Going to look at a Chieftain

[SnowHunter]

Re: Going to look at a Chieftain

paparoof, you're in good hands with these SC guys! They're really helpful and will definetly steer ya in the right direction Good luck!!

 

[paparoof]

Re: Going to look at a Chieftain

Having a REALLY hard time not calling this guy:
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/boa/1715792709.html

I could use my 14 footer as a lifeboat!

 

[Starcraft Enterprise]

Re: Going to look at a Chieftain

Big cheap project boat.
http://toledo.craigslist.org/boa/1719243155.html

 

[paparoof]

Re: Going to look at a Chieftain

Okay future brethren... ACTIVATE!

Found this today:
http://appleton.craigslist.org/boa/1722353569.html

Gotta brother-in-law who lives within a handful of miles, he's agreed to grab his "boat buying fanatic" brother and go do the preliminary look-see.

Before that happens. I'll call the guy for the first-round phone interview.

Here's what I need from all y'all:

1. What specific questions do I ask over the phone? Please include the answers that I want to hear and why, and the answers I don't want to hear and why.

2. I promised the brother-in-law a list of specific things to check. I REALLY need your help generating that list. Please go into deep detail....

3. I still have a couple weeks before the tax return check shows up. What strategies do you have for stalling the guy?

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Going to look at a Chieftain

Okay future brethren... ACTIVATE!

Found this today:
http://appleton.craigslist.org/boa/1722353569.html

Gotta brother-in-law who lives within a handful of miles, he's agreed to grab his "boat buying fanatic" brother and go do the preliminary look-see.

Before that happens. I'll call the guy for the first-round phone interview.

Here's what I need from all y'all:

1. What specific questions do I ask over the phone? Please include the answers that I want to hear and why, and the answers I don't want to hear and why.

2. I promised the brother-in-law a list of specific things to check. I REALLY need your help generating that list. Please go into deep detail....

3. I still have a couple weeks before the tax return check shows up. What strategies do you have for stalling the guy?

The motor is the biggie on that rig. He doesn't even make mention of it (other than it runs good) in the ad. If that motor is cherry great! I am betting it's a 120 Merc which many around here feel is barely sufficient. If the motor has issues than that rig is overpriced in my opinion. You can buy a lot of nice hulls out there with crappy power plants for a lot less.

Next on the list is the deck and transom. If it super solid all around great! If not, you have your summer project (money too).

I guess in my book this would be one of those middle of the road boats that I mentioned earlier. Might be awesome! If it is, it is well worth the price. If you have motor issues, deck issues, transom issues you can buy a junk boat (all the same issues) for a whole lot less.

Because I don't have a lot of money, this boat would be a spendy rig for me. So for my taste, I might just take it to a marina and have the motor and outdrive thoroughly checked. Might take it for a drive too. If it were a thousand dollars less, I might take my chances, but it's not. I'd be super focused on that engine. Deck and transom second.

Stall? Well if you like it make him an offer that you are comfortable with and give him a fat deposit that tells him you are committed to buying the rig. He'd hang onto it for you I bet.

Have Fun!!!

 

[paparoof]

Re: Going to look at a Chieftain

EZ sez no Merc 470 (though I still don't know why)

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Going to look at a Chieftain

OOOooooo, pass if it's a 470.

Why?

Hop over to the IO section and read for yourself, it's all there!

Cheers!

 

[paparoof]

Re: Going to look at a Chieftain

Hey JAS -

I'm assuming I'm ripping and replacing the floor and the majority of the interior anyway. From what I've seen, the hardest part about transoms is getting the old wood out. I'm fine with that. For me it's about the motor and its connections to the outdrive. Since I've never owned an I/O, I want it to be reasonably ship-shape.

Given that info, how would narrow down your inquisition (and offer)?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Going to look at a Chieftain

If it has a 470 you better open your wallet.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Going to look at a Chieftain

Hey JAS -

I'm assuming I'm ripping and replacing the floor and the majority of the interior anyway. From what I've seen, the hardest part about transoms is getting the old wood out. I'm fine with that. For me it's about the motor and its connections to the outdrive. Since I've never owned an I/O, I want it to be reasonably ship-shape.

Given that info, how would narrow down your inquisition (and offer)?

If you have already decided that you'll need to rebuild that much I think that boat is over priced.

I guess I'd say spend some more money and save yourself the grief! Or, find something cheaper and do the same exact job, just a lot less invested.

Just my opinion though. I'd definitely listen to what the other fellas have to say too!

 

[paparoof]

Re: Going to look at a Chieftain

...I think that boat is over priced.

Assuming what we're assuming here, what do you think is the right price? I'm not above low-balling on my first offer - it's a great stalling tactic!

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Going to look at a Chieftain

Assuming what we're assuming here, what do you think is the right price? I'm not above low-balling on my first offer - it's a great stalling tactic!

Well, with a cherry motor and a shot interior that might be tough. Somewhere in the $1500 to $2000 range, maybe.

Motor with issues AND shot interior, less than $1000 for sure.

Shot interior with a 470, few hundred bucks.

 

[ts]

Re: Going to look at a Chieftain

I'm with Jas, but ask some detailed questions before you even hit the road.

1. Which MerCruiser setup does it have (120, 140, 260, 470, etc...)?

Answers may vary, all are just data to look up later.

2. Compression on all cylinders?

Betting he doesn't know, ask if he's willing to check. Looking for even across all cylinders, but should look up acceptable range later. Double check when you get there to verify.

3. Drive oil ever changed? Impeller?

Looking for "Yes" to both, hopefully at least once each season.

