I came across this “mutt”. A 1/24 scale 50 ft Chris Craft Catalina. The original kit was produced by Sterling sometime between 1950 & 1980 when Sterling models were popular & Sterling was still in business. I really enjoy this type of building challenge; replace broken parts, repair less than stellar work, figure out how to get to areas in need of repair, & making it sail at some reasonable level.
Some photos showing “as found”.

The first order of business was to give both the inside & outside two coats of flowable epoxy giving particular emphasis to the keel, turn of the bilge, & stern. Filled the hull with water to a bit above the waterline & didn’t see any leaks. Couldn’t put it my test tank since a recent medical procedure restricts use of my left arm. Ballasting trial in that tank coming soon.
I am beginning to think that I’m the second person that began restoration on this model. From the filling job that was done.(in a rather haphazard way) indicates that someone else started the restoration and gave up on it. Apparently many glued in place components such as the windshield, mast, etc were broken off from the underlying balsa.

I have a newly found respect for the builders of these early balsa models. The softness of the balsa required a delicate touch to create a worthy model.Soft balsa & hard, brittle mahogany. What a contrast in materials.

Well, photos & rather extensive narratives lost when I edited the title.

Lost while editing previous post title

I decided to give the hull a bit of attention so it doesn’t look quite so bad just sitting there.

Things are coming along. First hull wetting is always good to have behind you. Almost no ballast was required to get to where I determined the water line to be. That would have made the boat like a cork ON the water rather than enough weight to get the hull IN the water. I will have to raise the water line a click. Motor, battery, & ballast weigh around 3.5 lbs. I hope it sails okay with so little weight. We shall see.

I covered the weak & damaged balsa foredeck with 1/32” plywood. That won’t add appreciable top side weight but will be more durable than the original balsa.

Some new photos. Hope to get the bottom wet soon.

Progress has been tedious. The cabin was not particularly well done with many parts not well fitted. I haven’t been able to hide all errors & the wood is somewhat dried out. Not at all a criticism of the original builder(s) who were more than likely rather inexperienced. I applaud the fact they made their best effort. I can see how they probably became discouraged. Many, many places where things needed to fit together precisely.
That said, I think it looking decent & will turn out okay.

Starting to look a bit better. Hope to splash it next week.