74 (26' Cheif) is this a good hull

[elkhunter338]

Ok I found what the owner says is a 26' Cheiftain (1974) with 165hp mercruiser.
My main question is this year of hull a good one, do they have problems with chin cracks or such that I have seen you guys post. The boat is 5 hour drive away so I can't quickly go take a look at it.

I sent the guy a e-mail with a few questions regarding good title, any hull damage, electrolisis corrosion, and such.
This thing is a total rebuild and 40yr engine/outdrive I am sure is toast, but the hull looks good from the pictures and trailer looks usable.
I am ok with a total rebuild because I want to convert to twin outboards anyway.
View attachment Doc2.pdf

 

[cj8mule]

Re: 74 (26' Cheif) is this a good hull

Being a '74 it won't have the chine braces or pour in foam. What cha going to do with chief you have now?

 

[1973Chieftain]

Re: 74 (26' Cheif) is this a good hull

I don't think they made a 26' Chief. My 74 is 24' and has nice sheet foam.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: 74 (26' Cheif) is this a good hull

If it's a tear down & rebuild, it's a long term project which should allow you to do any necessary chine bracing, rib fixing necessary. If there are any signs of fatigue, use it as a hammer to drive down the price :smash:

How long have you been looking for a 26ft'r? May take twice that more to find another in the PacNW.

 

[elkhunter338]

Re: 74 (26' Cheif) is this a good hull

I sent the guy an e-mail asking if it has a title, condition of the hull, is the trailer good for a 5hr trip, what is his lowest price for the boat with the engine/outdrive and price with no engine/outdrive. I am not really interested a 40 year old engine/outdrive.
Title should confirm if its 24 or 26.
Been looking for several years, found one in Redding last year but it was too much $$ and had a v-8.
Plan to sell my 21' after a bigger boat is ready for ocean fishing. I don't want to go a summer with no salmon/bottom fishing.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 74 (26' Cheif) is this a good hull

Yah that one will be a 24 footer. How much does he want for it?

 

[elkhunter338]

Re: 74 (26' Cheif) is this a good hull

I think he want $2500. or $1500 for just trailer. Maybe $500 for the hull. Not sure sound like he was willing to sell the motor/outdrive. I am still waiting for a reply.
parting out 26ft. starcraft alum cruiser.
I really want the 25-26 footer, not sure if a 21 to 24' jump is worth it. we will see what he come back with. If I am interested he will have to send many pictures of the hull inside/out before I make the trip.

 

[Weep'n Willy]

Re: 74 (26' Cheif) is this a good hull

Going from a 21 to a 24 is still a significant jump in overall size. And the Chiefs do seem to have taller sides so overall it would be worth a look see. I wouldn't necessarily go with the what the title states as length. I believe there was a change in the way they determined length many years ago. My Chief is titled at 24 but no matter how I stretch the tape on a horizontal line I just can't get to 24.