1990 Chris Craft 197 questions

[sptjet90Reflexx]

We are looking at a 1990 197, its local and the pictures look like the boat is in awesome shape. its listed as 21ft with 302 ford v8 (240hp) and has a OMC Super Cobra outdrive.

First Question: Anyone ever had this type of boat? the only boat we have ever owned was a 89 galaxxy a few years ago we had FOREVER till it finally died.

2nd: reliability of the 302 ford?
3rd: reliability of the outdrive?

He is asking about 7k for it with clean and clear title for trailer and boat. Has "extras" like skis, jackets, rafts, says new bimini top (32sqft), outdrive was rebuilt less then 60 horus ago(says he has receipts) garmin gpsmap 178c, new upholstery. Says has the newer 1991 chris craft trailer (sadly only single axle, new tires and recently serviced)..

any opinions? good price?

 

[aphillipe]

Re: 1990 Chris Craft 197 questions

Hey- Sorry for a late reply -did you purchase? I actually own the same identical boat (bowrider). My parents purchased it new in 1991, and I (oldest son) just purchased it for them. If it's in extremely good shape, the 7k is actually about what the dealer locally said they'd expect to get for it. My parents parted with it for 3k with a "family discount" Anyhow - we've had only very minor problems with it over the course of over 20 years -the biggest being the sensor that monitors shifts from Neutral to 1st. It's been replaced twice, but otherwise nothing else has gone wrong. It's a solid boat, Chris Craft is a solid manufacturer, and even though she is 20 years old she doesn't look it and still fits in with other modern boats on the water in terms of design.

I'd try and get it for close to 5k if I was you (even with the extras). NADA on it is only $4k in the current economy. And again - it's 20 years old