newbie questions

[tashasdaddy]

Re: newbie questions

here's another example. 1956 Duracraft. hull $200, trailer 150, engine 300, seats 100, battery, steering, electrical, misc 250, shipping 150. total 1300.

 

[USSEnterprise]

Re: newbie questions

I just found a mercruiser 19' aluminum hull boat with a chris craft 3.7 liter engine (could also be a chris craft 19' hull with 3.7 liter mercruiser engine, listing wasn't clear). Owner says the motor needs $1200 in work to get it running. I'm assuming that's parts and labor. Assuming I could do whatever work is needed, it might be cheaper than that. Since its a summer project, I wouldn't mind having more to do. And it comes with a trailer as well, which is currently road-worthy. I need to get more information.

 

[USSEnterprise]

Re: newbie questions

I just spoke to the current owner. He told me that the boat is in overall good condition. Needs cosmetic work, like seat covers, etc. The engine has an electrical problem. Some mechanic told him that it may be because of some very expensive part. It is a chris craft boat with a mercruiser engine btw. The controls all work, and the hull and transom are in good shape.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: newbie questions

that's more like it. what's he want for it. i didn't know Chris Craft made and aluminum hull this is the type thing you can do for a first.

 

[USSEnterprise]

Re: newbie questions

He wants $400 for boat and trailer.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: newbie questions

if it's piece of crap, you can get your money back, and more. from the trailer, parting out the engine and outdrive, cutting up the aluminum hull for scrap. if the windshield is complete that's atleast $100 on ebay.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: newbie questions

Get it. If it has an aluminum hull and the motor isn't seized the guys on this forum can get you through the rest. A 3.7 liter could be a nice motor. We'd love some pics if you pick it up.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: newbie questions

if it was in North Florida/ So Georgia, you'd have to beat me to it. and, i don't like to work on inboard/outboards.

 

[USSEnterprise]

Re: newbie questions

First thing is first: You think a 1996 Toyota 4Runner could pull such a boat? It has a V6, and I think 217lbs of torque. I might be able to get the owner to deliver, but I'd eventually need to pull it. The truck currently has no hitch.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: newbie questions

it will pull it especially if aluminum. it wouldn't pull the others.

 

[iwombat]

Re: newbie questions

I pull my 18' starcraft with a 4-runner. No problems.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: newbie questions

I pulled my 16' Starcraft with a Buick Regal! A 4Runner would have been a luxury. That probably wasn't good though. I use a truck now. 4Runners are geared low so you shouldn't have any problems.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: newbie questions

i pull mine with 2005 4 banger Mercury Mariner. same as a Ford Escape.

 

[NealLauderman]

Re: newbie questions

Hey USS!

Just wanted to chime in since I was in your shoes not too long ago. I finally found what I was looking for and so far so good. I dont really regret it yet Though, I have made a lot of mistakes.

I bought a 1979 Lucraft Bass Boat 17ft. It came with a 1986 Evinrude 70hp. The engine fired right up, I bought it not knowing whether it was water worthy or whether it shifted gears and all that I bought it for $600 including the boat, motor, and trailer. Since then I have dumped $500 more into it and it still hasnt seen the water!

Do yourself a favor, when you do get a boat. If it is running and what not, take it out before you decide what your gonna do with it. I just dove right into projects on mine and it was probably the biggest mistake I could have made.

Also, when you do go buy one... you might want to check the engine out even if they fire it up for ya. Check the compression and all that good stuff. I didnt do that when I got mine... BUT I got lucky with it.

Heres some pics...

 

[andy1canada]

Re: newbie questions

Howdy from Canada!

Welcome to iboats! As you can see, there's lots of good help and advise here.

I agree with the boys opinions on the boat you're looking at. I didn't know Chris Craft made an aluminum runabout. If that's what it actually is, you may be on to a collectable here that could be worth a few bucks when you're done. Also, the 3.7 L/ 470-Merc could be parted-out for about 3-times the purchase price of the boat; especially if it has the 4-barrel manifold (about $300/US on ebay) and a 4-inch heat exchanger (another $2 - 300. on ebay).

I'd do a compression test on it first then, depending on the results, make a decision on whether or not to run with it. If you do service the 470 up to snuff, and the Chris Craft is as light as I think it is, you'll be sitting on a 50-mph boat that won't kill you on gas. The 470-Merc is arguably the most powerful (pound for pound) sterndrive ever built.

That said, there are some things (quirks) you need to know about the 470 before you decide to run with it; ie. - camshaft seals/the imperative to run a 4-inch heat exchanger/alternator conversion etc...

There's lots of help here on this engine or you can also join the forum at Breezeworks.com. It's chaulk-full of guys who run with these engines.

If the engine is toast I'd recommend (as I have done with my older boat I've just bought) that you repower with a brand new set-up; either a Merc or a Volvo V-6.

Sure, it'll set you back some serious coin but you'll have peace-of-mind that comes with a warranty, reliability, and the knowledge that she'll get you and your loved ones home at the end of the day. Trust me on this one. Like a lot of other guys on this forum, I've pissed away huge coin trying to make something out of a piece of crap.

I can't tell you how excited I am now in anticipation of the dawn of the day when I get to flash my new engine for the first time.

I wish you the same. Happy Boating!

Terry



"Out on the water... one is overcome by that special sense of serenity found nowhere else. Go fishing, or maybe drag a giggling kid behind on a tube. Crack a cold-one, crack the throttle and cruise man. Cruise like there's no tomorrow!"

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: newbie questions

FYI - That Chris Craft is fiberglass - not aluminum.

As for the "cost" involved in rebuilding a boat, one thing not covered so far is that when you do it "right", you end up with a boat that is essentially better than new. You can even cut a few corners (substituting exterior plywood for marine grade; poly resin in place of epoxy, etc.) and still end up with a boat that is as good or better than it ever was when new. Your attention to detail makes up for the assembly line methods used when the boat was built. So, when done you'll have what is for all intents and purposes a "new" boat for a lot less than a new boat. Even when factoring in my time, I spent a lot less on my 15-footer restoration than I would have if I had bought a new 15-foot runabout. Could I have bought a used 15-footer for less? Probably, but most used boats have issues of their own to contend with. I KNOW every inch of my boat, inside and out. I KNOW that the wiring is good. I KNOW there is no hidden rot or waterlogged foam. I KNOW the steering cable is newly replaced. Knowing everything is new is worth something, too...
- Scott