1975 Chieftain Express

[elkhunter338]

Re: 1975 Chieftain Express

I do not have cheiftain express, I have a 1986 cheiftain, I have had the whole floor out of the boat except below the seats in the cabin. On problem I see is there is a alum support that runs length wise of the whole boat so you would have to cut that down because the whole floor sits on these two pieces of alum. I get you could cut it down and add some angle alum. in my boat there is not that much room to drop the floor without making the floor smaller because of the v in the boat. I am 5'10' and I cannot stand up in the boat with no floor in it cabin is still alittle to low.

 

[elkhunter338]

Re: 1975 Chieftain Express

? how big is that thing 24' 25' 26',

 

[mccurtis]

Re: 1975 Chieftain Express

It 24.75' long and at its widest point 96"

P.S. - elkhunter338 thanks for the info on the cabin height.MC

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1975 Chieftain Express

Tape measure would give that info.

It's probably reasonable to think you could easily gain 6 inches or so. At the same time, the lower you go, obviously the more narrow your cabin deck will be.

In your Islander you probably have like a 4" drop, but that section is only like 20" wide.

 

[jetstreakdave]

Re: 1975 Chieftain Express

Hey MC my75 chief has a step going into the cuddy. It drops about a foot. Have a look at my pics and you will be able to see what it looks like. There are aluminum steps 2 steps down.

 

[mccurtis]

Re: 1975 Chieftain Express

Jetstreamdave and jasoutside thanks for the info.

Have any of you guys cruised on both the Chieftain Exoress and Chieftain Mark VI? If so do the handle differently? It appears to me that the cockpit on the Express sits more aft than the Mark IV which makes me think it might handle differently. It also looks to me when comparing the Express to the Mark IV that the Express has a larger area exposed to the elements Cockpit/stern).

 

[mccurtis]

Re: 1975 Chieftain Express

Which style of chieftain doyou lie and why? Mark IV or Express

 

[jetstreakdave]

Re: 1975 Chieftain Express

The lower windows look shorter than the MKIV, whick could very well give you a lower floor than the MKIV has to start out with.

 

[mccurtis]

Re: 1975 Chieftain Express

I know that a 6' 0' person can stand up in the MK IV and the express is pretty much a cuddy cabin you can sleep or sit up in. I think I might be able to lower the floor approximately 1 foot But I don't know if it is worth it.

I like that the Express has more outside deck space than the MK IV and I like that the MK IV has a cabin you can stand up in, but this is not a perfect world.

I am leaning toward buying the Express because it has more outside deck space and I can always get a camper canvas for it. I also like that the Express has a bigger V8 (351) than the MK IV I am looking at (302). The engine in the Express has alot less hours onit as well. Another plus with the Express is that the trailer has been updated with new wheel bearings and tires.

The Express Is kind of along the lines of the 1971 Islander I have right now.

Decisions, Decisions ...............

 

[elkhunter338]

Re: 1975 Chieftain Express

You found both so you have a choice. How lucky. You can't find a decent big starcraft on the westcoast very often. The starcrafts seem to be the only tin boat a bottom feeder can afford. A northriver cuddy cabin or a hewes craft is always 20k or more.
Those fiberglass boats are just do darn heavy.

 

[jetstreakdave]

Re: 1975 Chieftain Express

That is a cool layout you have there. My floor outside the cabin is a lot higher. your whole floor area is the same level as my cabin floor. Very nice

 

[Jim Robbins]

Re: 1975 Chieftain Express

Hi Mccurtis, how's it going with the Chieftain? any more info. on the drivetrain? Compression test? Motor starting? update please.
Thanks. Jim

 

[mccurtis]

Re: 1975 Chieftain Express

Hi Jim - No more info at this time but I am leaning toward purchasing the Chieftain Express.

 

[mccurtis]

Re: 1975 Chieftain Express

Does any one know how many Chieftain Epress boats where built by Starcraft? I don't see many of them forsale or on the internet when you google them. Are them kind of like the Offshore V with regard to being hard to find and rare.

 

[mccurtis]

Re: 1975 Chieftain Express

I am still researching the express any info would be much appreciated. - MC

 

[magnumdeke]

Re: 1975 Chieftain Express

I see the add is gone for that chieftain hard top, did you buy it?

 

[mccurtis]

Re: 1975 Chieftain Express

Yes .....................

 

[mccurtis]

Re: 1975 Chieftain Express

I bought the Chieftain Express. The main reasons I bought the Express over the Mark IV is the larger area out side the cuddy, bigger motor and overall layout. Who knows maybe I will buy a Mark IV in the future. I am going to pick it up July 3rd.

 

[magnumdeke]

Re: 1975 Chieftain Express

Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: 1975 Chieftain Express

Congrats on the purchase, looking forward to seeing some more photos. Good luck with it