Chris Craft MY, are they too unique

Gasoline engines = more HP/Lb and less $$$$. Most of them saw little enough use that it didn't make economic sense to use diesels.

Personal opinion, I'd steer clear of mid 80's Chris Craft of that size. I'd also steer clear of 40' boats running gas (except gofasts and OBs).

Murray took them over in '81, followed by OMC in '89. Those were big days for corporate raiders buying and stripping companies. They're boats were more on a par with Carver than with the old CC's IMHO.

Multiple factors in the economy and corporate culture of those days had them built at a lesser grade than they were historically known for. Fortunately, it looks like things have squared away since.

CC Quality

In our marina in Ludington MI there are two 381 Cats. One is an early '80 model, the other mid-late '80. The difference in fit and finish with windows, woodwork, glass and accessories is discernible when walking past the boats.
We are friends with the owners of the earlier 381, they love the boat, cruise it frequently around the Great Lakes and have owned her for quite some time with no problems at all. We don't know the other owners as they are rarely there when we are.

Timjet, there are support groups for Chris Craft owners and Trojan owners complete with websites and online forums. There is also alot of aftermarket parts available readily. The engines are relatively inexpensive to rebuild or replace. At hull speeds the fuel consumption is not alarming. You might want to consider the Trojan 36 also. Here is a good example http://www.**************/boats/1981/Trojan-36-Tri-cabin-2158490/Annapolis/MD/United-States

1988 Chris Craft 501

I have a 1984 53 Hatteras ED. My good friend who used to visit the Chris Craft forum found a 1988 Chris Craft 501 that was basically sound but needed some 'fixing up". He and I worked on our boats together and we both learned a lot. I suspect I know this boat as well or better than my own. The engines are Detroit Diesels 6V92 turbocharged. They have about 550 HP and each has been refit - before he got it. The engines have less than 400 hors since the refit and run like tops and are very efficient. Unfortunately, my friend died suddenly of a heart attack and the boat is available. He and his wife and family had planned many good trips and it is ready for them. Let me know if you would like more information.
C Watridge

Buyer Beware

If you are still looking here's my two cents... With 25 year old boats, assuming you are looking at semi competent builders to begin with, it can be as much about who has owned the boat as it is about who built it. I've seen plenty of well built boats that have been ruined over the years by owners with bad ideas. And I've seen boats that have been taken from mediocre to outstanding through refit by a knowledgeable owner or his agent. In fact I believe a knowledgeable owner/seller is a major factor when considering an older boat. And that factor should be readily apparent when conducting your buyer's inspection.

Timjet, with prices in the basement as a result of the economy, it's difficult to imagine taking a huge loss on anything one buys today (unless, of course, you intend to flip it tomorrow). Having said that, and being a long-standing Chris owner, I agree that you shouldn't fear well maintained early '80s Chris Crafts. The Cats are a somewhat unique design though. There might be all sorts of practical reasons why they went with that design, I'm sure, but it doesn't strike me as a particularly pretty profile.

To each his own, though. If you like it and you find a solid boat for a good price, go for it!

I have a 1983, 38' chris-craft catalina and really love the layout , search a long time for the right one, I am looking for an owner manual for it, any help out there

Jim. We own a 1986 Chris 426 Catalina. In my opinion, she is a very well built lady. Extremely comfortable and excellent ride and sea keeping. We run 454’s and yes, she consumes gas. I get about .86nmpg @14 knots. Comfortable cruise at that speed. She is just over the bow wake there. I top out at about 22 knots, but no need to run that speed.
As for an owners manual, there really isn’t one. Chris published a rather generic owners manual that only covered the basics, nothing specific to the boat.

Ooops, I have a 1984 Scorp.

I also own a 1986 Chris Craft Catalina 426- built like a tank and very sought after. I’d recommend to anyone looking for a motor yacht. I haven’t seen any compromise in build on her.

I just discovered the Chris Craft 381 Catalina , they are unique and beautiful. I agree though , I would prefer diesel for gas expenses. Could I get an opinion on a comparison of a 1984 sea ray aft cabin 42 ft with diesels and the Chris-Craft of mid eighties? I’m hoping to purchase soon.

Hey there Henning

Haven't heard from you for a long time - welcome back!

That post is from Jan 2010

Duh! Oh it has been a long time....