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1983 Chris Craft Corinthian 26'

Discussion in 'Chris Craft Connies, Commanders & Catalinas' started by Justin3085, May 27, 2010.

  1. Justin3085, May 27, 2010
    #1
    Justin3085

    Justin3085 New Member

    Joined:
    May 27, 2010
    Messages:
    1
    Location:
    New Jersey
    Hello,

    I am looking to purchase an 83 Chris Craft Corinthian 26' from a seller in the next town over. I don't know much about inboard engines and the seller only owned the boat for 2 years before wanting to buy bigger.

    I'm looking for suggestions on what to look for when I go fire it up on Friday to check it out. I'm told the broker they are dealing with did an engine compression check on both Chevy 250HP with results of 145 - 150 PSI. I have no idea what the norm should be. The Sea Trial was conducted at 3500 RPM (unknown time limit at this point -- forgot to ask) and it ran without issue.

    Both engines are original, 1 trans was replaced 5 years ago by first owner. (Meticulous old timer). props are perfect, new zincs were put on also.

    The interior/exterior are pristine for its age, it is absolutely obvious the first owner and the current owner cared for this vessel deeply.

    Just looking for advice on what I should look for that could send up a red flag. I will more than likely get a survey done should my visit go well this Friday.

    Thanks!
  2. wscott52, May 27, 2010
    #2
    wscott52

    wscott52 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2007
    Messages:
    298
    Location:
    SE Florida
    If all compression ratios are close you're probably good there though I don't know what they should be either. When running it I would watch oil pressure and temperature. Make sure full throttle gives same RPM, or close, on each engine. Watch throttle response of each engine and see if they match. Listen, do they sound the same? Any curious squeaks or tapping? Look for smoke in the exhaust from either of them. I'm not sure but I think top speed for that boat should be around 30 knots. If everything looks good on a test run then get a good marine surveyor to go over it. Ask him about getting a good marine mechanic to go over the engines.

    I would never buy a boat without a survey and with gas engines that old I'd want a mechanic answering to me to go over them.

    Good luck. Years ago my mother had a 28' CC Catalina that was a lot of fun.
  3. Marsh, May 28, 2010
    #3
    Marsh

    Marsh New Member

    Joined:
    May 28, 2010
    Messages:
    1
    Location:
    Delaware
    How did it go?

    Justin

    How did it go? Did you end up buying it?

    The Corinthians are a decent model, but one that old is a big risk- especially with original engines. They also tend to have small cabins which, for someone like myself, isn't ideal (with a wife and kids).

    But I'm going to be looking at a boat this weekend in DE, and I was wondering how your experience was and what to look for. If you didn't buy it- was there anything wrong with that one? How did you know?

    Thanks- I'd appreciate any help you can offer.

    Marsh