Chriscraft STINGER????
 

Interested in a 1986 Chriscraft Stinger 390 - 39' but cannot find alot of information on these older offshore vessels - want to know the good and bad on them before I might purchase. I heard they had stringer and hull problems but that was on the 26 footers.This is the original Miami vice style offshore - Please help and tell me what I should look out for what viewing boat - or if previous owners have any good or bad comments on them please do tell.Thank You

All I can tell you about this boat is I believe there was one in the movie "Tequila Sunrise" with Mel Gibson.

It was a nice looking ride in red, and I think he got laid by Michelle Pfifer in it!. What more could a guy want?:D

Before you drop the $$$, I would get a survey done by a competent, experienced marine surveyor looking specifically at hull moisture and stringer condition.

One of our club mambers had one that opened up down the keel-at speed. He was in 3-4 footers at about 35 mph and the damn thing just parted. This boat was never raced and had stock motors. It sunk in less than a minute. His insurance company would not cover the hull since they said it was a structural defect and not an accident:mad:

Have the boat surveyed very carefully as all CC from that era had some hull issues.

Yep.........I know of a 31 that opened up also !!
Be very careful

A friend of mine has an 84 cc 312 that is starting to open up. There is a split in the rear seat and the front engine stringer. Also, there are large cracks on the topside in front of the windshield. Scary!

BT

My father bought a brand new 1986 312 Stinger.Beat the heck out of it for about 6 years with no hull problems.Did destroy the windshield on a stuffing incident though.

The 1984 390 Stingers are awesome looking old boats in my opinion.Just need a pro to look the boats over if you find something you like.And remove the arch if it has one;)

Warpaint in Q&A :confused: Dang, engines must be getting close to done ;) Wassup John?

Dave

Hi Dave.Both motors have been done for over a month.Still need to go to Nickersons for break-in on the dyno.Getting excited.Looking forward to another good summer!Spyder says 650 hp each but i will be happy with 630 so i am anxious too see the results.

Whooohoo, sounds good Warpaint. If you need any help wrenching or launching, look me up. I'm pretty good with a wrench and can snatch a sinking boat onto the trailer with the best of them!! ;)

Dave

Thanks Dave.New bilge pumps too.No sinking allowed;) How is your project coming along?

Doing the final rigging on the mills now. Little bilge work to do then back in they go. Make sure you speak up if you need assistance, I'z reel smartz wen it cums to injins.... :D

Sorry for the side track killahair ;)

BT :cool:

injins:D I have to remember that one.

Sorry killahair, back to the Stingers!:cool:

one of these?

chriscraft stingers
 

I've got a red 312 fittipaldi stinger and found it to be a great ride.gets on plane instantly and takes 3' chop w/o splilling a drink. hull seems to be very well built and shows no signs of stringer problems,deck has a few gel cracks due to a bit of flex but I think this boat was driven hard before I bought it.
I got some help from talking to the Chriscraft museum, got to talk with one of the engineers that built my boat.I'll see if I can find the addess
Sal

Yeah any real info I can get - I heard the old stingers had hull problems so those stories are scaring me - how do I check stringers and all when I go look at this old beast - Its quite a monster - I just went from a 29 foot and the 39 is a little daunting but as you all know bigger better- - perhaps get a survey? Boat is on trailer so I guess I can check out hull but where abouts do I check and How for Stringers?

Hey REDDOG - are you the one with the 38 old Scarab for sale in Ohio I called about that is re-rigged but no engines on trailer? If so If stinger sucks can I pop over to see that one?
Thanks

i own a 39 chris craft stinger
it is a great boat however it is not going to keep up with joe money
i take mine out in the gulf in 5 ft seas with no problem call me anytime with questions as i have completly redone the one i own and may have some helpful tips
chris 281 723 5927

Killahair,
The Scarab is owned by Badgirl (his wifes user name) Ken is in Florida this week so I will answer for him, Yes the boat is still for sale and I know for fact that his boat has been re-worked and probably in better condition than some of the Scarab and Stingers of that era.

