BobPhoenix
Cadet
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2019
- Messages
- 16
Hi all,
I just acquired a 1978, seventeen foot Chris Craft Lancer - "Stinger". It's a pretty rare boat but it's in pretty reasonable condition, considering it has been sitting idle and/or on the trailer for nearly 12 years that anyone knows of.
So, my first big and open ended question is... when I "fix" something, how much do I have to replace with genuine spec'd original equipment and how much can I "fudge" while still keeping it a true restoration project...
All of the interior (that is remaining) is in great shape and the hull, gel coat and cables are in good condition too. So much so that I am actually thinking about doing a restoration, instead of just a few repairs and going boating... Both the left and right windshields are broken and will be a nightmare to replace because they are tempered, tinted and curved... But because they are windshields, I'll endeavor to find replacements.
For instance the original specs on this model said that the boat was shipped with a mooring cover and Bimini top in brown. Will I still be able to say it has been restored if I use tan canvas instead of brown? And, the same with the interior when I recreate the engine cover, sun lounge, rear bench seats and missing battery compartment walls... (it's covered in some type of fabric indoor/outdoor carpeting material).
Now, here's a "big one" the original engine is still in the boat with the original risers and out-drive (everything is marked "Marine Power"). The motor is a GM based 305 C.I. and the out-drive is obviously an early Volvo-Penta AQ-280.
Yesterday, I did a compression check on the motor for the first time, and one cylinder is only 100 pounds until I put oil in the cylinder and it when up to 150 pounds indicating bad rings.
With this in mind and knowing I want to do a restore... do I have to re-manufacture the original motor or can I replace the motor with, say, a later model GM based 350 C.I. motor which is more available and a stronger motor?
Finally, this 1978 Chris Craft Lancer- Stinger, is a 41 year old boat. So far, the best of my research shows that only about thirty of these little speed demons were made... When will this boat be considered a classic, an antique, or a collectible...?
TIA for any and all support on this...
Cheers,
Bob
I just acquired a 1978, seventeen foot Chris Craft Lancer - "Stinger". It's a pretty rare boat but it's in pretty reasonable condition, considering it has been sitting idle and/or on the trailer for nearly 12 years that anyone knows of.
So, my first big and open ended question is... when I "fix" something, how much do I have to replace with genuine spec'd original equipment and how much can I "fudge" while still keeping it a true restoration project...
All of the interior (that is remaining) is in great shape and the hull, gel coat and cables are in good condition too. So much so that I am actually thinking about doing a restoration, instead of just a few repairs and going boating... Both the left and right windshields are broken and will be a nightmare to replace because they are tempered, tinted and curved... But because they are windshields, I'll endeavor to find replacements.
For instance the original specs on this model said that the boat was shipped with a mooring cover and Bimini top in brown. Will I still be able to say it has been restored if I use tan canvas instead of brown? And, the same with the interior when I recreate the engine cover, sun lounge, rear bench seats and missing battery compartment walls... (it's covered in some type of fabric indoor/outdoor carpeting material).
Now, here's a "big one" the original engine is still in the boat with the original risers and out-drive (everything is marked "Marine Power"). The motor is a GM based 305 C.I. and the out-drive is obviously an early Volvo-Penta AQ-280.
Yesterday, I did a compression check on the motor for the first time, and one cylinder is only 100 pounds until I put oil in the cylinder and it when up to 150 pounds indicating bad rings.
With this in mind and knowing I want to do a restore... do I have to re-manufacture the original motor or can I replace the motor with, say, a later model GM based 350 C.I. motor which is more available and a stronger motor?
Finally, this 1978 Chris Craft Lancer- Stinger, is a 41 year old boat. So far, the best of my research shows that only about thirty of these little speed demons were made... When will this boat be considered a classic, an antique, or a collectible...?
TIA for any and all support on this...
Cheers,
Bob
