"The love of wood boats hit many of us while we were growing up. Myself, I never forgot the roar of the engine, the beauty of that wood, and the everlasting smell of leather and kapok. Unable to afford a wood boat while I was growing up, I settled for fiberglass and aluminum boats until 2004 ...
... Once this hull and bottom work was finished I brought the boat back to my garage to be completed. Upholstery was the most lengthy ... [process]. The original was worn and cracked in places and had to be replaced. Due to some rot around the seat bottoms I built new bases and backs, then cleaned, painted and refastened the original springs. Once all the upholstery pieces were documented, I packed everything up and shipped it off to Paul Cundiff at Woodies Restorations. Paul had Red and White Tolex material remanufactured to a perfect match; even the Silver Mylar welting was a dead match.
...
The restoration was completed in three years with more than 400 photos and 92 pages of documentation compiled during the process. This is a small synopsis of the research needed to preserve our wooden boats and it could not have been done without the help of many people who I have come in contact with around the world. Our "Boat Buzz" is one of the greatest resources available for documentation.
Knotty Blonde was complete four days prior to the 2014 Sunnyland Antique Boat Festival and received the "Best Chris Craft" award. Knotty Blonde was also featured on the cover of the Spring issue of The Brass Bell. ..."
Excerpted from "The Story of Knotty Blonde" by Pete DeVito, Sunnyland Chapter, ACBS, which appeared on pages 10 and 11 of the Winter, 2016 issue of Thoroughbred Newsletter, a magazine published by Century Boat Club of Manistee, Michigan. "Century -- the thoroughbred of the boating industry."
Note: 19 foot Capris were built by Chris Craft from 1955 through 1958. The hulls were numbered CP-19-001 through CP-19-786. The engine offered was a Chris Craft KBL, KLC, or KFL. The upholstery was Gold (1955), Special Flame (1956), Mint Green (1957) or Tango Red & White (1957-1958). The hull material was Mahogany. The DeVitos own CP-19-668. Their e-mail address is [email protected].
07/10/2026
I don't often write reviews this detailed, but Woodies Restorations has earned every word.
After searching for quite some time, I purchased a beautifully restored 1942 Chris-Craft 17' Deluxe Runabout (Whiskey Barrel) from Woodies. Buying a classic wooden boat from over 900 miles away can be intimidating, but from my very first conversation with Paul and the team, I knew I was dealing with honest people who genuinely care about their customers and their craftsmanship.
Before purchasing the boat, I flew from Connecticut to Kentucky to inspect it in person and take it for a sea trial. Paul and the entire team welcomed us, answered every question, and never once pressured me. They wanted me to be completely comfortable with the purchase.
Following my inspection, I requested several additional repairs and cosmetic improvements before delivery. Every item on the list was completed without hesitation, and in several cases they went above and beyond what I expected. It was obvious they wanted the boat to leave their shop representing the quality of work they stand behind.
The craftsmanship is outstanding. The varnish work, finish quality, attention to detail, chrome, upholstery, fit and finish, and overall presentation are exceptional. Everywhere I take the boat people stop to admire it. I've had countless compliments and conversations at the boat launch, on the water, and at the dock. She truly turns heads.
What impressed me just as much as the restoration itself was what happened after the sale.
Whenever I've had questions about maintenance, products to use, annual upkeep, paint colors, varnish recommendations, or original hardware, Michael and Paul have always been willing to help. They respond quickly, share their knowledge, and genuinely want to see the boat remain in top condition for years to come.
Like any restoration project, there were a couple of minor oversights. What mattered was how they handled them. They immediately took ownership, made everything right without hesitation, and stood behind their work. That level of integrity says more about a company than a perfect project ever could.
They even built beautiful new mahogany flag staffs for the boat, carefully matching the finish and wiring the stern staff for the navigation light. It's that kind of attention to detail that separates a good restoration shop from a great one.
I'm now creating a comprehensive history and provenance book for Whiskey Barrel, documenting her story from her construction in 1942 through every known owner. Woodies and their restoration will be an important chapter in that book because they have helped preserve not only the boat, but also her legacy.
If you're looking for a company that combines incredible craftsmanship with honesty, communication, integrity, and genuine pride in their work, I recommend Woodies Restorations without hesitation.
Thank you to Paul, Michael, Taylor, James, and everyone else who had a hand in bringing Whiskey Barrel back to life. You have my sincere appreciation and highest recommendation.
— Joe Carlone
Owner of Whiskey Barrel
1942 Chris-Craft 17' Deluxe Runabout Barrel Back
I wanted to tell you how much fun (and work) it was to build that boat. 