I worked at two different Chris Craft dealers in Sarasota Fl., as a mechanic/rigger. I have had alot of expierance with the Scorpion/Stinger sportboats. I have seen and partook in some severe beatings for hours in the gulf that would split about any hull, and the Chris was like new. I have also tested brand new ones that felt spongy, but don't know what happened to those hulls.
Those hulls were as good as any back then, you get what you pay for.
Have the hull checked, go from there.

Hey Killahair,

I bought a 260 stinger over the winter. Before I did, I contacted Chris Craft, BoatUS, and the Coasties.
All three were great about searching databases for anything noteworthy about these boats.

One 31 footer did "open up" as another poster mentioned. Also, they had some problems with the gas tank install on some 22 foot scorpions. (Which was a recall)

I would be happy to forward all the info I have, including from the VP at CC. He gave me the home phone number for Bob Kollotie, who was the hull engineer at the time mine was built (1987).

BoatUS had nothing noteworthy in their consumer protection files regarding 260 stingers. Coast Guard had no incidences (except that 31 footer), and Chris Craft defended those hulls strongly.

I did find out that the glass crew from that era did screw up some Amerosport models by cutting where they shouldn't have cut for plumbing. Story is that they really focused on quality with the Stingers, because it was their "baby" at the time.

I won't preach survey, survey, survey... cause I know you know.

I checked the e mail notification box below, so if you reply, and want more info, I will get back with you.

I would be interested to know if you bought it.
Good luck.

I had a 1984 312 Stinger. I redid the transom/stringers when I bought it. Other than that, no problems. They are big, heavy boats that ride great.

Yeah Id love the info you might have on those old stingers - please tell me what I gotta do to find out or get the info off of you. B

Fund Razor,

I have an 88 260 Stinger and have been looking for info...Wireing, etc. on the boat. Had it for over a year...Did the drives last year and planning on doing the engines this year. Would appreciate any info you have.

I'm going to upgrade to a paid membership today. That will give me access to private messaging, and I'll e mail you guys what I've got within the next day.

I was really surprised to get a personal e mail from CC within a day. I was also surprised with the detailed response from BoatUS and the Coast Guard.

I've been a lurker on these boards for a while, so it's time to pony up some dough and be a real member.

Curious, Island Time, what drives did you get? I have been a mercruiser guy with my previous boats. But the Stinger that I bought has OMC King Cobras.

Drives are Alpha 1 1.47:1 gears...Also completely tore down and rebuilt the transom assemblies. The transom and stringers on my 260 were fine...Hade some rot in the floor board up front and a few soft spots in the cockpit. Otherwise the boat is solid. I rewired the dash and found alot of wires that went nowhere. Would be interresting to talk to the hull guy. A buddy of mine toured the CC plant a few months back and may do some wood work for them. Did your OMC's come w / Ford or GM engines?

Killahair,

Sorry I haven't revisited this thread in awhile, but I do not have the 38 Scarab you asked about. I traded a 311 Formula for a 382 this past summer. I think I know the 38 Scarab .. good solid boat in nice condition if it's the same one you're referring to. Check with Tiz Bad on the boards ... it used to be his. I believe Scott above would also be very familiar with this boat.

Killahair/ Island Time,

My membership will upgrade sometime today. As soon as I have PM priveledges, I will forward what I've got from Chris Craft, etc.

My OMCs came with GM. I'm really familiar with the GM smallblocks from previous merc/alpha combinations (previous wellcraft owner), so I bought what I knew I could rebuild/replace on my own.

I've got no experience with OMCs, so I hope that these KingCobras are as heavy duty as people say.

Here's the one I bought.

OK, I tried to PM you guys, but I guess you don't get that as a regular member, so I will post it here. At least it is on the subject of the thread, so I hope nobody minds.

The first e mail I will copy here is from Dave Robysek at Chris Craft. It's from Dec. 2003. (I'm John) This guy Bob K has all the hull files for the Murray CCs.

