Advice on possible purchase - 73 21' Chief

[fishnpete]

Hi all, been cruising the forum for some time, but first time poster. I've been searching for a Starcraft Chief or Islander for about the last 9 months and may have found a decent option. I've read through the buyer's guide posted here, but would appreciate any additional recommendations this group may have as I've only run smaller (14') tin boats. The whole outdrive is pretty much foreign to me, so anything to look at there as well as any Chieftain specific items to check would be great. Looking for something to fish/cruise local coastal waters/lakes that doesn't need a complete resto.

Here's what I know about this one so far- '73 21' Chief, 165 Merc, Alpha outdrive, 4 stroke 15hp honda kicker on a decent looking tandem axle trailer. Was told it came from WI about 2 years ago and has been run almost exclusively in fresh water since arriving on the coast. No maint records available. Ask price is $4400 and for the West it seems reasonable basis the condition it appears to be in. Pics below and thanks in advance for any feedback.

 

[jbcurt00]

Sorry but your pix didn't attach.

Try using the camera icon on the top left corner of a reply window, it may work better then the attachment icon.........

But I prefer photobucket for pix, as do many. It's free & lets you post the pix nice & large & IN your post rather then as attachments:

 

[Watermann]

Welcome aboard Pete, yeah the PNW and our high boat prices. If the boat is a runner than doesn't need a ton of work then the guys in the ballpark for his asking price. Especially since half that price is the Honda OB.

 

[GA_Boater]

What the guys said. ^^^^

The 165 6 cylinder is a good set up for pushing her around. Good power and economy and reliability. Hope to see some pics. Don't take too long to decide or she'll go to someone else.

 

[Weep'n Willy]

That Chief looks to be in pretty good shape and a real nice trailer to boot. Engine looks clean and a nice kicker to go with it. Quite possibly a reasonable price for her.

 

[Watermann]

I thought maybe the owner updated the stern drive to an Alpha One like you said but after looking at the pics of the inner transom mount area it looks to me to be the same vintage as the Chief and is the older MC model.

 

[elkhunter338]

What part of the NW are you at? That price seems good for the pic.s. I payed 4200 9 yrs ago for a 1986 21' chief, the look the same. Check for transom rot and do a field test if you can. I bought mine based on the guys info it ran good. within the first 3 years I put new wood (floor and transom), new engine, new outdrive in her. I still have it and use for ocean fishing 100% of the time. The chief is ok, but not alot of fishing room in the back. I used to sleep in it until I got a camper. Mine has the 140 I/O merc. which will have more room than the 165hp. If you have two people fishing most of the time it will work great. 4 people it's going to be crowded. Really depends on what you want. I am looking for a 25-26 starcraft or thinking about building a 24-25 tolman jumbo. For the new several years I plan to still use the 21' Cheif.