Looking at a used 1999 Chris Craft 200 w/ volva penta 5.0

[Augoose]

Hey all,
I'm considering upgrading my current 1989 Carvelle 20' bowrider with 4.3 merc to a '99 20' Chris Craft bowrider with the Volvo penta 5.0. My boat runs very well for the age but its getting to the point where the deck and upholstery need to be replaced and I just don't think the ROI is there. I bought the boat two years ago for $2200 and I'd have to sink close to $2000 just to get it repaired properly and get another couple of years out of it. According to Nada, my boat has a high end value of $3,700 so I just don't think its a wise plan to put $2000 into it to fix it up.

So, I have a few questions....
I've learned a lot about boats since owning my caravelle, one of them being that if PO's don't take care of their deck, the carpet will store water and moisture and rot out the wood floor. I understand that this can happen on any boat, even newer ones... however....
The Chris Craft I'm looking at has a fiberglass deck with I'm assuming 1/4 or 1/2 marine ply underneath- but according to the pics, no wood is exposed that I can see. Would the deck be less likely to have rot since it has a fiberglass top? I'm assuming that most of the water would run off towards the stern or would the wood underneath be at just as much risk to rot? I'm really wanting to find a boat with a good foundation this time around.

I've read that the reliability with the volvo's are just as good as with the mercs- is that true? Are they also as easy to work on? Thanks to this forum I've pulled my own drive, replaced u-joints, a lower gear unit, installed bellows, and some other standard stuff- can I expect to continue doing some of my own work on the volvo?

Lastly, I've heard about Chris Craft quality since I was a little kid - I'm assuming that today is no different? The price on this boat is very good, almost too good, which I'm sure to be cautious about.
Thanks all

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Looking at a used 1999 Chris Craft 200 w/ volva penta 5.0

So i am a little bias, but looks like a nice boat and would be a great upgrade from what you have now.

Any boat that is fiberglassed incased/ or self bailing is going to have a longer longevity than a carpeted boat imo. Self bailing decks shed the water to stern drains, while carpeted boats act as a spung. The quality of chris crafts fell of during the early to mid 80s. But the company is doing really quite well now. quality is amazing in the new boats. That being said, the quality on the year your looking at should be good as well.

The condition of stringers and below deck structures really depends on how well it was maintained. If hatches and other items that can leak water into the lower structures were allowed to go unmaintained, then the boat can rott and will.

Like I said though, a self bailing deck is a definate plus.

The volvo 5.0 is a great combo for that boat. should be resonabley economical and parts are easy to find, though more expensive than a mercruiser in most cases.

Again, motor and outdrive needed to be taken care of. ow many hours are on her and do you have a listing on the boat? more pics would be good. The pic you posted looks great! Looks well maintained and almost new looking, thats a good sign. Trailered or moored/docked?

 

[JoLin]

Re: Looking at a used 1999 Chris Craft 200 w/ volva penta 5.0

Chris*Craft has had numerous owners over the years, and quality has varied. Your boat was 'owned' by OMC at the time it was made and those years were, IMO, very good ones.

I ran a 1999 Chris*Craft 240 express for 2 years before I upsized to the boat in my sig. I'd recommend (as with any boat more than 10 years old) a survey by someone who has the knowledge and equipment to detect water inflitration in transom and stringers.

That said, my C*C was VERY well constructed with high quality materials throughout. I'm also a big fan of Volvo Penta SX series outdrives. Mine was a 5.7 duo-prop. It is true that they're a bit more expensive to maintain and repair than Mercs (parts cost), but in good condition they're extremely robust and shift smooth as silk. As for them being as reliable as Mercs when maintained... they're better, and just as easy to work on.

Get that boat checked out by a pro. If it's in good shape I think you have a winner. Good luck!

My .02

 

[Augoose]

Re: Looking at a used 1999 Chris Craft 200 w/ volva penta 5.0

Thank you gentlemen, exactly what I was looking for.
Chris Craft, the info regarding the self bailing deck is good to hear and I was hoping that that type of design would potentially make a different in the longevity of the deck. I'm not sure if the boat was wet slipped or dry stored on a trailer or storage, but that's one of my follow on questions for the seller as well as to the number of hours. If all continues to check out with it I will make the drive to go see it in person and take it from there.

JoLin, thanks for the info. As things progressive I'll definitely look up a marine surveyor to inspect the boat.

