What am I looking at here (1972 Chieftain)

[ErikF]

Hello,

I'm going to look at a 1972 Chieftain this afternoon, it's a 21' hull, from the pictures looks good, has a decent looking trailer, all the paperwork, all in all it's a little bit of a project but looks far from needing a complete restoration.

The seller was unable to tell me which engine is in the boat, only that it is a 6 cylinder and probably around 170HP, anyone have a guess as to what it might be, it should be original to the boat if that helps.

Also looking for any other comments on the boat, any trouble spots to be aware of? Anything I should be looking for? I know to check the floors, transom, etc but beyond that I'm not too sure what else needs to be checked.

The seller has not had the engine running, it was his fathers boat and has been sitting unused for a few years, there are no problems he knows of, he recently replaced the fuel tanks and all the fuel lines as they were worn from age.

Erik

 

[etracer68]

Re: What am I looking at here (1972 Chieftain)

Is it an IO or OB? If an IO, it could be a Chevy 250 CI, they where good motors, if stored right. A compression test if you can turn the motor over. Need more info on type of motor.

 

[Bondo]

Re: What am I looking at here (1972 Chieftain)

Hello,

I'm going to look at a 1972 Chieftain this afternoon, it's a 21' hull, from the pictures looks good, has a decent looking trailer, all the paperwork, all in all it's a little bit of a project but looks far from needing a complete restoration.

The seller was unable to tell me which engine is in the boat, only that it is a 6 cylinder and probably around 170HP, anyone have a guess as to what it might be, it should be original to the boat if that helps.

Also looking for any other comments on the boat, any trouble spots to be aware of? Anything I should be looking for? I know to check the floors, transom, etc but beyond that I'm not too sure what else needs to be checked.

The seller has not had the engine running, it was his fathers boat and has been sitting unused for a few years, there are no problems he knows of, he recently replaced the fuel tanks and all the fuel lines as they were worn from age.

Erik

Ayuh,... If it's an I-6, it's probably a 250 cid Chevy...
Hopefully a Mercruiser...
If it's an OMC, ya Don't want it...

 

[ErikF]

Re: What am I looking at here (1972 Chieftain)

I've attached the only picture I have of the outdrive, does this give any clues?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: What am I looking at here (1972 Chieftain)

It's a Mercruiser.

 

[ErikF]

Re: What am I looking at here (1972 Chieftain)

It's a Mercruiser.

Goodie!

So maybe a Mercruiser with a 165 straight six?

I'm absolutely and completely new to I/O's so if what I just wrote makes no sense at all that's the reason why. I'm trying to learn ...quickly!

 

[ErikF]

Re: What am I looking at here (1972 Chieftain)

Any other comments? I'm pretty sure the Chieftain/Islander boats are solid but I want to make sure I'm not overlooking anything.

Erik

 

[ezmobee]

Re: What am I looking at here (1972 Chieftain)

It is tough to go wrong with an aluminum hull let alone a Starcraft. The Mercruiser inline six was a great motor. The main issue with any older I/O is getting caught up on maintenance. It can cost you a pretty penny if you're hiring out the work. That tub is certainly worth it though.

 

[j_k_bisson]

Re: What am I looking at here (1972 Chieftain)

I got rid of mine due to the age hardening of the aluminum and the stress crack on the sides where the design flexs in rough water. Make sure you check the side bump outs in the stamped sides right above the riveted seams. Right st the back of the cabin. Look at the out side of the boat here.



On that same formation check out for aluminum rot. It appears like little divots. Aluminum does corrode/rot over time. Also it age hardens. Which when it does it starts to crack from the decrease in flexability. Also these hulls are only 0.74" thick aluminum. Not like today aluminum boats of 0.100"

Just a few observations from when I owned one.

 

[robert graham]

Re: What am I looking at here (1972 Chieftain)

If the price is right, and if you're a handyman/mechanic/project guy, then go for it, but remember it's almost 40 years old! Will the engine even turn over? Good Luck!

 

[ErikF]

Re: What am I looking at here (1972 Chieftain)

Thanks for the comments, I'll be sure to look the hull over carefully for rot and stress cracks.

And to the other comments, yes, I am a mechanic of sorts, I haven't done any work on I/O's yet but I've worked on outboards, automotive, aluminum boats, and heavy equipment. I like to wrench so I think this boat might be a good fit.

The seller wants $950 for the boat and trailer, and from talking with him it sounds like basic maintenance and a tune up will be all that's needed to get it back on the water.

Thanks!

Erik

 

[j_k_bisson]

Re: What am I looking at here (1972 Chieftain)

Check if over throughly. I bout the one I showed pics of for 750. I ended up replacing 500 rivet in the hull and the two aluminum stringers where completely separated from the hull bottom from the pounding. If this boat is located around the Great lakes you might want to pass on it unless you want a big project. These are a bit light duty for now a days standard of boat building. Old technology and materials. Plus the hull design is a bit dated. The front nose shape plows thru the waves. Newer Starcrafts have a move taper hull design. They did make these forever and sold a ton of them. But remember this ia a thin hull aluminum boat!! Very light.