Crestliner Phantom 1860 SST 1996

[Anger65]

About to buy this boat, it goes to the mechanic for a pre buy on Tuesday. I've been a glass guy all this time and it'll be my first metal boat...

Anything I should have him look for?

I've dug on the forums, any input on the Phantoms, or Crestliners from this vintage?

We are getting rid of a Donzi medallion 212 w a merc 5.0, very clean, and. I'm trying to get into something more fish able. We are in the NorCal delta/ Bay Area.

 

[pckeen]

Re: Crestliner Phantom 1860 SST 1996

Ask him to do a through inspection of all systems. Read through the sticky at the top of this forum page. If possible, get him to do a water test, and go with him. If he can't do that, then make sure you water test it, and check for leaks - he can't leak test it in a shop...unless he plans on filling it with water (to which the seller might object).

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Crestliner Phantom 1860 SST 1996

Well I am an aluminum boat guy and here are some ideas........ First I have to admit that glass rides and handles better and I base this on having aluminum fishing boats and aluminum bass boats. Since the boats are lighter they tend to get blown around a bit more.

I would STRONGLY suggest that you find a 19' boat. I have had a 16 for quite some time and a 19 would ride better and afford more room.

99% of all aluminum boats have the same construction. Some are a bit better then others however, when buying a used one the key is how it was stored and cared for. You can get an aluminum with an I/O or an outboard. I feel the outboard is easier maintenance.

In the Restoration Forum area and in the manufacturers area you will see that Starcraft has the largest following. When people have restored other brands such as Lunds or Sea Nymphs you will see that the "structure" is basically the same.

I highly recommend aluminum (My dream boat is a 21' Islander for Lake Champlain in VT) and I can just say do your homework

Get a later model outboard of a major brand that is still in production. I personally shy away from Force and Chrysler (good motors but not my cup of tea) and I have had my share of the old inline Mercury 6 cylinders (great but finicky on maintenance).

Good luck!

 

[Anger65]

Re: Crestliner Phantom 1860 SST 1996

Thanks...

This is a Crestliner Phantom 1860 SST, so with the space saver transom it adds some length and much more room to the seating area. Motor is a 130hp Johnson '97.

I'd love an islander and there's a great deal kn one here in the Bay Area... Just trying to keep the wife happy and don't think she'd go for a cuddy.

I'll miss my current boat but will use the new one more often since I can get a lot of fishing on it.