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1990 501 Constellation: Pros & Cons

Discussion in 'Chris Craft Connies, Commanders & Catalinas' started by Chesapeake, Nov 26, 2017.

  1. Chesapeake

    Chesapeake Member

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    Hey All... I'm a newbie here and looking for a little advice/direction. The Admiral and I are looking at a 1990 50' 501 Constellation with Galley up design and DD 6V92 with 2600 hours.
    Looking for some Pros and Cons on this boat.
    Doing some research already..... 6v92's seem very reliable but thirsty. Is 35 gph per engine at cruise correct?
    Hull Construction- cored or solid?
    Cockpit seems rather small and access to swim platform difficult for family? True?
    Stern tie up....? Difficult to two hand the boat?
    Need Bow Thruster?
    Generator noise level....? Same level of sleeping corridor...does it interfere with sleep?
    What else should I know.... appreciate your input.
    Tim
  2. SeaEric

    SeaEric YF Historian

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    IMHO the 4 SR galley up version doesn't have enough seating room for the number of people she sleeps. The galley takes up half of the deckhouse. One of the big pluses of the 501 is the huge deckhouse. If you absolutely need 4 SR's, you may want to look at a Viking or Hatteras MY of that same vintage.
  3. Chesapeake

    Chesapeake Member

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    Thanks. I really like the layout. Adds the entertaining space to the galley. All for not though.... the boats I was looking at - brokers won't take a trade...
  4. Chesapeake

    Chesapeake Member

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    I'm back in the game.... This boat is back on the market in the Chesapeake area. Again - my original questions above about this boat - if anyone has feedback I'd sure be appreciative. Thanks TK
  5. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Can you send a listing web address?
  6. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Hey now, That is a good looking boat.
    4 staterooms & Galley up??? And up north???
    You can sleep more people than you can entertain...

    Thanks. I really like the layout

    If that's what you want; go for it & survey the heck out of her.

    Not sure of the 35gph - cruise,,, what tune are the motors (HP?), speed & rpm would you cruise at?
  7. Chesapeake

    Chesapeake Member

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    Thank you....
    550hp on the 6V92’s
  8. Chesapeake

    Chesapeake Member

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    Any ideas on Fuel Consumption on these 6V92's?
  9. SeaEric

    SeaEric YF Historian

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    This is a fuel chart of actual numbers from a customer of mine with the identical boat and engines. 501 Chris fuel numbers.jpg
  10. Captbob626

    Captbob626 New Member

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    6 92s are dogs. Oil leakers and need rebuilding every 2000 hrs
  11. Captbob626

    Captbob626 New Member

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    I would talk to a Detroit mechanic .
  12. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Yes, you may want to talk to a Detroit mechanic. There are a few of us here, Since you obliviously have not a clue.
  13. 30West

    30West Member

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    There is one like that in my town going to go on the market this spring. Parked next to mine in heated storage, I've been drooling over it. Owner is Jeff Cavanagh, he owns https://www.anchoragemarineservice.com/ Good guy, very meticulous with his work.

    I believe it is much lower hours, fresh water, and impeccably maintained.
  14. Chesapeake

    Chesapeake Member

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    Thanks 30West - do you know if it has the galley up?
  15. 30West

    30West Member

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    I wish I knew, I need to have Jeff show me around. I worked with Jeff at a marina decades ago, then college and the military and flying took me away from boating. Now I'm running into my old friends who stayed in the business.

    When he said he'd be selling it I thought hard about it, Chris Craft is still a big deal around here, and I know that boat was built well. Chris Smith's grandson and namesake lives a few miles south of me, I recently went there for a party when his son retired from flying with me. His shop is an incredible museum of the early days of powerboating, and Chris is still drawing up and building boats in it.

    Chis is seated at his drafting table, and this is a pic of his uncles setting a world speed record.
    .
    ChrisSmith.jpg SmithBrothers.jpg
  16. Robertoman

    Robertoman Member

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    I like my 92s