I recently purchased a very used 1961 CC ski boat which I have just started restoring. I took out the original 283 engine and am considering restoring it myself. I dont know much about engines but am learning quickly and have some people to help me. My question is that I want to restore the boat/engine to as close to original as possible but my boat was converted to jet drive early on so I am not sure I have all the right parts. I have a 283 engine manual and a 283F parts list (dated 1964). My understanding is that the F version was fly wheel forward. Anyway the parts list is very useful in that it lists manufacturers and parts numbers for the 283 F. Would this be an appropriate thing to use to tell me what parts to get for my engine or should I get a 283 parts list? If you think I should get a 283 parts list can you point me in the right direction to get one? thanks in advance, Lori
Comparing Notes Lori, I read your post from March about your new Chris Craft that you are restoring. i also read some posts on another site regarding your 1961 CC Ski Boat. I also bought a 1962 CC Ski Boat in March of this year and I am doing a complete restoration (minus the extensive plank rework). I have just completed getting my Chevy 283 overhauled at a local marine engine restorer. It is the standard 283 inboard with the front flywheel. Like you, I am quite new to boat restoration. It has always been a dream of mine, so now I am knee deep into it. Mine is a one year restoration project. So far I am pretty much on schedule.....but not nearly on budget. Oh well, from what I am told, I need to get used to that. Let me know if you want to compare notes. How far along are you with the engine restoration? I am over in San Carlos, and I read that you are in Oakland. I have some good contacts who know all the really fine details about our boat engines. Stephan
Are you sure it was converted from inboard to jet drive? I've heard that in that era CC did make some jet drive boats like yours. For parts and manuals check with Marine Service Sales in suburban Detroit. For more CC info contact the CC Archives at the Mariners Museum in Newport News VA.
Ditto with what Charlie said. Chris Craft did make a limited number of jet-drives when that fad first caught on back in the 60s. The Mt. Dora show usually has one or two that show up. Odds are, you probably have an original. Especially when you consider that converting a boat to jet drive is not something anybody would do aftermarket, it would be bereft of any real benefits and also would be cost-prohibitive.
