RESTORATIONWebster's defines restoration as "To bring back to an original condition." Jamie and I are not "purists" (like many Commander owners). We want Command Performance to look its best, and to be as mechanically sound as possible. We will make this vessel something we can be proud of, and most of all... something we can enjoy! The following images and text will give you a glimpse into what obstacles we face in accomplishing that goal. |
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One thing I've discovered, after having owned two other Commanders, is that one cannot base a judgment on an initial viewing. Command Performance had sat unattended for the better part of 18 months (semi- and poorly covered), and upon seeing her for the first time, Lee snapped this photo. She was a mess! We both knew, however, that she was definitely a diamond in the rough. She would one day become beautiful again. She simply needed an "extreme makeover".
The photo to your left was taken following an extensive clean-up of the cabin. Boatyard workers, and other persons had boarded this boat during her extended lay-up, and left many signs (and much trash) upon their departure. Since Lee had the supreme opportunity to view the boat before I could, he remarked that one of the things I would need upon my arrival was a large dumpster into which we could pour most of her cabin's contents. HE WAS RIGHT!
One of the boat's most worrisome areas is the part of the boat that I like the best - the aft cabin. It was a source of great water intrusion until several repairs were made to the small, round hatch, and the two seat boxes that reside in the cockpit above. (see below)
(before)
As you can see from this photo, there was much plywood and duct tape in the cockpit of this motor yacht. It did little to deter water from making its way into the aft cabin head, becoming a real source of aggravation.
(after)
Several months later (and a huge handful of $$), the starboard seatbox, the side combings and also the portside seatbox and combings have all been treated to new laminate, and new woodwork (where necessary), as well as beautiful new teak trim.
(full view)
The improvements made by having the cockpit complete again is never so apparent as in the photo to your left. While there is still work to be done, the visual and aesthetic improvements are huge.
The Stately Mast
In all of the promotional materials I saw prior to taking ownership of this vessel, there always appeared a beautiful mast mounted to the cabin top. One afternoon, Club member Rick Shannon and I were able to re-assemble all the necessary parts to begin restoration on this stately and magnificent accessory to Command Performance. Once we were sure we had all the parts, it became quite apparent that I would have to break out the refinishing products to really finish this project. (see below)
The mast is finally assembled, and with the help of Mr. Dahlen, it is rewired, checked, double-checked and then mounted to the cabin top. This item is over 10ft. tall, so it was quite befitting that I pardon a cardinal rule of mine (no standing on the cabintop) for this one photo. It is gargantuan, and quite beautiful. Much of the chrome needs to be redone, but for the moment, she is sitting proudly atop the cabin, where she should be!
Rick Shannon, dear friend and Command Performance fan, brought to Portmouth his trusty compressor and spray equipment to breathe life back into a forward hatch I had purchased off eBay. I actually bought this hatch during our ownership of CONFERENCE, but didn't get a chance to install it. After surveying the forward hatch on Command Performance, I recalled buying this eBay item. Upon closer inspection, it was determined this would be the hatch that we would use on Command Performance following an overhaul. Thanks, Rick!
It's incredible what a saltwater environment can do to fixtures, such as a shower control set. We unhooked this item and went to "push" it through, as we had a replacement (shown left) to take its place. Nothing would budge it, not even a sledgehammer. It was in there for good. Finally, it was decided to "cut" it out of the wall, create a teak plate, and install the new fixture. Worked like a champ. No all we have to do is find the shower hose/head (like a ShowerMassage head), and attach. The shower will once again be a functional part of the boat.