4. Drive oil black or milky?

"Black" is good, "Milky" is bad (means water in the drive oil and bad seals).

5. What temp does the motor run when warmed up?

If he gives a number, look it up later to make sure it's within spec. If he says, "cold" or "cool" suspect running without thermostat...not great, but fixable (note: never use an automotive thermostat, and never run without one).

6. Dents, gouges, holes...known leaks...Does it take on water?

Looking for "none" on this one.

7. Original paint?

Hoping for "Yes" as removing additional coatings just sucks. Scuffing and painting original paint is much preferred.

8. Transom condition (the wood inside)?

Looking for "solid", but don't trust it.

9. Floor condition (ever replace carpet or wood?)?

Looking for "solid" again, but again, don't trust it.

I'm sure everyone will add to this list.

Also, if you're assuming it's going to need a full restore I'd pass. Jas is right, there are others out there that are "ripe" for the picking.

This boat will continue to deteriorate over time unless the right owner comes along, and eventually it will be in the right price range for a rebuild.

By the way, Jas gave excellent shopping advice way earlier in the thread. It should be "stickied" in my opinion.

 

[paparoof]

Re: Going to look at a Chieftain

Okay I asked about the motor and here's his reply:

the motor is a 165 horse merc crusser , it burns no oil at all and runs like a champ

Now what do we think?

 

[paparoof]

Re: Going to look at a Chieftain

Hitting him back with both barrels. Either I'll get lots of info back or I'll scare the guy away and he'll never reply at all.

Thanks for your reply. I?m in Minneapolis, so before I drive 5 hours each way just to check it out, I?d like to know what I?m coming to see. What I?d like to see is clear close-ups. The condition of the interior (seats, flooring, carpet, cabin interior), windows and frames, the console, the motor, the outdrive, and the bottom. Show me the worst dent on the hull. Pull the dipstick and let?s see a picture of the oil on it.

Here are some more questions:
Does it have the original paint?
Does it leak at all? How much?
What condition is the floor? Is it original? Any soft spots?
How about the transom ? is it solid or soft?
What?s the winterizing process been on the motor since you?ve owned it?
How often have you changed the drive oil?
How long has it been since you?ve changed the impeller?
What?s the temp of the engine after it?s warmed up?
What?s the compression on all cylinders?

Did I get 'em all TS? I'll post the reply (if I get one).

Thanks again for your input folks! Keep me grounded!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Going to look at a Chieftain

Okay I asked about the motor and here's his reply:



Now what do we think?

That's a great motor and good power for that boat.

 

[ts]

Re: Going to look at a Chieftain

Looks like a good list to me. If you don't get specifics then you'll want to go through that list yourself when looking at the boat. Having the list in hand will definitely help keep you from just jumping on it when you get there (buyer's excitement, all reason leaves brain, heads into wallet, and before you know it you've bought someone else's problem ).

I'm sure you've been through this kind of thing before (cars, house, etc.) but sometimes it just helps to hear a voice of reason.

...and honestly I'm pointing these posts at myself just as much as they are at you. I've been searching Craigslist daily for a donor boat/motor.

So, just be cool, it's a good chunk of money that you don't want to lose on a bad deal.

 

[DucatiDave]

Re: Going to look at a Chieftain

Hello Group,

I'm a new member and this is my first post. Forgive the long message, but I have a relevant point to make. Bear with me...

I've long been a fan of aluminum boats and the Starcrafts always held a special appeal for me. I had a 16' Sylvan Super Sport years ago (similar to Starcraft's 16' open-bow model, I believe). It was my first boat and had a Merc 650 hanging off the back. Had a lot of fun and learned a lot on that boat, but it quickly became too small for our family of 5. Tried an aluminum deck boat for a few years (Lowe 1900 Sihouette), but it didn't like rough water and didn't have much capacity weight-wise. Sold it a couple years ago and thought I might be out of boats forever.

But the itch never went away. I kept reading about older aluminum boats and occasionally would check Craig's List to keep current with the market. I looked at older Starcraft brochures and daydreamed about which model would best suit my needs. More room, plenty of freeboard, possibly a small head, an I/O because I'm more comfortable with 4-stroke automotive motors, etc. Wanted to primarily have a "fun day on the lake" boat to make the most of the short Wisconsin summers. Some cruising, some fishing, some tubing, maybe some skiing. An 18' Holiday looked nice, but is would the additional 2 feet give me enough room? 21' Holidays seemed hard to find. The Chieftains were bigger, but the cabin reduced the amount of outside space. So the Islanders pretty much rose to the top as the best solution to what I was looking for.

Fast foward to this past weekend. Found a 22' Islander about 30 minutes from my house. Talked with the seller a couple times, looked at it last night and took the plunge.

Came home after making the deal and started searching the Internet in a quest for all the information I could find about Islanders. Found this site, found this thread and started reading it. Then saw paparoof's post from May 3rd and realized I had just bought the boat he was looking at http://appleton.craigslist.org/boa/1722353569.html

I guess all "all is fair in love and war, etc.", but I can't help feel a little bad about buying the boat out from under you, paparoof. I sincerely apologize.

So, with that long-winded tale of woe and intrigue as an introduction, I hope I am still welcome to join the club. I am really excited about the new boat.

Best regards to all,

Dave

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Going to look at a Chieftain

No way! That is nutz! OK, now you have to start your own thread detailing all the stuff that was mentioned right here on this thread!

Wild

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Going to look at a Chieftain

Yep, welcome to the club! Definitely start a new thread with some pics.