1974 24' Chieftan Express project

[nomrwrk]

Re: 1974 24' Chieftan Express project

Rock on! That'll be a very nice ride when it's done. Congrats on the purchase and keep the headaches to a minimum, i.e., keep her simple and sweet. Man, I wish we could obtain aluminum boats at that price on the West Coast!!!!

 

[1973Chieftain]

Re: 1974 24' Chieftan Express project

I've also been toying with the idea of an outboard bracket and either 1 large outboard or twins. Options, options!

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1974 24' Chieftan Express project

IO v. OB?

Dood, are you looking to start a major fight or something?


http://forums.iboats.com/starcraft-boats/ob-vs-ib-456205.html

Are you looking to:deadhorse::deadhorse::deadhorse::deadhorse:

 

[1973Chieftain]

Re: 1974 24' Chieftan Express project

I had not seen that thread.. I know, its an oft discussed topic isn't it? I should have been more specific, my main concern would be the bracket and how strongly it coukd be attached to the hull. I can gleen insight as to the pros and cons of the engine types by searching. I believe one of our members is putting a bracket on his 24' but is not completed yet.

I've got so many possibilities with this hull, its fun kicking them around and deciding which would be the coolest

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1974 24' Chieftan Express project

my main concern would be the bracket and how strongly it coukd be attached to the hull.

Yah, that would all depend on your skills and imagination really.

I'd bet that your big Chief there has a pair of fat alum stringers like my Islander and 261. Tieing a OB Bracket into those stringers would be key in my mind. Make that happen and that would be ultra strong.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: 1974 24' Chieftan Express project

Why doesnt anyone add a bracket and keep the I/O? 3 props in the water..
How insanely off your meds much cool would that be?
Use the I/O for back up aux motor..lol

 

[64osby]

Re: 1974 24' Chieftan Express project

Outboard bracket, twin, 150 + outboards

This was in the SC on C/L thread if you didn't see it.

 

[1973Chieftain]

Re: 1974 24' Chieftan Express project

Thanks 64, I emailed the guy yesterday on the bracket but neither he nor the Mako guy has gotten back with me. Yet...

But there is a listing for a donor boat with a supposedly running Ford 351 Mercruiser for $800. Im thinking most of my 302 parts would fit, and its a great price. Any opinions on the 351?

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: 1974 24' Chieftan Express project

If your planning on doing any serious fishing /trolling, keep the I/O. The bracket with outboard will just get in the way.

 

[1973Chieftain]

Re: 1974 24' Chieftan Express project

Many thanks Jason for the lead on a donor boat! And CC254 for starting me on this rebuild... I just bought a 1985 Four Winns 26' glasser with a Merc 260 hp 5.7L with what I believe is a Alpha outdrive. The engine turns over fine, but due to some problem with the battery cables or more likely the batter selector, its not getting anywhere near full voltage. Plus after 15 seconds of trying, the battery wing nuts were so hot they burned my thumb! But he accepted $500 less since I could not hear it run.. normally I would not have bought it without hearing it, but since its in nice shape as well as the nice Shorland'r trailer... all for $1300... I couldn't pass it up. Plus the trailer has all new tires and bearing buddies! Only an hour drive this time to which was very nice!

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: 1974 24' Chieftan Express project

Wow Chief - 26 feet of F/G is gonna make a pile of dust. Sounds like a goodun for the Chieftain. How is the trailer?

 

[InMotion]

Re: 1974 24' Chieftan Express project

Many thanks Jason for the lead on a donor boat! And CC254 for starting me on this rebuild... I just bought a 1985 Four Winns 26' glasser with a Merc 260 hp 5.7L with what I believe is a Alpha outdrive. The engine turns over fine, but due to some problem with the battery cables or more likely the batter selector, its not getting anywhere near full voltage. Plus after 15 seconds of trying, the battery wing nuts were so hot they burned my thumb! But he accepted $500 less since I could not hear it run.. normally I would not have bought it without hearing it, but since its in nice shape as well as the nice Shorland'r trailer... all for $1300... I couldn't pass it up. Plus the trailer has all new tires and bearing buddies! Only an hour drive this time to which was very nice!

Sounds like a great score there Chief! Ahhhh... but no pics yet... hmmmmmm did it all really go down?

 

[1973Chieftain]

Re: 1974 24' Chieftan Express project


Heres tge obligatory pics the trailer is nice, but has a whacky way of clamping down on the ball.. almost a plunger looking deal going down at a 45 degree angle or so. I don't have a pic at the moment but will post one up tomorrow. Ive never seen anything like it. But the trailer pulls perfectly and has brand new tires

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: 1974 24' Chieftan Express project

I zoomed in on the coupler, it is different looking. I bet the boat has a big fuel tank for use or financing.

 

[64osby]

Re: 1974 24' Chieftan Express project

Nice trailer, hopefully a good motor and lots of parts. Very nice.:thumb:

Really love the Bow rail.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1974 24' Chieftan Express project

Smokes, 1300 bux was a super deal for that setup!

Great trailer and as long as the Merc checks yur golden!:thumb:

 

[1973Chieftain]

Re: 1974 24' Chieftan Express project

Well, my morning was spent building a engine hoist out of treated lumber... did not work well and resulted in the ladder I was on tipping over. Ouch.

Tonight I went out and pulled the old outdrive out which went smoothly. Then I looked from the inside at what looks like 6 bolts to remove the transome assembly. .. how in the world do you get at them? I could hardly see them let alone get a wrench in there! Can I take the engine out first? My Soltec manual is on the way, is the proper removal order outdrive/engine/transom assembly?

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: 1974 24' Chieftan Express project

Well, my morning was spent building a engine hoist out of treated lumber... did not work well and resulted in the ladder I was on tipping over. Ouch.

Tonight I went out and pulled the old outdrive out which went smoothly. Then I looked from the inside at what looks like 6 bolts to remove the transome assembly. .. how in the world do you get at them? I could hardly see them let alone get a wrench in there! Can I take the engine out first? My Soltec manual is on the way, is the proper removal order outdrive/engine/transom assembly?

Yes, remove the outdrive, motor then transom assembly.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1974 24' Chieftan Express project

Haul it up here, I still have the chain wrapped around two fat white pine trees. We can get that engine out in a jiff!

 

[dozerII]

Re: 1974 24' Chieftan Express project

Real nice score there Chief. Ya you won't get the transom assembly off with out taking the motor out. If you could get the bolts out the exhaust and trim hoses would screw you up.