Ritchie,

"Restoring an old boat is a lot like childbirth.
When it's all done you forget about the bad parts."

Enjoy the rebuild, and try not to rush it, or it will show.

Best of luck: Keep sending those pics.

Ritchie -

just pickup up the exact same boat, but a 59. Doing some inspection of mine before i start to strip. I too have all the Vollrath hardware!! (sorry, no pictures yet)

Question I have, to you or any of the other Cutter owners - on the floor, between rear seat and transom, are two raised pieces that run fore and aft, and you can see in Ritchies photos above - the same dimensions as a 2 x 4. Mine have some drill holes in them where someone at some point mounteed something. Is / was there a 2x4 or other wood under there? It is about the right dimensions, and I anticipate having to cut those open and replace the wood and reglass. The transom on mine appears good, but I fear that water entering these sections of the floor in the drill holes has made it back to the transom.

And I can tell that my seat areas need the foam taken out, got some water sloowly leaching out of the bench junction with the floor when trailer is tipped up. Thanks for the tip above regarding an oval cut!

Cool beans! Looking forward to seeing you pics.
I am not sure if they are 2x4's. They sure look like the right size to be 2x4's. Maybe someone drilled holes to check for rot?

I have been adding to the "replacement parts" box. Got a new speedometer and tach. I also have the Apple Red paint for the top half. I need to order some parts for the outboard.I cant wait to get this boat flipped so i can start on the hull.

Any updates on your Jet Deville?

Has anyone ever found a good source for replacement windshields for the Cutters?. Mine is crazed badly.