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repower 1958 continental 26'

Discussion in 'Chris Craft Roamer Yacht' started by chamberlain16, Apr 14, 2010.

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  1. chamberlain16, Apr 14, 2010
    #1
    chamberlain16

    chamberlain16 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2010
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    Charlevoix MI
    I have a 1958 26' all mahogany continental. It was left to me buy my grandfather when he died. It came with a Chrysler straight 6 originally it currently has a gm 350 marine engine. I have have gone skiing behind it unsuccessfully and part of the problem people have told me is the boat doesn't get up on a plain very quick. so this leads me to the question if i modify my 350 to get more power will the boat take it? I wanted to put a 427 in it but that is a bit more work so not right now. will it take a 427?

    also can you ballpark the value for me? it came from the algonac plant near detroit mi i think.
    check my restoration pics at http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o242/chamberlain16/chris%20craft/

    when i got it
    [​IMG]

    right now
    [​IMG]
  2. Pequod, Apr 21, 2011
    #2
    Pequod

    Pequod New Member

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    Should be enough power

    I have a 1948 22ft Sportsman with a GM 350. I can rip the arms off of a skier pulling them out of the hole. I would think I could pull up many skiers at one time. The 350 should be more than enough.

    The 26 is a heavier boat though. Do you have 1:1 direct drive transmission (I do)? Is the prop the correct one?

    Beautiful boat! And a rare one too

    Kevin
  3. NYCAP123, Apr 21, 2011
    #3
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    DK that I'd even use that classic for skiing. I'd save it for special dates and parades. Before I'd consider putting in a bigger motor, I too would check the prop and transmission. Adding trim tabs could also help, as could simply shifting weight forward.
  4. bee, Apr 22, 2011
    #4
    bee

    bee Member

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    monaco
    I had a Continental in 1961 and it was very heavy and so underpowered that I sold it and replaced it with a Riva Super Floride which was great.
    Surely in this day and age some light new engine could get it going.
  5. chamberlain16, May 1, 2011
    #5
    chamberlain16

    chamberlain16 New Member

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    thanks for all the comments

    anyone have any idea on the value? i am curious more then anything. just ballpark it for me.
  6. K1W1, May 1, 2011
    #6
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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  7. chamberlain16, May 1, 2011
    #7
    chamberlain16

    chamberlain16 New Member

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    i think so but different

    although mine only has one engine i could put 2 in it. anyone know how to decode a chris craft vin to figure out the options it came with. i wonder if the company chris craft would have any information to help me?
  8. NYCAP123, May 1, 2011
    #8
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    The company has changed hands and countries a few times. You'd probably have better luck going to CC and antique clubs, forums and blogs.