1975 Starcraft Chieftain Express

[ski2rule]

Regards. New to this forum, but not to boating... I have found an old Chieftain hardtop for sale I have a few questions. It has been sitting for twenty years, is complete, and was running when parked. I can likely get it for $1000 or less. Obviously it will be a major project and the impeller and bellows will need replacing.I am into saving old aluminum boats, have an Aroliner Cabinaire and Feathercraft Vagabond.My engine experience is limited to outboards.Are these old Starcraft boats fairly rare and worth pouring time and money into?
Paul

 

[ezmobee]

How big is the Chieftain Express? Is that a big 25'? If so, those are somewhat rare. The 22' and under Starcrafts are fairly common. They usually have Mercruisers which you can still get most parts for. If it's an OMC you'd probably have to plan for a re-power.

 

[ski2rule]

It is the 25 footer. The owner says it is a 188hp so I am guessing that is the merc.

 

[GA_Boater]

Welcome aboard.

188 HP sounds like it could be a Ford motor, possibly a Mercruiser. Got any pics to share?

Sitting for 20 years and it ran when parked means nothing after 2 decades.

Yes, a 25' Chieftain Express hardtop is rare and but that doesn't make it a Ferrari of boats. You fix her up for enjoyment and if you turn a profit when you sell her you are one of the lucky few. She can be a nice boat when you're done.

 

[ski2rule]

Here is the only photo I currently have. Will likely go look at it next week.

 

[GA_Boater]

Is there an ad we can look at? Promise we won't over bid you.

Oh yeah, she is a biggun.

 

[ski2rule]

If I decide to pass on it I will post the link to the ad. It is in BC Canada - likely too far for most of y'all...

 

[jbcurt00]

We have seen 1 'rescued' back across the border this way.

Quite a few seem to go your way............

Glen gets a credit for returning the 1 he carried north, back into Rob Watermanns hands on this side of the border.

Nice Express. 1K is a bargain, even needing a complete redo. Esp w a Mercruiser.

 

[GA_Boater]

Found it. Don't worry, way too far for me.

Sounds like a lot of work. But if you can get it for 1000 CAD, should be a good deal.

This boat and trailer needs TLC, interior is deteriorating and trailer wheel wells need welding on. 1500$ OBO.

 

[ski2rule]

I am thinking it is likely a liability as is where is for the current owner. That said it is only 60 miles from me and I have the wherewithal to get it and a place to keep it.I also like saving old boats...

 

[GA_Boater]

The trailer might not be usable to tow her home. 20 years is a long time to sit. I can't tell from the dark pic, but a single or dual axle trailer?

:thumb: on saving the oldies.

 

[ski2rule]

Dual axle. I am guessing the wheel bearings would make the trip but the tires may not. Transporting it is likely the biggest problem. I will check the rim bolt pattern when I look at it, as bringing four newer tires and rims may be my best bet.

 

[GA_Boater]

Repacking the bearings would be a good idea. Unless you have a flatbed trailer to use or borrow.

 

[jasoutside]

That would be an awesome rescue! I think if you can grab it for $1K or less that would be a very fair deal. But, I'd be going into it assuming the purchase would be for a big alum hull, trailer frame, and nothing else.

Good luck:thumb:

 

[Watermann]

Yeah that would be a good price cdn for sure, you better grab it up :lol:

I live in WA State across the border from Osoyoos BC maybe if I was in the market for a Mark IV but that one is is a long drive especially on your roads this time of year.

 

[ski2rule]

If it was any older and a bit smaller it would already be in my yard. I am a bit tentative about such a big project. That said, I may try to rescue it, clean it up, do what work I can and try to pass it on to someone else...

 

[GA_Boater]

She's big, but in the grand scheme of things, to redo her is only a few more sheets of plywood and a few more feet of vinyl flooring or carpet.

 

[jasoutside]

She's big, but in the grand scheme of things, to redo her is only a few more sheets of plywood and a few more feet of vinyl flooring or carpet.

Oh sheesh, I'd have a gentleman's disagreement with you on that one GA, sorry my friend!

These big Chieftain Express boats........yap, they are huge. You'd actually be rebuilding a small apartment with a kitchen, dining room, bathroom, living room, bedroom.......and then rebuilding a really big boat around that.

http://forums.iboats.com/forum/owne...tain-starchief-islander?p=5793900#post5793900

Yah, there is a lot of work to those. A ton of work! The only thing more involved than that one would be to rebuild a nasty glasser:boink:

 

[ski2rule]

Went and had a look today. 24' Mk IV

Shovelled 2' of snow of of her


188 Mercruiser that we were able to turn over with a wrench


Fairly dirty interior

 

[GA_Boater]

Oh sheesh, I'd have a gentleman's disagreement with you on that one GA, sorry my friend!

A ton of work! The only thing more involved than that one would be to rebuild a nasty glasser:boink:

Encouragement, not discouragement. I hope the owner did a good job winterizing and the motor is OK.

Gotta totally agree about grinding a glasser. But not everyone feels that way. :smile: