Is this C-Lark 14 salvageable?

[Dirk62]

Hi, I just bought a C-Lark 14 in an estate sale. It appeared to be in much better condition than the one I sold years ago. However, when I investigated a delaminated area of the deck, it turned out to be pretty bad. For reference in the pic, the centerboard-well is on the right, and the wood structure to the left is a mast-stepping socket rigged by the former owner. It occurs to me now that the boat was stored by his kids with the trailer-tongue down, and this area was no only soaked but we also had some freakishly (for Puget Sound) cold freezes last winter, so likely swelled badly as well. Its not rotted but is completely delaminated and compromised.

Anyone familiar with internal C-Lark structure? Or is there still a contact for the original company? I'm pretty handy with fiberglass but also know that I'll never recoup my efforts. Might be easier to find a different boat, but the rest of this hull is so good its a shame to scrap it.

 

[FastOlson]

The C Lark was popular, and sold well. Company info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clark_Boat_Company

Rebuilding it will depend on how much time and money you put into it. Whether the effort is "worth it" ..... only you can know that answer.

 

[Rick Webb]

The determination point is what you would give up completing the task?

Some monetary expense but time is likely the bigger issue. Weigh the required time against your other obligations and the affect your neglect would have on those obligations.

 

[shemandr]

If you love the design or have great memories you wish to recreate - maybe. Do you have children? Maybe a good family project. But realistically if you want a family project I would look for a boat kit from any number of venters.
To me that C Lark looks like a good bonfire. Might be hard to light.
And, for the general gestalt, can we stop blaming the PO posthumously. The poor bastard is pushing up tulips and we're complaining about his wiring decisions.

 

[Dirk62]

Thanks for all the replies, folks. Shemandr, I fear you might be right and I'll have to do some hard thinking about this, once I let it dry out. And I heartily agree with your principle, regarding the PO; for the general record, no blame was assigned or even implied. The "socket" I mentioned was a physical socket for the base of the mast, which had nothing to do with this issue - it merely provided reference to the location of the damage. No "wiring" on this boat, except the trailer
(I'm old enough to know a few guys have scratched their heads over decisions I made with past vehicles, home-improvements, etc!)
Thanks again, all!

 

[shemandr]

[QUOTE="Dirk62, post: 1828223, member: 165918”] ... no blame was assigned or even implied... [/QUOTE]
Agreed. I have a history of posts poking fun at criticisms of PO’s actions. It just caught my attention that the boat came to you through an estate settlement which triggered my post. Apologies to OP and deceased for any implication that the OP was blaming the PO.

 

[Dirk62]

No worries, Shemandr, and thanks again!

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Be careful burning fiberglass

 

[higgs]

A quick search turned up one C Lark 14 for sale advertised in excellent condition. $700 with trailer.

 

[jssailem]

The C-Lark 14 is one of many small dinghies built in the 60’s and 70’s that provide folks great fun on the water. If you are handy with tools and you want to spend time this winter fixing up a boat, why not take on the project. Working on a boat for some is almost as much fun as sailing one.

Working on your own boat and then taking her out for her first sail is almost as good as sex.

@FastOlson stated it clearly “Whether the effort is "worth it" ..... only you can know that answer.”

I can assure you that building a boat kit from scratch is not cheap nor without issues. The C-Lark looks like it would be a lot of fun on Lake Sammamish next summer.