looking at a '72 Chieftain and '83 Islander

[airshot]

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

Thanks for the info Airshot...this one is worth looking at for sure. Those numbers are pretty good for cruising at 2800rpm

The fuel-efficiency is one of the biggest strengths that I/Os have over outboards for sure.

Using a kicker to troll means even better miles/gallon

Correct on that kicker, I have a 15 hp kicker and can troll for many hours on the 3 1/2 gal tank, also gives great piece of mind if a problem arrises with the main motor, (which has happened).
I am just so impressed with the Islander, the way it handles, wife feels safe in it, had it in some big seas to see how it did, yet still trailerable and can tow with my V-6 Blazer.
Airshot

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

I spoke to the gentleman selling the 21' Chieftain this afternoon. He says that the boat is still available. He can check the title to make sure, but he says the motor is original to the rig and that they are from 1978.

I thought it looked a bit older than that, and if those are electric shift controls that would put the year more like 1968. So not sure on that for now. He says the 100hp Johnson has not been run in several years but he would start it up for me before I bought it.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

I don't think there even was a 100HP in '78. (a quick search on Marine Engine.com kinda confirms this). The V4's were 85,115, 140 then.

Further search on marine engine says last 100HP was '72.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

I don't think there even was a 100HP in '78. (a quick search on Marine Engine.com kinda confirms this). The V4's were 85,115, 140 then.

Further search on marine engine says last 100HP was '72.

Well, our friend EZ is right on the money in this case...I spoke to the owner again tonight and the 100hp Johnson and the boat are seventy-two's so probably no trim and tilt.

Good thing I already own a CMC hydraulic bracket rated up to 150

Not sure if I would run that motor or not, but it is good to have options. The owner loves the rig and he said he got around 34mph with the 100hp. He's selling the boat because he wants to get a larger aluminum cabin cruiser, from a company out of Wisconsin. I forget the name at the moment. Something like "marinette" maybe?

I am getting a really good vibe on the rig up north, it's actually near Escanaba and the drive up would be as much fun as buying the rig

I told him I may wait until some of the snow melts before I make the trek. It's about a 6 hour drive I think. Roslynn says that she would prefer a larger cabin, over a larger back deck. Since I already have two fishing boats this one might end up being more of a "cruiser" but we'll see what goes on

If anyone really wants the '83 Islander send me a PM and I can get you more info. I may be passing on it and I'd hate to stand in the way of another classic restoration

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

I just did a search to see what kind of boats he's is looking at...apparently they are some sweet huge tin cans. Looks like it might be aluminum to me?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

Yes Marinette tin cans are awesome. That '72 would probably have the same powerhead as my '73 did so it's a good motor but it is electric shift. Not really an issue unless something goes wrong with the shifting.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

34mph would probably be plenty for this rig, so if that motor runs the whole deal would be pretty good

I'd be able to easily repower it down the road if I needed to, and there's probably even room for twins on the transom too.

I might need to mail a deposit check to have him hold the boat for a month or two. The fact that the trailer looks like it's in very good shape is a real bonus too.

 

[Pugetsound]

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

H A I have had two elect. Shift Johnsons and never a bit of trouble with either. On on my last 19 Glasply is still being used every summer in Idaho . I guess some folks are less lucky. Oh it was a 115 hp

 

[MAXX40X]

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

Tried to send you a pm; isn?t going to happen until you dump/delete some of your mail.
In any event you can pm me with info in regard to the seller. I WILL drive to Mi to pick this boat up. Not a problem
Thanks
maxx40x

 

[jasoutside]

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

Big OB Chief, sweet!

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

Big OB Chief, sweet!

Yeah I'm taking a liking to the big blue one. I'm thinking that I already have 4 extra seats laying around that are white/blue and grey/glue it will be a good color to stick with on that rig.

I was first interested in the Islander because Roslynn said she thought it looked like an outboard hanging off the transom. This was from driving past and not stopping so she wasn't sure.