Dear John,

We are not aware of any re-occurring quality control problems with the
1987 260 Stinger. And we have never had a problem with the hull. We
used that hull for many years with out any recorded problems. Of course
after 16 years, if the boat has not been properly maintained, then you
may experience problems beyond the manufacturers control.

Unfortunately, there is no one here from the Murray era that is familiar
with the Stingers. Perhaps your best course of action is to contact a
former engineer from Murray Industries. His name is Bob Kolottie and he
can be reached at (xxx) xxx-xxxx. He may be able to give you some
insight into the quality and construction of the Stingers. He also has
all the hull files for the boats that were built by Murray Industries.
In those hull files will be all the warranty claims that were filed
against each boat. You may be able to check your hull file for any
factory defects that were repaired at the dealership.

Best Regard

Dave Robeysek

And here's what BoatUS sent me in Dec. 2003:

Dear John,

The BoatU.S. Consumer Protection Bureau has received your request for
information about ‘87 Chris Craft Stinger 260.

Although BoatU.S. does not rate or evaluate boats, motors or
marine-related services, we are able to provide you with information
that's been reported to us by other members.

Our Industry Information files show nothing of any particular interest.
There was a complaint of an ’87 Stinger 312 with structural problems
however that is the closest complaint we could find.

You may find out additional information regarding possible
manufacturer's recalls by calling the U.S. Coast Guard's defect's
hotline, 1-800-368-5647.

In the meantime, we strongly recommend that all used boats and most new
boats be inspected by a marine surveyor who can evaluate the boat for
compliance with manufacturing and safety standards. BoatU.S. maintains
a list of qualified marine surveyors. For a referral, go here:
www.boatus.com/insurance/survey.htm

I hope this information is useful to you. If you have any questions,
please give me a call.

Sincerely,

Raymond M. Rose
BoatU.S. Consumer Affairs
880 S Pickett St.
Alexandria, VA 22304
703-461-2856 (consumer affairs)
703-823-9550 ext. 3080 (voice)
703-461-4674 (fax)
[email protected]

If you call the defects hotline for the Coasties, they will search for anything in their files having to do with the year/make/model. When I called, the girl did a search while I was on the phone with her, because everything is in a database. She found something about that 31 that "became a landing craft" as another poster put it.

I feel funny about posting Bob K's home number indefinately, so let me know when you have it, and I'll edit my reply to delete that number.

Fund Razor,

Thx...Got the Ph # Info. Will try to update membership next week as I will be off in my Stinger the rest of this week. Did you ask anyone about schematics / wireing etc?

Island Time,

I have a really good shop book for the GM/OMC KingCobra that has a good schematic back and forth from the helm to the engines. I'm not sure if the color code is the same as my GM/merc setup in my other boat but I think it might be since they are the same GM 350 underneath the manifolds. If you want a copy to see if it helps, just let me know. I could send you the diagram via regular mail, or scan the page and send it as a pic.

I didn't have any wiring questions, so it didn't come up when I researched my boat.

Fund Razor,

Think the OMC/Merc wiring would be different...Actually looking for the boat wireing...Lights, Blowers, etc.

Curious, what does your 260 top out at w / the OMC's. Mine only gets to the mid-high 50's on a good day on the GPS. Thinking my 5.7's are getting tired.

Island Time,

I'll see what I've got as far as boat wiring goes. I know I've got a schematic for mine. Still haven't checked the book against my merc 260. (Even if the colors are different, I don't think the actual circuits would be) a conversion might be possible if it's all you've got to work from, you'd probably check each circuit as you go, anyway, so it might save you time in trial and error.
Otherwise I guess all you have is a multitester with one really, really long lead.

Since I bought the boat last Dec, I haven't launched it yet. I've only run them on earmuffs. From everyone that I've talked to, 55-60 top speed on a GPS would be about right if everything is in order and it's propped out right.
The guy that I bought mine from claimed 55-60 too.

