New Project 79 Chris Craft 22' CC Dory

Ok ladies.....

It was 80 degrees here in NJ today and I am getting the itch to launch.

It's been a long winter - where is everyone on their projects? Let's get this thread going again!

CM

Chris Craft Project

You guys have done some tremendous work on these beautiful old Chris Craft classics. I have had an original 79' CC in our family since 1979 that was handed down to me to take care of and I am finally getting around to upgrading. Believe it or not the stock raw water cooled 305K ran perfectly up until last year when it bent a pushrod so the first order was to build a new engine. I bought a brand new 350 Goodwrench from Jegs and tore it down replacing the freeze plugs with brass, the cam and chain with right hand rotation/gear, rotated the pistons, right hand turn rear engine and timing cover seals ,new stainless gaskets. I reused the original cast pan since these engines sit 1/2 above the hull and the pans are solid. Reused the bellhousing and remounted the rebuilt paragon on the same mounts.

I changed out the old log style ex manifolds and risers for the new style mercruiser ( cheaper and easier to replace).

I really like how this engine came out...it will push 290 HP so it should perform well.

My question for you guys revolve around the muffler configuration. The pictures that are posted are using the oval mufflers going straight out thru the transom.

This confuses me a little because the original CC cast mufflers in this type of boat had baffles in them because they are way below the waterline. These mufflers were crucial because there really is not enough distance to get the height you need from the top of the riser to the exit on the transom. ( add to it that the exhaust hose goes against gravity for the last few feet)

Centek now manufactures that orginal spec muffler in fiberglass...Has anyone thought about using it? It is pricey for sure. But I really do not want a shot of water running up and into my beautiful new 350 engine.

Has anyone had any issues with the standard oval mufflers?

Thanks,

James Francis

1978 22'

Just joining the forum. I have a 1978 22' outboard version (Cutlass, Sportsman?), I have been told by Pacific 22 owner/builder only 33 of the original outboard versions of the boat were produced. I am addicted to this little dory, I love the lines and the ride, although I think my wife would like to see some of the happy hour additions, etc., to the boat that I think it was Al made. Nice job Al. I need to redo several items on the boat including decks, gas tank, paint etc. I didn't know the model had such an enthusiast following when I fist saw the boat on Ebay, I just fell in love with the form. I found it in Long Island and brought it to Maine, now in Maryland. It is a very versatile boat, I have used it tubing on lakes and fishing in the Ocean. I will try to add some additional pictures. I am also very intrigued by the inboard version, having the engine in the middle of the boat must help with the smooth ride in a chop. Although as mentioned on some of the previous posts the cockpit drains always clog.

James - I installed the cendeck straight mufflers (picture shown previously) and they work pretty well. When we did the repower, the muffler ports were raised slightly so that they are just above the water line with no passengers. I have no problem with the following seas.

CM

Mufflers

Great -- thanks for the information. This is one of the best strings I have read on the CC cutlass/tournament Fisherman. I absolutely love what many of you have done to improve the boat including the storage access from the deck ! I love how this boat can pound through a head sea like the big boys. The only thing I wish I could solve would be a self bailing deck...

My least favorite day of the season is when we haul out, but we had a great summer and accumulated a long list of repairs/improvements for the off season.

She still looks as good as ever.....

Lighten the boat everywhere you can: core the deck etc etc.....possibly raise the deck an inch and you probably can get it to self bail......

Ironman,
Just about to buy a 22 Chris craft dory in tough shape. I am a new member
of BHYC. Can I look at your boat?

Dave H.

Of course. I could talk about this subject all day.

Send me a PM with your email address - and I will try a get your info from the club website.

I am still under my cover, but you can still look. I will be around most weekend from here on out.

Just joined, don't know how to do a PM
On this site, I'm in the web site directory, would you email me?
Hod

Click on Ironman's name (in blue). A box will pop up, and you'll see "Start Conversation". That's a PM- send him your email address in the PM.

Thanks Ken, I now know. I was on my phone and didn't see.

So here is the one I bought. They say it's a 72, but I have not seen the title yet.
Eager to start working on it.

Started ripping out floors this week. All the foam is soaked and has to come out.

Trapshot,
If you are still reading this, how did you rebuild your decks?

I just purchased a 22 that I'll start restoring this week. After seeing the great work in this thread, I'm looking forward to making this one look like it's new again. I'll post some pics of my progress.

Well on mine, I just finished Demo. Will be cleaning up and sept will be the month of starting the rebuild.

Have you considered using synthetic coring for the deck and stuff in an attempt to get it to sit higher and be able to self bail?