Chris Craft 86

[Windykid]

I am looking at a 86 Chris Craft Scorpion 230. Any opinions on these boats after the change of company ownership.

 

[oops!]

Re: Chris Craft 86

cant say about an 86...

i saw oa 20 footer in a show room 3 monthc ago.....

fantastic product.......the sales man didnt know much about the product construction.....but i saw a really strong, well built craft....beauteful

but try here

http://forums.iboats.com/Chris_Craft

 

[fixb52s]

Re: Chris Craft 86

I have an 86 178. The hull construction is excellent, but they used wood stringers and deck. They were trashed when I got it and I had to replace it all. The transom was still solid so that was one less thing I had to do.

When you check this boat out, pay attention to these areas. If left outside, they rot like all other boats of that era.

Chris Craft was not able to help me out much, other than to send me a few scanned photos of the sales flyers for that year. As far as parts, the drivetrain parts should be easy to get. Everything else you will have to hunt ebay for.​

 

[Windykid]

Re: Chris Craft 86

Thanx, thats what I am looking for. Any other specific problems of the 80's Chris Craft?

 

[fixb52s]

Re: Chris Craft 86

What drivetrain does it have? If it is a Mercrusier, you will be happy since parts are easy to get. OMC is a little harder to get parts for.

One thing I have noticed when I tore into mine is the fuel system needed attention. The tank has a few pinhole leaks in it, but this was an easy fix. What really concerns me is the fuel fill hose. It runs from the front of the helm, under the floor to the tank. My hose was foamed in. It was original and was rotting pretty bad. If I was not replacing the deck and foam, I probably could have got it out without ripping the deck up because it was wrapped with a plastic liner. Fuel leaks + spark = BOOM, so check this carefully.​

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Chris Craft 86

Check the transom really good.Mine has a no wood floor but had wood in the transom that needed replaced.
Overall mine is a solid well made boat..

 

[Windykid]

Re: Chris Craft 86

Thanks guys, I will check those Items you have mentioned. I have a moisture meter to check the transom.

 

[Windykid]

Re: Chris Craft 86

Oh yea forgot, it does have the OMC drive.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Chris Craft 86

I would pass on the OMC,thats just me. I have owned them with good luck but finding parts can be a challenge sometimes.The OMC drive should knock the price down by a grand at least!
1986 was the first year the Cobra drive was used.

 

[Windykid]

Re: Chris Craft 86

I would pass on the OMC,thats just me. I have owned them with good luck but finding parts can be a challenge sometimes.The OMC drive should knock the price down by a grand at least!
1986 was the first year the Cobra drive was used.

Gary, Can I replace the drive with a merc or is that not possible?

 

[Ducatinut]

Re: Chris Craft 86

Gary, Can I replace the drive with a merc or is that not possible?

Windykid--

I noticed you haven't had a response to this, so I thought I would chime in. The OMC drives are not bad drives, but they are obsolete, so support is grassroots, at best. My Four Winns had the OMC rig and it turned into a hassle because the aftermarket parts are not great quality.

The next part, I am assured, doesn't violate the forum rules because I'm responding to a request for information and not actually advertising. If I'm off base, I hope that the mods are merciful...

Regardless, after the second lower unit failure (original and then after rebuilding) I was looking at repowering with a Volvo SX setup. This is supported and pretty straightforward, but, apparently, Volvos come with platinum gears or something. Pricey. I also researched repowering with a mercruiser setup. It's doable, but labor intensive and not much cheaper.

In any case, I started buying Mercruiser parts and my partner and I are in the process of endurance/torture testing a kit that allows you to mate a mercruiser drive bellhousing to the OMC transom ring. It's WAY over built and should be bullet-proof, but we would like to get some hours on the rig to make sure.

The kit would allow the adaptation of any Merc alpha drive to an OMC Cobra or Volvo SX rig, but retain the use of Merc parts for maintenance (bellows, gaskets, water hoses, etc).

Now, I feel like I should say that I don't recommend going out and buying a Cobra-powered boat with the intent of installing a Merc drive with this kit. But, if there is anyone out there with a nice boat and a junk Cobra or SX, I'd like to hear from you. We're looking for a small group of "beta-testers" to help us test the kit. I can't talk dollars on the board, but it should be VERY fair.

Again, if the salts of the board find fault with this, my apologies in advance. We're not a big company looking for free adverts, but enthusiasts that are trying to think away from the norm and help folks stay on the water for a reasonable price (I know, a novel idea in the marine business).

Regards,

Chris

PS - I have a 1986 Chris Craft Scorpion 179 that I am working on for a runabout. Neat boat. (It's a merc rig, btw )