Need advice on old school power boats
 

Hi Gang,

Well………. I had to let go of the 89 IMP 255 I picked up a while back due to a very long and tragic story not worth repeating here.

Long story short, I wound up taking the boat to a much more reputable shop, and they advised me to just let it go, turns out she needed way too much work.

I learned a ton of valuable lessons behind this experience however, and a great many of you were very helpful along the way.

I still want a boat, still determined to get one, and I know what to do differently and what not to repeat.

(no projects……say it with me………..NO PROJECTS)

Having said that, I did a ton of research on other boat makes & models and I’ve compiled a list of what I’m interested in.

Looking at the following:

89 Chris Craft 245 Limited

89 Formula 242

89 to 98 Mach 1

89 Baja Force 250

89 Sea Ray Pachanga

89 Wellcraft Nova 26

89 Seebold Eagle 265

Yeah, I’ve got this thing for 1989, but honestly if any boat on that list came with better options, or was just made better before or after the 1989 model year, I’d be more than open to considering it.

My requirements:

First and foremost, single engine only. I absolutely will not consider anything with twins under any circumstances. Not looking to break the bank or any speed records. Just want to go out on the water and enjoy the day.

Secondly, stock, drop down bolster seats would be nice but not a deal breaker as I know that’s an aftermarket item that can be purchased later.

Third, anything between the 23 to 28 ft. range, with a preference for the 24 to 26 ft. boats.

Please give me your opinions on the list I’ve provided, and feel free to add if there are similar/better boats that I’ve missed.

I really like the Chris Craft 245 and the Formula 242. I would have to say that based on what I’ve read & seen, they‘re my top two choices.


Lastly, I was under the impression that the boat I had only came with twins, but I’ve seen one or two 89 IMP Eleganza 255’s with a single 454.

Could it be that those were custom made by customizing the rear transom to accept one engine, or did IMP make any Eleganza 255’s with only one engine?


Thanks in advance..........

a 35 year old boat that`s not a project... well good luck on that !!
btw single engine boats suck.

What's your price range? 20-30 k I would be looking for A 1998-2000 Powerquest 260. Or a Sonic 260 Prowler.

This sounds like the guys that post on the C3 forums,,,,,,,,

Well…….

I think a lot of folks that have owned, still own, just sold, and are also looking to buy boats from that era would strongly disagree with your assessment about them being projects just because of their age.

From what I’ve read and discovered about that era of boats they were pretty much built like tanks and some of them were very heavy which made them handle rough water much better than their newer contemporaries.

Also, I can’t begin to tell you how many posts I’ve read in boating forums (including Off Shore Only) where people have commented on how their single engine boats ran faster than boats they owned with two engines.

Of course to be fair, the single engines were blown out beasts, while their twins were small blocks that didn’t make much power but added unnecessary weight.

By now I’ve looked over hundreds of boat ads, and there’s a pretty good amount of newer boats that are clapped out, abandoned projects that need just about everything, and just as many if not more older boats that are in mint condition with low hours, crack-free hulls, and solid floors & stringers.

But I get it, your all about new and crazy fast, everything & anything else isn’t worth your time, you're (that guy).

Thanks for the positive reply though…….

Thanks buddy, I'll add that to the search list.....

his reply is based off of experience. If you've been around here at all for the last 10 years you'd know he has thousands of hours into a 30 plus years old cigarette that he has completed re done. I think you're a little naive when it comes to older boats, I wish you luck.

I had a Mach1 24'. Liked it as a first boat, lake boat, not a great lakes boat though. Mine ran just shy of 70 with a single 468. Decent to overnight on, wasnt solid enough for the water we get in our area. Replaced it with a 28ss Cigarette with twin 454's. Loved the 28ss over the Mach. There was a clean 242 on marketplace by me, not sure of the year though. My bud has a 311sr1, twins though, I like how it handles and runs.

I know there is a 88 26 seabold for sale at Lake Gaston that had been restored and has a 540 supercharged making 800 hp with Imco lower/XR upper drive. They were asking $28,000 for it. The guy who owned just passed in a unexpected car accident so his wife (Debbie Watson Brown) on facebook is selling it. I cant send a link to it from here.

Vice,

Find yourself an'89 Rinker 236 Sport Cuddy. They typically have either a Merc 454 or 502. A strong engine will push them to 70MPH or so, and they handle that speed well. They make great ski boats and are just big enough to overnight on for a cozy couple.

Thanks. Brad.