Opinions
 

Any opinions on a 1987 Chris Craft '32 stinger? I am going back to look at one for the second time this weekend. The one I am looking @ has two less than 30hrs 454's, a 3 axle trailer with less than 100 miles on it, and all new exterior upholstery.

I am going to climb into the bilges and check the stringers, give the transom the rap test, and a general "kick the tires".

Anything I should look 4 on this particular era Chris? I think what I am going to get this thing for is a awsome deal, just want to make sure.

Even if the hull is no good I may buy it and part it out.

Input is greatly appreciated

Jerry

Test drive, check the transom, gimbal play. Get a survey. Best 350 spent. Leak Down Test. just my opinion. I guess others will chime in

Survey, survey, survey......

What they said, then you'll know and won't be guessing.

Also, for the year of the boat. Its going to need a survey for insurance purposes and if you plan on financing any of it. Get the survey and sleep at night.

Check the condition of the drives by looking at the gimbal rings. Look for play in the steering by shaking the outdrives back and forth and looking at the steering wheel at the same time. This can be very costly to fix. I watched my mechanic do this on a boat I almost bought - he told me $5000 to fix both outdrives.

1987 Stinger - its heavy and lots of wood. If the transom has not rotted out yet, consider yourself lucky. It will probobly happen soon. Not really much of a market for these boats. They do not sell fast. They don't go fast. 70mph is about all they were designed to go and from what I hear more power won't do it much good.

Disclaimer: I have never ridden in a stinger, never worked on one. I have done quite a bit of research on them.

Great info folks, I always get my boats surveyed, but I like to do a pre-survey just to see if I can save that $$$, when I decide it is no good on my own.

I know these are big, heavy and slow, but what I am really interested in is the motors (for other projects). The wife and I just thought we might put a few hours on it until the fall.

Thanx for the input, I will update later.