Chris Craft Boats

[KJNDIVER]

Im lookin for some feedback from anyone that wants to give it. I have a chance for real fixer upper. Dont know a whole lot of particulars but here goes, looks to be about a 31' Chris Craft center console circa mid 80's. Needs lots of work, with some damaged stringers in floor of boat. Has what appears to be about a 24 degree deadrise at the transom. Cant find a whole lot of info searching the web. From what I have found it is most likely the STINGER model center console.
With a little elbow grease and some new motors, could have what appears to be a hell of a boat for $25-30k compared to similar boats that go for $75k +.

Does anyone have any info regarding this brand of boat? How does it ride? Did Cris Craft quit making center consoles? If so, why? Was there a hull problem with this boat? Etc,etc,etc?

On another note, what is best nowadays for replacing stringers, to go back with plywood sandwitched fiberglass or is there other materials. Aside from a few damaged stringers, the hull is in good shape. And while you are dishing out the info, feel free to dish out some donations to help me with the project, you can make checks payable to..... hehe....cant blame a guy for trying. But will take any and all donations besides info.

[Stone]

KJNDIVER,

I have a 1984 Chris Craft cabin cruiser. When I started looking for parts on the internet, I saved a few links.

Click on my webpage below, then click on the dive flag, then click on "Dive Documents", and #9 has links to Chris Craft stuff.

[100days-a-year]

Chris Craft boats in general tend not to be fast ,a little heavy and not as pretty to look at as some modern boats.They are well built and can last forever given eventual replacement of rotting stringers and other non-impregnated wood.They ride well.They are my wifes favorite boat overall.Divinycell or Klegecell by DIAB are the best coring materials for repairs.Any book or video on major repairs should be close enough.They are way overbuilt to start with.Find out what resins were used in that era from Chris Craft use the same type if possible and remember to build up stuff slowly and in accordance with the resin makers lamination schedule.This stuff ain't brain surgery just time consuming.Figure out your time,repairs and operating expenses and used boats usually are the best bet.Stone has made a killer diveboat outta his.Please post as you go to let others know about how the process works.

[KJNDIVER]

Nothing for sure yet, but I could grab the boat dirt cheap. Sell off the twin '85 150 mercs for whatever I can get for parts. They ran at one time but havent even been cranked in 10 yrs. Can do the repairs myself and make modifications the way I want it to be. Price of new(or newly used) motors will be the biggest chunk of the wallet. Not really lookin for a lot of speed, owner said that boat ran in the 50's when it was runnin, but was wondering more how it would handle in rough seas as owner never really took it offshore. If everything falls in place, I think I could have a steal. Still trying to decide if want to go thru all the trouble, leaning that way but not sure.

[100days-a-year]

300 hp on a 31 hull that size and weight =around 35 tops.They ride good.2x 200 Optimaxs could be had under 20k still under warranty .Gas bill will be hi without direct injection figure 1mpg to 1.5 max.

[BobK]

I bought a fixer-upper boat. A 1979 '36 Trojan convertible sportfish with old diesel motors that had been in dry storage in Marathon Key for over three years. Now, six years and almost 100K later, it's almost done :p
My wife and I did a lot of the work ourselves, but motors, generator, recoring decks, replacing all the plumbing, wiring, electronics, hardtop, canvas, etc isn't cheap. I am glad we did it, but I'm not sure I'd do it again.

[100days-a-year]

The minimum Yard Rate is around $55 an hr.Painters and refinishers are the highest paid drunks I've ever met.BTW if you **** it up we charge triple 1 to undo 1 to do it and 1 cause if you could do it you wouldn't be here.Offering a young lad side work from a reputable yard can get you some bargains.The best way to buy a used boat is at the divorce sale it caused;)