I started thinking that it would be good to learn all about I/O's and stuff, but I would rather learn outboards across the board and focus on that for now. I need to try to stick with all Johnnyrudes as well for that matter.:facepalm:

I just hope nobody stops by and buys this boat, I think maybe I should mail a deposit of some kind. (the owner's wife did mention that she was surprised I called since the "for sale" sign has blown off and is gone now, so maybe fate is on my side)

 

[Deadwood]

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

I look forward to you reclaiming the splash well space and building the outboard platform.

 

[Bwana Don]

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

IF you go for the I/O, I'll be happy to come over and work on it with you. You're not that far way, the kids can play and we'll do some PM. I can see you're leaning towards the OB, don't be afraid of the I/O, any help you need I'll be happy to lend a hand. Points, plugs, carb rebuild, I know my way around a car engine. The outdrive I'm just learning but unless you start rebuilding the gears inside it's not bad.

I went through a big learning curve with mine and now looking back it's not that bad. This time last year I had no idea what a gimble bearing was. Now I know where it is how to inspect it and how to replace it.

Cheif or Islander they are both good looking boats. You can't loose bud.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

Thanks Don, I appreciate the offer. I would certainly take you up on it if I went that route.

The owner of the '72 Chieftain told me that the title doesn't say the model name, but on the boat itself it says Islander somewhere. After some research, it looks like they only made the Islander in I/O in '72 so it has to be a Chieftain.

iboats info(which isn't always correct) says it's rated for 170hp OB, weighs 1590lbs dry, and has a length of 21'8".

So I'd call her a 22' model...potentially 25' with the right type of OB bracket

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

We stopped by the place and looked at the Islander again after my son's half day of school and I took some more photos of the rig.

I still like this boat, and I'm amazed at the amount of extra gear that goes with the boat. There is a canvas top and frame, 2 downriggers, 2 fish finders, marine band radio, 2 planer boards, 2 nets, cushions for the cabin, extra lower unit parts, etc.

I will be glad to see her back on iboats in a restoration thread

 

[jasoutside]

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

She would make for a great project! (Chief would too though, eh)

 

[Triton II]

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

HA, that Chieftain will make an awesome family boat and keep Roz in the style to which she'd like to become accustomed!

The Islander will be great while the kids are young, but take it from someone who knows - once they start to grow they don't stop and you'll need that extra cabin space...

So if it were me making this difficult decision - I'd go with the big blue tub. And it's easy to upgrade outboards when (not if) you need more power... bolt-on - bolt-off.

TII

 

[Broadcast]

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

Plus... you could extend your fishing seasons cause the OB is easier to drain! Earlier in the water, and later coming out = more fishing time. Right??? I'm just say'in...

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

Well the latest update is that the rig is still available. I thought another iboats memebr was going to come drag her home, but he is now looking at a rig in Florida.

This means that I will still be considering the Islander, and also the Chieftain. I've made arangements with one of my cousins up north to ride up to Escanaba with me to take a look. He is my first choice to roll with me in case there are any issues with that double axle trailer.

Not going to rush into any decisions, I'm personally in favor of the Islanders larger deck and smaller cabin at this point. More room for passengers, since I really am not sure if folks will want to ride in the cabin on the Chief in some chop.

The saga continues...

 

[jasoutside]

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

Re: looking at a '83 Islander

I am tellen ya bro, play that Islander how I outlined in post #9 and you can't lose on that rig. You even have that I6 nearby as a sweet backup motor if that 2.5 is toast.

Besides having the larger deck that Islander runs the IO, clearly a superior driveline. Handsome and intelligent men think so.

I absolutely love that Chief beyond the bridge there and I love that it's an OB too. The only thing that bums me out is the monster splashwell. I think the bigger cabin would be totally fine if you didn't have the splashwell eating up the space too.

Tough call man, tough call. I'll be rooting for you either way bro