Picked up and put in the water my firs boat last night

[Robertpel9]

If you saw my other thread:

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?p=1650608#post1650608

I ended up purchasing the 1995 Chris Craft Concept 18 one owner mint w/89 hours on it for $8500 including trailer. I had them put in a new battery, thermostat and water pump / impeller just for good measure to be safe

I love it, and but 3 hours on it last night alone on Lake Norman. We just moved here into a community where we have a deeded boat slip down the street from my house so i see all of my free time now gone. Man that lake is big when you get out there. My wife programmed our favorite hotspots into a handheld GPS which is a savior on a lake that big as wefound everything pretty easily.

At today's gas prices it looks like gas will be the biggest expense. I bought two large 6 gallon containers and figure i will just fill it that way to save about 70 cents a gallon

It was so nice last night here in NC and is supposed to be tonight as well, i cannot wait to get home from work and hit the lake. It is like glass right now. Boat seems to top out right at 50 mph trimmed up. I was told for maximum gas economy to keep it at 3,000 rpm and trimmed up. I go about 26-27 mph at that setting, does that seem about right

I was surprised how modren it looks when it is in the water, for a 1995 model i think the Chris Craft is a nice looking boat. We are thrilled

Thanks for the input here on the forum. I hope to be here a long time

Loving life,
Robert

 

[tmh]

Re: Picked up and put in the water my firs boat last night

Sounds like a sweet boat....please post a few photos. Chris Craft has always had style! I'd expect their 1995 boats to look better than most newer style boats. Nothing like an older boat in A1 condition to turn some heads!

btw, you got a great deal on that boat! yeah, other boats that size and age sell for less, but sounds like you found the rare "like new" 13 yr. old boat which can't be compared to lesser condition boats. Assuming it was used ENOUGH, the engine should be able to give you many years of problem free operation.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Picked up and put in the water my firs boat last night

buy a mooring cover for it. it will save the interior.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Picked up and put in the water my firs boat last night

Congrats on the new boat!
If leaving it in a wet slip make sure its covered and the bilge pump is on automatic.
Those storms really get rolling across Lake Norman..

 

[Robertpel9]

Re: Picked up and put in the water my firs boat last night

Congrats on the new boat!
If leaving it in a wet slip make sure its covered and the bilge pump is on automatic.
Those storms really get rolling across Lake Norman..

I have the original cover for it but how do i set the bilge to automatic. There is a switch on the dash that says bilge pump but i dont think turning it on is the answer.

To make sure the bilge pump worked i had him put water in the engine compartment with a hose at the dealer and it came on and pumped it out when it got to a certain level, i am not sure if the switch was turned on at that point or not/

Please advise
Robert

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Picked up and put in the water my firs boat last night

Some boats have a 3 position switch,My 1981 ChrisCraft does, Auto,off,on.
If its only a 2 position,off and on then the pump should be wired where auto kicks in even with the switch off.
If you can see the pump it will have 3 wires going to it if it has the auto float switch.It most likely does.

 

[Robertpel9]

Re: Picked up and put in the water my firs boat last night

Thanks, it is wired right to the battery, looks like i am good to go

Unfortunately i tapped an unmarked sandbar and it caused for lack of a better way of putting is a small tear in one of the prop blades. I would assume this needs to be fixed? It is not causing any vibration, loss of speed etc but i do not know if it needs to be corrected

 

[External Combustion]

Re: Picked up and put in the water my firs boat last night

Touchdowns are normal as you get your sea legs. As you suggested it is best to get the prop repaired before it gets worse and causes you problems.

If you listen closely and feel the boat with your feet, you will find that as the water gets shallower the engine will load up some and the boat will handle more sluggish. This is a warning to those who head it. The water is getting thin enough to cause a grounding.

You can also learn to read the water by watching the waves. The texture of the waves changes with the depth of the water. You can even learn to see snags under the water on a calm day with some study.

You will also learn where the bars and obstructions are where you boat most often. Ask around and the old timers will tell you the areas to watch.

Have fun and stay safe!

 

[Robertpel9]

Re: Picked up and put in the water my firs boat last night

I was an idiot and mistook a danger buoy for a no wake one. Wont make that mistake again. My the time i saw the depth finder said 3 ft it was too late.

It was only minor damage to the prop but i bought a new one online this morning. I will swap it when it comes and have the old one as a spare.

I put the trailer in storage as i do not own a tow vehicle and live on the lake with a deeded boat slip so my boat is in my spot but not on a lift. If there anyway to change the prop while the boat is in the water. When i trim it all the way up it is still partially submerged. It will be a PITA to get the trailer to the ramp to pull it out.

Please let me know if you can just change them in the water

Robert