Thinking about a boat.....

[KBennett]

We had a boat when we lived in Illinois but sold it when we moved to Colorado in 2000. It was a 1962 16' runabout with a 50HP Johnson that would seat four. It couldn't pull a skier, but did OK with a tube. I paid $350 for it and after 2 years I sold it for $350 and the fun we had with it was priceless. I know about the first and last day you own a boat :-laf



At the time I pulled it with my Pathfinder so it was about all the boat it could tow. Now that I have something Cummins powered... ... .

I pulled my buddies 16K boat the other day and it did it without breaking a sweat. #ad




There are a lot of good places to boat in Utah and Idaho so now I am thinking about getting another boat. I would like to get an inboard this time, around 18 feet, and strong enough to pull a skier. We need to seat our family of four and maybe some friends so probably six.

I like the Ski Nautiques, even an old one, they are pricey but maybe I could find something in that style. I want to spend about $3K or less and can't really justify much more because of how much we will use it. Am I asking for too much?

 

[nps]

I just picked up a Sea Doo Sportster. 15' 4 seater with 215 HP and loads of fun. More than enough to pull a skier.

 

[CumminsBu]

If you are looking for a used ski boat there are two good places to to find them, one is www.waterskimag.com in there classiflieds and www.boattraderonline.com Some of the boats I like are Ski Nautiques, Malibu and Mastercraft, there are a lot more if you need help let me know I'm a Diehard skier, and Love Tourament ski boats.

 

[Duluth Diesel]

I just picked up a Sea Doo Sportster. 15' 4 seater with 215 HP and loads of fun. More than enough to pull a skier.

Heck yes! My ol' man just picked up a Sea Doo Challenger 180CS. Same engine as the Sportster. Moves out real nice!

 

[KBennett]

I found one that looks promising locally for $1600. 00.



It is a 1978 19' Reinell with a OMC outdrive and a Ford 302. It runs when fuel is put in the carb so they think it needs a fuel pump. Interior looks good in the pictures.



Anything I should watch out for?? How are the OMC outdrives? My buddy thought that the Ford motors overheated and had main seal issues. The guy has owned it for a year and said the previous owner had the motor rebuilt.

 

[CumminsBu]

Does the stern drive have hydraulic trim tilt or a motor for up down?

 

[KBennett]

The outdrive has the electric motor.



Went to see it and it needs a lot of work. The motor had a freeze plug pop and they stuck one of those rubber stoppers in it. One of the manifolds has a fine crack so the motor has probably been winterized incorrectly.



The neighbor across the street has an older boat (70's) that is sitting on the side of the house. It could use a new interior but it has a Volvo outdrive which I hear are good. She said that she will talk to her ex-husband but if it was up to her that I could have it. Maybe that is the route I will take. If I can get it running then I will probably give her something for it.

I did not look at the motor but hopefully it is the straight six.

 

[KBennett]

Found it!



It's a 1964 Chris Craft with a 283 Chevy. The trailer, interior, and exterior have been completely gone through. I paid a little more than my budget but it's almost exactly what I wanted.

Thanks to everyone that posted! Here are some pics (the Dodge in the pictures is not mine)... .



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[CumminsBu]

Thats a beautiful boat, happy boating.

 

[GiesJ]

Sweet old boat. Lets see ya hittin the bouy at about 41' off now...



someday I would love an old MC Stars and Stripes.

Jason

 

[KBennett]

someday I would love an old MC Stars and Stripes.

Jason

Here is one on Ebay right now:

Mastercraft



Thanks guys for the compliments. We have had it out 4 times and it runs great. It seems to be pretty efficient at a gallon per hour of running.

I have had to clean the fuel filter a couple times so it must have some stuff in the tank. The filter is a neat little setup with a stainless strainer.

 

[GiesJ]

That is a sweetheart mastercraft...



I was just talking with my mom today about our place we used to have on the lake and skiing at 6am.

glad your boat is treating you well.

 

[Dl5treez]

Very nice Chris-Craft!



Super Sport, right?

 

[SHobbs]

Nice boat congrats on finding it. I was going to say Master Craft or anything with the motor in the middle. I have done alot of skiing behind one as well as just riding around and you can't beat them. Extremely smooth and gets a skier out of the water fast.