1997 Chris Craft vs 1991 Four Winns

[mkuehnl]

Hi:

I was hoping to get some information or opinions on a potential purchase. I am considering 2 boats a 1991 Four Winns 170 freedom (18'6") with an OMC 4.3L I/O and a 1997 Chris Craft Concept 17 (17'2")with a johnson 115 outboard. I intend to use the boat I purchase on an inland lake that has volatile water levels. I will need to go in and out via shallow areas. We intend to use the boat for skiing, tubing and general cruising. The four Winns is in excellent condition - very well maintained. The Chris Craft is in good to very good condition. The four winns is $6300 and the Chris Craft is $6500.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1997 Chris Craft vs 1991 Four Winns

Chris Craft the outboard will get you thru the shallows better than the i/o. also the OMC i/o is not longer supported with parts, we usually say "run as fast as you can from the OMC"

Buying a boat

1st you need to decide what you want to use it for, fishing, cruising, or water sports.

2nd how many people adults, children you want on board of the average outing.

3rd outboard, inboard-outboard, or inboard power plant.

4th Budget, what you want to pay, and what you are willing to pay, when you find
Exactly what you want.

You can hire a marine surveyor, to inspect the boat, or you can do it yourself.

You are mainly looking for soft spots in the deck, transom, cracks, all signs of a rotten, under frame. You walk all over the deck, that a mallot, or hammer with wooden handle, using handle, tap all over the transom, a shape rap is good solid base, a thud, is questionable base.

The motor should be clean, no spots where the paint is discolored, or pealing from heat, having run hot. (This part for outboard motors Compression should be atleast 100psi, and within 10% of each other,)
Spark on all cylinders, good pee stream, check lower unit for water in oil.

The overall condition of the boat will tell you a lot, as to how it has been maintained.
boat motor combo, A 30 year old may be in better condition, than a 3 year old.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: 1997 Chris Craft vs 1991 Four Winns

Between those two choices the Chris Craft would be my choice.

 

[mkuehnl]

Re: 1997 Chris Craft vs 1991 Four Winns

I thank you for your input on my issue. I am leaning towards the Chris Craft. I am not very familiar with Chris Craft and needed some input from this board.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: 1997 Chris Craft vs 1991 Four Winns

You're welcome.

A few additional thoughts:

The Four Winns is way over priced in this market. I can't imagine anyone getting much more the $4k for that boat right now. Four Winns in general is a good boat. However, they were owned by OMC from 1988 to 1996 or there abouts and therefore all of the I/O boats used the OMC drive. As TD said above the OMC has less support for parts/service than say Mercruiser or Volvo does. That makes them less desireable.

Chris-Craft is really probably one of the best known names in recreational boating. The company and the name have gone through many different life cycles and ownership cycles. They have always been a good boat. The Concept product line was sort of a sport boat/entry level product. They are good boats. As far as the Evinrude...well they don't get much better than that. The 115 two stroke motor originated back in the early 70s and the basic design didn't change too much for the entire life cycle. They are still easy to buy parts for and have very good support for service.

The price on the Chris-Craft is probably a little on the high side. I would probably offer $5800 if the boat is in really good condition.

 

[tmh]

Re: 1997 Chris Craft vs 1991 Four Winns

Current condition is the #1 factor - far above brand name for 10+ year old boats. You need to be sure it's not rotting below the deck, and the engine runs great. Obvious stuff also like upholstery, accessories, etc.

As was, the 4Winns is way overpriced. MAYBE $4k for that boat, but I'd say that's still a poor purchase if someone does it because of the OMC issue.

$6500 for the CC ......sounds in the ball park at least. Buyers market so work the price some. It's worth paying up for a very well maintained boat though. Heck, some 1997 boats with outboards are still close to new condition.

 

[mkuehnl]

Re: 1997 Chris Craft vs 1991 Four Winns

Wow! Great insight. Thanks again.