Chrysler Sport Satellite - Throw Me a Line!

[rowles80]

Looking for some input on a boat I am thinking about purchasing. The listing price is $2,000. I was told it is a 1972 Chrysler Sport Satellite with a 55hp Chrysler outboard that has been stored indoors but barley used the last few years. After examining everything it appears that the transom and body are very solid but I have some questions and concerns that I am hoping you can help me work through:

#1) The floor was re-carpeted a few years ago but appears to be a little soft in spots. It doesn't feel like I am going to bust through it but I am hoping someone could comment on the cost/effort of replacing it?

#2) The gauges don't appear to be working. Does anyone have know a source for replacement parts?

#3) The transom skirt and bow pillows are missing? I know this is cosmetic but again does anyone have a source for parts I would like to keep things original if I can.

#4) This is a small boat but do you think it would be able to pull a skier or tuber?

#5) I would like to fish out of this boat as well but it is not set up for that at all... are there any removable pedestal seats that might work for the back and/or bow? Or am dreaming too big and I asking too much of this boat?

#6) Is $2,000 a fair price? And is there anything I should be looking for or inspecting when I go to look at it again?

This would be my first boat so any help or insight you can provide would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Shaun

 

[pnwboat]

Re: Chrysler Sport Satellite - Throw Me a Line!

Soft spots on the floor....A big red flag would be waving in my mind! Pretty good chance there's bad wood there which usually means the stringers underneath are rotted. I would be very hesitant to pay $2000 for a boat with soft spots on the floor. I don't think I would pay $2000 if the floor was in great shape.

You can go to the "Boat Restoration, Building and Hull repair" section. Lots of information there. Many horror stories there where first time boat owners have purchased a cosmetically great looking boat, only to find a disaster under the floor.

 

[rowles80]

Re: Chrysler Sport Satellite - Throw Me a Line!

Is there any way to confirm if or how bad the floor/stringers could be damaged?

Also what do you think a fair price would be?

 

[pnwboat]

Re: Chrysler Sport Satellite - Throw Me a Line!

You need to look at the actual stringers. Not 100% sure, but typically on that type of boat, you usually have to lift the carpet and cut a hole in the floor. The soft spots are most likely from rotted wood. This allows water to get in under the floor and causes the stringers to rot. Typically, if you have to replace the floor, you end up replacing the stringers too. Not all the time but you kind of get the picture.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Chrysler Sport Satellite - Throw Me a Line!

Most Chrysler hulls were foam filled. They made for excellent riding hulls with solid construction. I don't know for sure if the Sport Sattelite was foam filled. However, if the floor is soft, it is a reasonably sure bet that the foam (if any) is waterlogged. And don't let the owner tell you that the boat is a "classic" therefore worth more.

The 55 is a nice engine with no major troubles ---BUT---you can get one for a couple of hundred. 2,000 is too much to pay. 1000 to 1500 depending upon condition would be more fair. If the floor is indeed soft and the foam (again, if any) is waterlogged, then she is worth 500 or so depending upon condition of the trailer. In this case you need to want to invest considerable time and effort to bring her back. I must admit though: From the photo she does look remakably well kept.

I used to have a 55 on the boat in the avatar. (1972 fifteen foot Glastron V153)

I used to slalom ski behind it so yes, you could pull a skier or tuber. You can figure on a top speed of about 25 to 30 MPH. HOWEVER: It is basically a starter. As you get better at skiing or boarding you will find that the 55 just doesn't have the poop you need and on hard cuts, you will pull the stern out a little and also be able to outski the boat. I bought my 55 in 1968 as a 1967 left-over for 600 bucks new. Over the years I upgraded with several larger engines.

You may be able to source parts from The Chrysler Crew, a group of Chrysler marine enthusiasts.

 

[rowles80]

Re: Chrysler Sport Satellite - Throw Me a Line!

Thanks for your insight on the price and floor... it is really helpful. If anyone else has any advice or opinions on my questions please keep it coming. I truly appreciate it!