Like I mentioned, the seller is asking $3,000 below recommended list which makes me cautious but the boat doesn't come with a trailer (no issue as I have access to a tandem) - I thought that Nada's prices contained the cost of a trailer built in but can anyone confirm? Could this make up the difference between the suggested price and what the seller is asking?

One last question - does it appear based on the pic of the lower unit, that it was used excessively in salt water? I will certainly ask the seller.
Here are some more pics.

 

[Augoose]

Re: Looking at a used 1999 Chris Craft 200 w/ volva penta 5.0

One more pic

 

[truckermatt]

Re: Looking at a used 1999 Chris Craft 200 w/ volva penta 5.0

i would say yes on it being used in saltwater, the engine compartment isn't very clean, ( my boat is 9 years older and you could eat off the engine) the out drive does appear to have some corrosion type appearence. and lastly, an aluminum trailer as shown in the picture assumes it dipped in the salt before.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Looking at a used 1999 Chris Craft 200 w/ volva penta 5.0

NADA value typically does not include a trailer. In any event, NADA market value in today's lousy market is meaningless- in the last four years I've purchased 2 boats (the C*C and my Four Winns) for at least 1/3 off NADA list. Others have done better than that.

I'd say the corrosion indicates that it's been used in salt, and the zincs (anodes) weren't replaced when required. Contrary to what many here would have you believe, salt water use isn't a 'death knell' for a boat and motor. It means that you need to keep up with maintenance... anodes and engine manifolds and risers. What does the current owner say about the corrosion? If he says it's a salt water boat, make him produce receipts for the manifolds and riser replacment. If he can't prove they've been done within the past few years, deduct the cost of replacement from your offer price. OEM Volvo M&R's should be good for about 6 years in salt. I bought my $23K (NADA) Vista for $15K because the owner couldn't prove when Mani's, risers and bellows had been replaced. I also walked away when the owner balked at my offer. Two months later HE called ME.

Never fall in love with a boat until after you've bought it. If anything the owner has to say bothers you, just walk away. There are SO many boats available...

Again, a surveyor/marine mechanic can tell you what you need to know. Good luck.

My .02

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Looking at a used 1999 Chris Craft 200 w/ volva penta 5.0

What your seeing on the outdrive does not necessarily mean it was in salt water. Did the seller state that it has never been in salt? It is more of a fresh water boat, but with your location it is always possible. Like already said, saltwater use means nothing if the boat was maintained properly. Does not look like it has been in salt much if any at all to me.

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: Looking at a used 1999 Chris Craft 200 w/ volva penta 5.0

Is that rust around the gauges?

 

[Augoose]

Re: Looking at a used 1999 Chris Craft 200 w/ volva penta 5.0

All,
thanks very much for the continued help. I haven't had a chance to speak to the actual owner rather just through the guy who's selling it on consignment. According to him, the boat was used and stored on a lift in a river which empties into the atlantic, so the water was brackish but more fresh than salt. The trailer pictured is not being sold with the boat. I'll ask for verification, but I'm assuming it has the original manifolds and risers - what am I looking at for cost if they need to be replaced? Also, I've always been good on inspecting mine for leaks but it was only used in fresh water so what do I look for in order to inspect the manifolds and risers for damage caused by salt - excess rust?
As for the rust appearance around the gauges, that's something else I need to ask about - I'm hoping its some glue or adhesive left over from a dashboard repair job? we'll see I guess.
The seller is asking $5,500 for the boat. What are the thoughts on that price?

 

[cyclops2]

Re: Looking at a used 1999 Chris Craft 200 w/ volva penta 5.0

That boat has been run down with no care at all. That is why it is , or should be sold.

Let someone else clean up the mess the boat is in.

Keep walking & looking. You can & will do better.

 

[Augoose]

Re: Looking at a used 1999 Chris Craft 200 w/ volva penta 5.0

That boat has been run down with no care at all. That is why it is , or should be sold.

Let someone else clean up the mess the boat is in.

Keep walking & looking. You can & will do better.

Why do you say that? What do you see wrong with it?

 

[Augoose]

Re: Looking at a used 1999 Chris Craft 200 w/ volva penta 5.0

Any other suggestions?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Looking at a used 1999 Chris Craft 200 w/ volva penta 5.0

Looks pretty good to me for the price.

