Need advice on buying a classic Chris Craft

[OhioPlayer]

Long time reader, first time poster. I have owned several boats in the past 30 years, but never anything over 30'.
I am looking for a 60's era Chris Craft for some Lake Erie cruising and dock camping. I have found a 35 footer in Portland, Oregon that would fit the bill I think.
How do I assess the value of this boat? Assuming this is the perfact craft, how would I get it shipped? It has an 11' beam.
I realize that this sounds crazy, and may in fact be impossible, but there are not many of these boats left in good shape that I can afford. I am wondering if it could be shipped by rail, or come across Canada.

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[Capt'n Chris]

Re: Need advice on buying a classic Chris Craft

Have you seen the boat or are you just excited because of the way the owner described it? Hire a reputable surveyor to inspect the boat for you. You'll need that done anyway if you plan to insure it unless you find an insurer that will insure it for stated value. But, woe be if you have a claim.

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Need advice on buying a classic Chris Craft

Welcome to i-boats first of all! I hear ya on the classic Chris - I'd love one of those too. I'd heartily endorse the advice above. For a vessel that age you absolutley need an expert survey done by an independent professional who knows those things inside out. Are we talking a wood hull? If so, the potential minefield of problems has grown exponentially I'd say. Not that there aren't good ones out there but there will be a lot of junk too. Or let's just say diamonds in the rough that need a lot of TLC...

Do some googling on classic CCs. I know there are dedicated forums for them plus I'll bet some classifieds too.

Now for transport, you probably want an experience shipping company to put it on a truck and do it for you. Call around for some quotes and ask specificially for trucks coming back to your area empty. Often you can save huge money buying transport in that situation. Problem is you need to be patient and you might not get a lot of notice. Sometimes it works and sometimes not.

Finally, post some pics -- we all love pics!

Myself, here's an Elco I'd kill for as a summer liveaboard. (Actually probabably a year round liveaboard since my wife would kickk me outta the house if bought something like it...

 

[OhioPlayer]

Re: Need advice on buying a classic Chris Craft

Wow, $5000! I was thinking more like $2500 tops.

I have done a little more research and have found several in my price range ($20K - $30K) more locally. I will definitely get some expert advice before pulling the trigger.