Looking for Chieftain advice

[danielarthur]

I am looking to get a Chieftain soon, but before I do I wanted to get some advice from the masses. I am looking for a boat that I can do anything with, mostly in lakes and rivers, but love the idea of island hopping in the Gulf. When I say anything, I mean just cruise the river and pull skiers, camp, fish. I have not seen much info regarding Chieftains towing skiers... Is it plausible, or so far from its intended use that it is a hassle? Also what are some pro's and con's to O.B. v I.O.? Do you guys camp much in your cabins, Or just use them for dry storage? And lastly, I found this one https://atlanta.craigslist.org/sat/boa/5014838118.html 1.5 hours from me, what do you guys think it is worth?

Thanks!

 

[hayko1971]

I dont know much about Chiefs, but if as advertised, I would think his price is fair. If it were me though, I would rip out the treated lumber floor and replace it with untreated ply before anything else though, so consider that cost in your bottom line. (treated lumber eats aluminum)

 

[dozerII]

I am looking to get a Chieftain soon, but before I do I wanted to get some advice from the masses. I am looking for a boat that I can do anything with, mostly in lakes and rivers, but love the idea of island hopping in the Gulf. When I say anything, I mean just cruise the river and pull skiers, camp, fish. I have not seen much info regarding Chieftains towing skiers... Is it plausible, or so far from its intended use that it is a hassle? Also what are some pro's and con's to O.B. v I.O.? Do you guys camp much in your cabins, Or just use them for dry storage? And lastly, I found this one https://atlanta.craigslist.org/sat/boa/5014838118.html 1.5 hours from me, what do you guys think it is worth?

Thanks!

:welcomeaniel, I am a new Chieftain owner and have not put her in the water for atrial of yet, but intended use is exactly the same as yours, except for the Gulf as the closest one yo me is about 15 hours away. We plan on over nighting in her. Mine is a 165 six and I think will just have enough power to pull a tube, I'm pretty sure the 120 will be marginal at best on a 21 footer. You could always do what Watermann did on his Chief and transplant a 210 hp 4.3 v6 with an Alpha 1 and have a rocket ship.

 

[jbcurt00]

I'm sure Rob will stop by and rave about the power the newly transplanted 4.3 gives his 18ft Chief

Sort of depends on what Chief you are looking for, 18, 21, 24 or 26ftr....

That Atlanta Chief has some red flags, but if the PT floors havent been down long, perhaps the hull hasnt been damaged by it.

 

[Watermann]

Hi Daniel,

So you're looking into a Chief. Once that bug bites all you can do is scratch the itch. :lol: just ask dozer!

The versatility of a cuddy cabin is one of the features I love about the Chief. My 18'rs (18'9") cabin is too small for much other than being for storage but the larger models give you more room for other options. :happy: After having both an IO and an OB boat I really like the IO config but I don't do saltwater and even flush my motor when I get home even when running fresh water bodies. The CL Chief you posted is a good price for what you get in the boat but not knowing what the guy did (covered up) would make me super cautious about assuming he did any of it right after using PT ply for the decks.

If you're planning on building the boat to serve your needs then a Chief will do just about anything you want. If you want a water sport tow boat then you'll need something besides a 4 banger and even the inline 6 is a bit weak on torque so you'll want to go to a V motor. As John says above about my Chief, a power upgrade is the only way to go. If my Chief would have been a 21+ footer then personally I would've gone to the 260HP 5.7L V8. You're not going to find everything you want in a Chief that's turn key, you'll have to build her into your dream boat. We can surely help you out with some knowledge if you're ready for the long months of hard work that's ahead.