First time purchasing and piloting an inboard boat...suggestions?

[F14CRAZY]

Alright, here we go...

I'm looking to purchase a low dollar '71 Chris Craft Catalina Coho 33' with twin Chris Craft 327's. Mechanic at the boatyard said they start and run fine along with pumping water fine.

I've been inside and out of my OMC sterndrive and general automotive experience but I don't anything relating to the raw water intake pumps (no heat exchangers on this vessel) and the transmissions. I believe they're Paragons.

How do you check the oil in the transmissions? What kind of oil do they use? Any tips and tricks? I'm planning on buying this low dollar vessel and piloting it back the 75 miles or so from the yard its at to the marina I keep my Bayliner. I figure with two engines there can't be toooooo much to go wrong. I'll do a visual check down below after I start things and make sure there aren't any leaking hoses (and a check of the fuel lines, wiring, etc). I'll have the normal safety gear along with a VHF radio and my BoatUS towing insurance (lol).

What should I know?

 

[FunInDuhSun]

Re: First time purchasing and piloting an inboard boat...suggestions?

Alright, here we go...

I'm looking to purchase a low dollar '71 Chris Craft Catalina Coho 33' with twin Chris Craft 327's. Mechanic at the boatyard said they start and run fine along with pumping water fine.

I've been inside and out of my OMC sterndrive and general automotive experience but I don't anything relating to the raw water intake pumps (no heat exchangers on this vessel) and the transmissions. I believe they're Paragons.

33 Coho, nice boat. I'm not an expert on Paragons, but I found this:
http://www.ehow.com/how_7947339_replace-transmission-fluid-paragon-transmission.html

I figure with two engines there can't be toooooo much to go wrong.

Um, 2 engines means TWICE as much to go wrong. Trust me on that. I've fooled with boats for 30+ years.
I realize it's a low-budget deal, but 500 bucks for a survey could save you literally thousands. Big, older boats can be huge money pits.
Also, make the sale conditional on a successful seatrial and survey- and put it in writing with signatures; they both can be used as negotiation tools to make the deal acceptable to everyone.

 

[Tahorover]

Re: First time purchasing and piloting an inboard boat...suggestions?

Should be Paragon P-300. They have a dip stick on the side and any Auto trans fluid will work.

 

[F14CRAZY]

Re: First time purchasing and piloting an inboard boat...suggestions?

Well...yea, but...

I figured from a maintenance standpoint, yes, maintaining two engines is more intensive than maintaining one. But if one fails for whatever reason on the way back we should be able to continue at a reduced speed.

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: First time purchasing and piloting an inboard boat...suggestions?

I would look around for something much newer. It very well can have no wear but 40 years will bring out many problems. Rust and junk in the tanks hard and soon to leak seals. rust and buildup in the exhaust. water logged hull. Hard to find parts. The transmission co is long gone. cables and wires at the end of life. Lots of much newer bargains out there. You will need a survey to get insurance. That can be hard to pass.

 

[Lou C]

Re: First time purchasing and piloting an inboard boat...suggestions?

I have to agree with the last post....classic old boats are tempting, but there are many ways you can fall into a money pit with them. I'd stick with something much newer, with a drive system still in production so you don't have to search ebay for parts....

 

[G-Daddy]

Re: First time purchasing and piloting an inboard boat...suggestions?

Make sure you check the shaft log hoses. If they are the least bit soft they can delaminate and a lot of water can make its way into your hull in a short time- been there, done that.

 

[F14CRAZY]

Re: First time purchasing and piloting an inboard boat...suggestions?

Least they're not fiberglass tanks...

Stringers in Coho's use NO wood, so I have no worries about water logging. I did stringers in my Bayliner anyway so its not like I haven't been there

I talked with a dock neighbor and he just had a transmission rebuilt in his Trojan with no problems as far as parts availability.

My State Farm agent said I won't need a survey

Will check the hoses over well before getting underway, and bring some duct tape in case

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: First time purchasing and piloting an inboard boat...suggestions?

Will check the hoses over well before getting underway, and bring some duct tape in case

I think you have it covered.

 

[Volphin]

Re: First time purchasing and piloting an inboard boat...suggestions?

I LOVE Chris Craft boats. They have classic lines. Keep us updated!

V

 

[Cap’n Ray]

Best of luck on your adventure. Be sure to take lots of pix to appease the photo junkies on here! Will be watching closely for updates!

 

[F14CRAZY]

Re: First time purchasing and piloting an inboard boat...suggestions?

Best of luck on your adventure. Be sure to take lots of pix to appease the photo junkies on here! Will be watching closely for updates!

heh I will...reminds me that the marina I'm buying from was also auctioning a 32' Carver Mariner or so, like a 1983 that was hit by lightning...still ran good but talk about some nasty glass damage. And interior fire damage

 

[Cap’n Ray]

Hmmmm.... I saw one for sale for $5k that had 'fire damage'. They can be had REAL cheap if you don't mind doin some work!! (well, maybe a LOT of work)