 

[scrit9mm]

Re: Looking at a used 1999 Chris Craft 200 w/ volva penta 5.0

I have that exact same boat, the only difference is that mine has bolster seats. That vertical stripe of "fluid" that has been sprayed on the right side of the engine compartment is probably the circulator pump, which you will not notice if it works or not until you lake test it or it overheats. I have to replace mine this year (70-80 bucks on ebay). The boat does look to be poorly maintained. How are the seats? Does the seller have the snap in carpet and the snap on covers? I have owned my 200 for almost a year and already sunk about 1500 in it so far. That is the cost of not getting it inspected. Almost all of my cost could have been avoided by a thorough inspection. I love the boat, it pulls wakeboarders, skiers, and tubes no problem. It has a 40 gal tank that lasts me two weekends.

I would like to ask what the name brand and/or model number is on the tower. I am looking for one.

Let me know if you have any specific questions.

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Looking at a used 1999 Chris Craft 200 w/ volva penta 5.0

I'd like to know what you guys are seeing that warrants saying this boat looks like it hasn't been maintained? This boat looks better than 90 percent we see people come here asking questions about. The corrosion on the outdrive is a non issue, it is normal corrosion. More from barnicals than anything else.

The corrosion on the alternator is as normal as I have ever seen. the bilge is a little dirty but wtf? You guys telling me you can eat off your bilge deck?

This boat looks like it has normal wear and the seats and interior looks great for a used boat. The exterior looks good and no bottom paint which is a definate plus!

So what are you guys seeing? Any boat you buy at that price is going to have something to repair, fix up, replace or just shine.

 

[Augoose]

Re: Looking at a used 1999 Chris Craft 200 w/ volva penta 5.0

Thanks all for the responses!
I too would like additional info on what some are saying makes them think its been poorly maintained - keep me from making a $5000 mistake as I am planning on looking at it this weekend.

Scrit9mm- War Eagle! Auburn grad and spent many weekends on lake martin as well. According to the listing the seller does have the carpet and snap in cover. If I go this weekend to look at it I'll certainly get the details on the tower for you.

As said, I'm planning on a trip this weekend to look at it as I've just not seen anything else which matches what I'm looking for, price included. Provided everything is functional, it seems to be a good boat for the price. I'm still planning on a marine surveyor to do the inspection, but I'd like to personally check the following:
1) Compression check
2) Gear oil inspection / engine oil inspection
3) play in the prop/smooth shifting
4) complete deck/transom/below deck inspection for rot/soft spots
5) ability to maintain temp at idle/speed
6) trim unit functionality
7) Bellows inspection
8) water test

Any other inspection areas recommended?
Again, thanks everyone

Thanks Chriscraft and Ezmobee as well.

 

[Friscoboater]

Re: Looking at a used 1999 Chris Craft 200 w/ volva penta 5.0

I can see why someone said it was not maintained. The engine bay is pretty messy. I see a lot of staining, pitting, and rust showing. It is not all a bad thing, but it was near salt, and that is what you will get. From what I have found, boats that are closer to the salt water are considerably cheaper than boats that are just fresh water.

Also, I noticed the snap in carpet is gone... why is that... could be because it was trashed. Those are the little things that I look for after being screwed so bad on my sea ray. Statistically boats stored on a lift are not as well maintained. People put them out there and just run them till them puke, then sell em.

 

[Augoose]

Re: Looking at a used 1999 Chris Craft 200 w/ volva penta 5.0

I agree that the engine compartment is not the best, however I'm giving the benefit of the doubt (maybe in mistake) that the rest of the boat was well maintained based on the pics.

Friscoboater- the seller says he has the snap in carpet. I'm hoping that since the boat is currenty not used and sitting on a lot that the seller removed the carpet to preserve it which then hopefully speaks well of its condition.

On the topic of saltwater, it was used in brackish water, more fresh than salt according to the seller, and was rinsed with freshwater afterwards (allegedly). In addition to the manifolds and risers being rusted away, what other expendable components should I inspect looking for damage from salt water? I haven't read anything about potential damage to the block- is there concern there?

Thanks all

 

[scrit9mm]

Re: Looking at a used 1999 Chris Craft 200 w/ volva penta 5.0

Thanks for looking into the tower Augoose! Are there any winterizing or maintenence records? It looks like the engine bay could be cleaned and with a new alternator it would look alot better. For that price if everything works you are getting a great boat.

War Eagle!