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Chris Craft MY, are they too unique

Discussion in 'Chris Craft Connies, Commanders & Catalinas' started by timjet, Jan 6, 2010.

  1. timjet

    timjet Member

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    Hi Folks,
    I'm new to this forum and am looking for a trawler/CMY boat after having just sold my sailboat. I'm looking for something in the 36 to 40' range and there are plenty to choose from in the FL area where I live.

    Any boat I purchase I want to be able to resell without a huge loss and if purchased right (cost wise) that shouldn't be too much of a problem unless the boat doesn't have mass appeal. I may be interested in the Chris Crafts built in the mid 80's, boats like the 38 Corinthian, 381 Catalina, and the 350 Catalina. These boats are different than the many other boats available in that they aren't a typical sundeck or sedan style. All of these boats have the fly bridge extend to nearly the aft of the boat, but the bridge starts about mid ship leaving the bridge about the size of a similar sized sundeck, but without the sundeck. The big advantage to this configuration is a larger salon area and the ability to walk around the aft portion of the boat at deck level.
    My concern is the uniqueness of this design. Since no other mass produced boats are built like this, I'm wondering if this design doesn't have mass appeal.
    I love (form the pictures) the large salon area, much bigger than the competition, but the smaller outdoor living area of the fly bridge without sundeck is a minus here in FL where we spend much time outdoors.
    Another odd thing about these boats is it seems Chris Craft built mostly gas boats in this size range. Very few diesels exits but almost all the Asian boats in this size range are diesels.
    Anyone care to comment?

    Regards,
    Timjet
  2. Henning

    Henning Senior Member

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    Gasoline engines = more HP/Lb and less $$$$. Most of them saw little enough use that it didn't make economic sense to use diesels.
  3. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Personal opinion, I'd steer clear of mid 80's Chris Craft of that size. I'd also steer clear of 40' boats running gas (except gofasts and OBs).
  4. timjet

    timjet Member

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    I will only consider diesel power. Why would you steer clear of mid 80's Chris Crafts that are diesel powered?
  5. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Murray took them over in '81, followed by OMC in '89. Those were big days for corporate raiders buying and stripping companies. They're boats were more on a par with Carver than with the old CC's IMHO.
  6. Henning

    Henning Senior Member

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    Multiple factors in the economy and corporate culture of those days had them built at a lesser grade than they were historically known for. Fortunately, it looks like things have squared away since.
  7. mbgator

    mbgator New Member

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    CC Quality

    In our marina in Ludington MI there are two 381 Cats. One is an early '80 model, the other mid-late '80. The difference in fit and finish with windows, woodwork, glass and accessories is discernible when walking past the boats.
    We are friends with the owners of the earlier 381, they love the boat, cruise it frequently around the Great Lakes and have owned her for quite some time with no problems at all. We don't know the other owners as they are rarely there when we are.
  8. Capt Bluto

    Capt Bluto New Member

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  9. cwatridge

    cwatridge New Member

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    1988 Chris Craft 501

    I have a 1984 53 Hatteras ED. My good friend who used to visit the Chris Craft forum found a 1988 Chris Craft 501 that was basically sound but needed some 'fixing up". He and I worked on our boats together and we both learned a lot. I suspect I know this boat as well or better than my own. The engines are Detroit Diesels 6V92 turbocharged. They have about 550 HP and each has been refit - before he got it. The engines have less than 400 hors since the refit and run like tops and are very efficient. Unfortunately, my friend died suddenly of a heart attack and the boat is available. He and his wife and family had planned many good trips and it is ready for them. Let me know if you would like more information.
    C Watridge
  10. RER

    RER Senior Member

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    Buyer Beware

    If you are still looking here's my two cents... With 25 year old boats, assuming you are looking at semi competent builders to begin with, it can be as much about who has owned the boat as it is about who built it. I've seen plenty of well built boats that have been ruined over the years by owners with bad ideas. And I've seen boats that have been taken from mediocre to outstanding through refit by a knowledgeable owner or his agent. In fact I believe a knowledgeable owner/seller is a major factor when considering an older boat. And that factor should be readily apparent when conducting your buyer's inspection.
    Last edited: Feb 21, 2010
  11. q240z

    q240z New Member

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    Timjet, with prices in the basement as a result of the economy, it's difficult to imagine taking a huge loss on anything one buys today (unless, of course, you intend to flip it tomorrow). Having said that, and being a long-standing Chris owner, I agree that you shouldn't fear well maintained early '80s Chris Crafts. The Cats are a somewhat unique design though. There might be all sorts of practical reasons why they went with that design, I'm sure, but it doesn't strike me as a particularly pretty profile.

    To each his own, though. If you like it and you find a solid boat for a good price, go for it!
  12. jim frasch

    jim frasch New Member

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    I have a 1983, 38' chris-craft catalina and really love the layout , search a long time for the right one, I am looking for an owner manual for it, any help out there
  13. mbgator

    mbgator New Member

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    Jim. We own a 1986 Chris 426 Catalina. In my opinion, she is a very well built lady. Extremely comfortable and excellent ride and sea keeping. We run 454’s and yes, she consumes gas. I get about .86nmpg @14 knots. Comfortable cruise at that speed. She is just over the bow wake there. I top out at about 22 knots, but no need to run that speed.
    As for an owners manual, there really isn’t one. Chris published a rather generic owners manual that only covered the basics, nothing specific to the boat.
  14. Das Scorpion

    Das Scorpion Member

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    Ooops, I have a 1984 Scorp. 51A5HwFYpFL._SX342_QL70_.jpg
  15. CaptainRoamer

    CaptainRoamer New Member

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    I also own a 1986 Chris Craft Catalina 426- built like a tank and very sought after. I’d recommend to anyone looking for a motor yacht. I haven’t seen any compromise in build on her.
  16. Ron2019

    Ron2019 New Member

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    I just discovered the Chris Craft 381 Catalina , they are unique and beautiful. I agree though , I would prefer diesel for gas expenses. Could I get an opinion on a comparison of a 1984 sea ray aft cabin 42 ft with diesels and the Chris-Craft of mid eighties? I’m hoping to purchase soon.
  17. Beau

    Beau Senior Member

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    Hey there Henning

    Haven't heard from you for a long time - welcome back!
  18. RER

    RER Senior Member

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    That post is from Jan 2010
  19. Beau

    Beau Senior Member

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    Duh! Oh it has been a long time....
  20. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Sadly, Henning has not been on YF since April 15, 2005.