Chrysler Boat Quality?

[rschnack]

Hello again. I am familiar with some of the history of Chrysler Boats but am not very familiar with the boats themselves. I have an opportunity to bid on a 1981(?) Courier 300 that seems to be in very good condition. These boats seem to go cheap around here and I was wondering why. If you read the old brochures they claim to be very well built (of course). This boat has a Chrysler I/O. I know it can be difficult to get parts but may put in a low bid on this boat anyway. What I am wondering, are these quality boats? Were the outdrives a good design? Your opinions will be appreciated.<br /><br />Best regards,<br />RCS

 

[steelespike]

Re: Chrysler Boat Quality?

Ill be the first to admit I know nothing<br /> specific about that boat.<br /> From my very limited expierence I would say<br />the boat it self is probably average.As with any older fiberglass boat you need to check for soft spots,cracks and overall fairness of the hull.<br />As you may know they sometimes absorb water with serious problems resulting.<br /> I personally would be scared to death of the outdrive.What motor does it run?Is it a converted outboard powerhead?I think I would do some<br />research before buying.Im betting parts are at least difficult if not impossible to get and<br />probably pretty pricey.<br /> Could be a fun project if you can deal with the problems.Not for me.

 

[coupedeville]

Re: Chrysler Boat Quality?

Ask the Chrysler Crew.<br />www.geocities.com/thechryslercrew

 

[Hurrikain]

Re: Chrysler Boat Quality?

Quality of the Chrysler boats is good, but you need to know what to look for just like any brand.. I run the Chrysler Marine web site http://www.geocities.com/thechryslercrew and would be happy to assist in any way possible.. Parts are not difficult to get for the Outboards, and Inboards but if you need parts for the 300 stern drives or the jet drives these can be very difficult to find.. If I was looking for a Chrysler boat with I/O power I'd stay with the pre 76 models which still used the volvo drives which are dependable and easy to get parts for.. Oh BTW Chrysler produced boats from 1966-1980 but produced outboards thru the 84 model year.. Have a great time on the water!<br />Dave

 

[rschnack]

Re: Chrysler Boat Quality?

Thanks for the input. Hurrikain Dave, you run a very good website with much information. Everyone here should check it out. The old Chryslers have unique lines. It would be interesting to see what they would be producing now if they would've been allowed to stay in business. I am not really sure which model of Chrysler boat this is. I believe it is a Courier 300 after looking over the brochure scans on your website. This boat was donated to the Salvation Army and they are auctioning it off by sealed bid. The original owner of the boat, who seems to have maintained it very well, passed away last year. His children used the boat last summer and said it ran very well. It was raining pretty hard the first time I looked at the boat but it appeared to be in very good condition. I went back to look at it this past weekend and realized immediately that I missed something important in the rain. The skeg is broken off of the 300 outdrive and every blade of the prop is bent and/or missing level with where the skeg was broken off . The "children" must have found a big rock in the shallows or drove too far up on the concrete ramp at the launch. I think I will pass on this one.<br /><br />Best regards,<br />RCS

 

[DJ]

Re: Chrysler Boat Quality?

rschnack,<br /><br />A very wise decision.