You can hop them up and get closer to 70, but I don't think that I'm going to. I was looking for weight (lots of it) and high freeboard. 70 mph won't help me in Lake Erie if the hull design won't handle big water. I bought it to do a 40-45 cruise without revving to the top. The only thing that I am sure I will do is change from points to solid state with MBI. Other than that, I'm not going to hype the motors up unless I lose one. If I lose one, I'll probably pull both and put new remans back in with cam/lifter/manifold upgrades. I have the log style exhaust manifolds on these OMCs, which I hate.
Plus I would switch to aluminum intakes.

Fund Razor,

Would be interrested in a copy of your schematics...Where did you find them. Have already spent a lot of time tracing w the multitester.

BTW...If you run @ 40, be happy to know I can cruise all day w/o stopping for gas every few hours. I was really supprised w the gas mileage on the boat as it burns about the same as my 19'CC w a 150 Evinrude. We made it from St Pete to Marathon in the Keys on 1 tank last year.

Would lilke to do the aluminum intakes too but the salt water here would tear them up w/o fresh water cooling. Wondering, do you know what props and gears you have on the OMC's. My RPM's are to low @ WOT and I may need to re-prop.

Island Time,

when I get home from work I'll make a copy of the schematic. I'll see if I can scan it without losing the detail. I got it from the previous owner. I think he found it online.

I'll check the props and ratio too. I have the props in their cases at my house, and my outdrive specs are there too. The guy that I bought it from said that he tried different props all last summer, and the ones he sent with the boat are the best he found all year on the "try it but don't bend it" plan.

Besides propping right, I picked up a few hundred rpms at WOT on my merc260 when I switched from points to the Mallory Unilite marine MBI ignition. Plus, I switched to SS prop from aluminum. (I think the aluminum was flexing a little at WOT) Those two things got me from 4200 to 4600.

Thanks for the news on the fuel economy. I was wondering about that. I'm sure that I'll see what my WOT is once in a while, but if I'm gonna be out all day, I'm just looking for a comfortable 40.

Island Time,

I did check the book last night. Great schematic from helm to engines, and mechanicals. No luck with a schematic for accesories. Sorry.

Couldn't find the drive gear ratio, I want to say that it's the same as an Alpha, but I could be wrong.

The props are Rapture SS three blade 14.25 by 21 pitch.

Fund Razor,

I'm running 21 Mirage on mine. Let me know when you run it, I'dd be curious to see what your RPM's end up at.

Thanks for checking on the acc schematics...I called CC last year and they said all the records dissappeared when OMC shut down. The guy even said he remembered where the files were.

That's a bummer about OMC and the files.
You would think that somebody from OMC would discover e bay, and all that stuff would be out.
(hint, hint, you know who you are. You do searches to see where "OMC" pops up. OMC, OMC,OMC)
We'll see if that works.

I know that the little panel with the boat drawing and a light for each light on the boat adds a twist to the acc circuits, but I'm surprised that tracing that stuff down has given you so much grief.
I guess I got lucky that my acc wiring wasn't modified beyond all recognition.

I was almost positive that I had an acc schematic. I know that I didn't have one for my wellcraft. Now I wonder if I left it with the previous owner.

Sorry that I didn't come through for ya.

I'll let you know what mine does when I launch it.
You might check with Glassdave on this board about what his 260 does. I PM'd him a question and he was cool to me.
I asked him about cruising fuel economy with his 260, but you beat him to it.
It was nice to hear something positive about the boat. I'm finding a lot of "stinger bashers." So far I really like mine. I've done a lot of restoration on other boats, so I have a pretty good sense of the difference between solid and compromised construction. I've surveyed this boat pretty deep since December. The deeper I dig, the more it seems like a solid machine. Truth will be told on Lake Erie the day I get caught between a northeast wind off the lake and pop up fast moving storms off the land from the southwest. Nice lake turns real mean, real quick. This thing keeps making me think STURDY. Maybe I got the good one? I can't see what to bash. It's nice looking, too. (I posted a pic earlier in the thread. White boat.)