Delta Dawn- ‘72 Chieftain

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Forgive me, I’m trying to learn how to use the forum. After looking for a while, we finally picked up the newest money pit this weekend. I’m sure I’ll have lots of questions, starting with weight and trailer capacity.

 

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Specs listed on the site here say the boat weighs 1600# dry, while the i/o version is 2400ish. I assume that 1600 is minus the outboard? The reason I’m asking is that I need to replace the trailer suspension. I took a big gamble trailering it from Charleston back to Atlanta. Looks like the axles rusted away in the past and were poorly repaired
The issue I’m having is that the measurements I’m getting don’t match any modern standard. Even the spindles and bearings are an oddball size. Looks like I’ll just start with a clean slate, which brings me back to the question: 2000 lb axles, or 3500?

 

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[BWR1953]

Welcome! What length is your Chief? I'm currently rebuilding an 18' Chieftain myself.

 

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Welcome! What length is your Chief? I'm currently rebuilding an 18' Chieftain myself.

21’ is what the title says. Big splash well makes it feel short, but I do not want any more boats with car motors.

 

[BWR1953]

Boat: 1972 Starcraft Marine Chieftain

 

[BWR1953]

Looks like 1590 pounds, 170HP outboard max.

 

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Looks like 1590 pounds, 170HP outboard max.

Yessir, that’s where I got the 1600 figure from. Even if that is without motor, I can’t see the whole boat, motor and trailer going more than 3000 or so. Seems like all the tandem kits are based on 3500lb axles, 7K capacity is way overkill

 

[BWR1953]

Yessir, that’s where I got the 1600 figure from. Even if that is without motor, I can’t see the whole boat, motor and trailer going more than 3000 or so. Seems like all the tandem kits are based on 3500lb axles, 7K capacity is way overkill

Maybe a 3500 lb single axle trailer would work?

 

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Maybe a 3500 lb single axle trailer would work?

I’ve considered that as well. Meanwhile, I was browsing CL awhile ago and found a trailer from obviously the same manufacturer for $500. ( just parts to replace it all are looking like $2500). From the pics it looks like it may be a smaller version of the trailer, but I’m going to go look and measure to compare.

 

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Gas tank question: She has a 15 gallon tank in a box under each seat. The previous owner thinks they were a replacement for an original belly tank. True?

 

[BOYS & TOYS]

Welcome. Regarding your trailer questions. Tandem trailers bounce less and tow smoother. They are easier on the boat hull in my opinion.
I used 3500lbs axles because they are common even though they were over kill. I do run my tire pressure a bit lower then maximum trying for the best ride.
Got to take care of the boat for the next generation

 

[matt167]

My dad had the I/O version of the same boat ( even color ) when I was a kid and it sat on a tandem Shorelandr trailer. I think tandems were more common then. As for the fuel tanks. The twin tanks under the seat boxes are original location. If original tanks they will be Mirax brand

 

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I had decided on 3500lb axles as well, until I started measuring for parts. Nothing off the shelf fits! I’m not sure what brand this trailer is, but it’s an oddball when it comes to contemporary standards. The leaf spring centers are 57.5” and hub face is 68.5”. Off-the-shelf axles are 58 and 72. The spindles are 1.25” diameter not 1 1/16”Add to that the 23.5” leaf springs when 25.25” is common now. The whole trailer suspension is welded to a slider that in turn bolts to the frame, and that slider isn’t long enough to accommodate the longer tandem spring layout.

SO… what I’m aiming at is tandem 2000lb axles. I found springs on etrailer, galvanized axles with adjustable perches at Northern. Tires will be determined when I get it jigged up to see what will fit. Hoping for 15”.

 

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My dad had the I/O version of the same boat ( even color ) when I was a kid and it sat on a tandem Shorelandr trailer. I think tandems were more common then. As for the fuel tanks. The twin tanks under the seat boxes are original location. If original tanks they will be Mirax brand

My mom had a stove that was the same color! Thanks for the tank info. If it is a retrofit it’s really well done. I can see the opaque whitish tank through a window in the step. It has two ball valves mounted under the splashwell to switch tanks.

 

[Watermann]

Nice OB Chief!
On the trailer personally I would start looking for a roached out glass boat of the same / similar length that has a good trailer, bonus if it's galvanized with no rust issues. Guys darn near give away their garbage glass boats to have someone else haul it off.

Seeing that rust you can assume the inside of the trailer tubes are in similar condition.

 

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Nice OB Chief!
On the trailer personally I would start looking for a roached out glass boat of the same / similar length that has a good trailer, bonus if it's galvanized with no rust issues. Guys darn near give away their garbage glass boats to have someone else haul it off.

Seeing that rust you can assume the inside of the trailer tubes are in similar condition.

Well, I already spent $650 0n springs and axles. I did browse FB and CL with no real luck. This trailer is galvanized,and the 5" channel frame is in decent shape- just chalky. I'll just have to replace a bunch of hardware when I redo the bunks and such. I hope to get some use from the boat this fall. Heck, I'm in Atlanta, boating season is long.

 

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I’ve been browsing restoration threads looking for transom replacements, especially outboard Chieftain. It feels pretty firm, but I’m almost positive that it’s original and will need attention at some point. Can anyone point me to a specific boat/thread?