Bought a Project - would love to hear your opinions!

[offroadwonder]

I finally took the plunge after years of dreaming about boats. I found a spectacular deal (or atleast what seems to be spectacular) on a 1996 Chris Craft Concept 18 that needs some pretty intense TLC. It has the 4.3 OMC Cobra.

According to the guy I bought it from the drive is still good (I understand OMC parts can be a little hard to come by), but I haven't been able to verify the condition of the drive since the shifter seems to be stuck in gear. I was able to verify the tilt and trim works though since I had to throw a battery in it to lift the drive to make the trip home.

Anyway, I've spent days combing through these forums for info, but I'd love to hear your opinions about the boat, tips for the OMC, words of wisdom on the 4.3, or anything else you might care to talk about.

I think today I may start tearing into the engine to see what I can find. At first glance I see alot of corrosion around the exhaust manifolds and risers (including a crack on the port riser), so I'm hoping all that corrosion doesn't mean I'm going to find a rusted out engine block that has to be replaced.

Give me some pointers!

 

[Dakota47]

Re: Bought a Project - would love to hear your opinions!

Pull out the spark plugs and see if the engine will turn over.

 

[tommays]

Re: Bought a Project - would love to hear your opinions!

Your RIGHT in the OMC/VOLVO joint venture (which would be a good thing ) time frame the expert in the I/O area could say for sure based on the serial numbers of the drive

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Bought a Project - would love to hear your opinions!

I think the 96 was the Volvo type drive.Post some pics and the serial numbers.
The 4.3 is a great engine.It has good power to weight ratio.
As far as parts go send me a PM if you have problems finding anything.
Also look at Ebasicpower.com,They usually have very good prices on manifolds.
If you need a factory owners manual i can help with that also.Don't waste your money on Seloc or Clymers manuals.
Congrats on the new boat!!

AND,WELCOME TO THE IBOATS FORUMS!!

 

[offroadwonder]

Re: Bought a Project - would love to hear your opinions!

I have to say, I am truly impressed. I had no idea this forum was so active!

Funny you should mention a Seloc manual. I just purchased one off ebay last night to have it before I start digging too deep into the motor and drive. I looked for a factory service manual but they seemed to be very specific about what each book covered (i.e. electrical, lower unit, steering). I wanted something that would be more general and cover just about everything.

Anyway, serial number on the unit is T0796221. It appears to have taken a pretty severe hit at some point in its life, I'm still crossing my fingers that it has survived (look at the shape of the prop in the picture ).

JB

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Bought a Project - would love to hear your opinions!

Aluminum prop...thats not a major hit. I have seen them shredded.

Take a look at this manual,I think during those years the manuals were seperate for the engine,drive,ect.

Email this guy with your serial number and he will find the right one for you.
I have bought many times from him and he is great to deal with...
Tell him Gary in NC sent you..

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1997...1262QQcategoryZ26453QQihZ009QQitemZ4569966218

 

[Robertpel9]

Re: Bought a Project - would love to hear your opinions!

I have the same boat but a 1995 with volvo engine and drive in like new condition i just purchased last month.

It is a GREAT boat, i am sure you will enjoy yours when you get it up to par, still very sharp looking and performs very well on the water

Good Luck