'73 Chieftan 21 ft

[djmeaney]

The quest for a tinnie continues. Still have my eye on a 18' ft ss, but then I saw this ad on CL for a '73 - 21 ft Chieftan for $800.

"CHIEFTAIN CUDDY CABIN 6 CYL. GM ENGINE I/O MERCRUISER OUTDRIVE. SITS ON GALVANIZED DUAL AXLE EZ LOAD TRAILER WITH POWER WINCH. FULL CANVAS WITH SCREENS. MANY EXTRAS. FISHFINDER, DOWNRIGGERS, WATER SKIS, KNEEBOARD WITH TOW LINES, STEREO WITH INFINITI SPEAKERS, LIFE JACKETS, FIRE EXTINGUISHS, FLARE GUN, SINK AND ICE BOX, VHF RADIO, SWIM PLATFORM, FULL ANCHOR WITH LINE, DUAL BATTERY SWITCH, NEW POLYPROPELENE GAS TANK, KICKER BRACKET, BRAND NEW 5 WATT SOLAR CHARGING PANEL. RUNS WELL, NO BATTERY, OR PIC YET. NEEDS WORK!"

I have contacted owner and he says boat was last used 5 years ago. Haven't seen the boat yet (either in person or in pictures) -- it's about 3 hours away.

My primary use for the boat is for the kids to have some fun water skiing, tubing, and may be some cruising local rivers and lakes.

Is a '21 foot Chieftain too big? I'm thinking at 21' feet it may be a pain to tow, launch and retrieve (it would be trailered not moored).

Looking for the experts opinion...

Thanks,

Dan

 

[ezmobee]

Re: '73 Chieftan 21 ft

I think I'm qualified to comment as I exactly shared your concerns about a 21'. I have only owned a 16' and an 18'. The 18' fits in my garage and serves my boating needs well. My buddy bought a 21' Chieftain a couple years ago and as he was an inexperience new boater without yet having a tow vehicle, I towed it it for him a couple times and launched/retrieved it as well. Yes it is bigger. Lots bigger. You do have to be cognizant that you're towing something that's a little wider than the tow vehicle unlike the smaller ones. However, I found it towed great, wasn't too heavy for my old 1500 truck, and wasn't particularly difficult or different than mine to launch/retrieve. I think you'd be pleasantly surprised. A 21' Chieftain with a 6 cylinder will perform great. My buddy's was dog slow as it was underpowered with only a 90HP outboard but even despite that, it planed quickly and did pretty well. The cabin on these is HUGE and would offer plenty of space for the kids to hang out. But of course if you wouldn't really have much use for a cabin, then you'd probably want to keep looking for an open bow.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: '73 Chieftan 21 ft

you'd probably want to keep looking for an open bow.

I'm with ez on this ^^^...

Still have my eye on a 18' ft ss

Based on your use, I'd keep looking for this ^^^^.

Happy hunting man

 

[djmeaney]

Re: '73 Chieftan 21 ft

I agree! the more I think about it it's the lower price and the extra goodies with the chieftan that caught my eye! The SS is better matched to me needs.