Chris Craft Constellation

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72tpiK5

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I am new to the forum and looking for a voice of reason. I have wanted a Chris Craft since I was a teenager, and have managed this obsession all my life. I suddenly find myself obsessed with the desire to own a mid-80s Constellation, and despite all the research I have done suggesting that this is not the best idea, at 62 years of age, I don't care. I have previous boating experience, but nothing in the realm of a big boat. I live in south Texas, and Corpus Christi would probably be my Port of choice. I am hoping that some of you sane, experienced gentlemen will regal me with tales of ownership horror, to save me from myself.

Thank you for your help, Mike.
 
Welcome aboard. How big of a Connie are you looking at. We looked at a 50’ one a couple of years ago. It was impeccably maintained but the boat owner also owned the marina and yard. He said he kept his crews busy during the winter working on his Connie. The amount of systems was staggering and I decided it wasn’t for me. I also loved a 47’ Connie but I was too big for the small engine room and the fuel capacity was small. But I did love the lines on them. Heck, I have bought 2 41’ boats since I was 62, ah the younger days…
 
We are looking at a 50' 1985/86 model. I feel like it is reasonably modern in terms of technology, but beautifully classic in execution. Clearly, at this very moment, my heart has my brain in a head lock.
 
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The mid-80s Constellations are fiberglass, not wood, so much lower maintenance. Presumably it's a 460 / 500 / 501. All are well built from what I know and have Pacemaker and Uniflite heritage. Pacemaker designed it as a 46, then Uniflite ended up with it when they went under. Chris Craft ended up with it after that. Somewhere in there it got stretched to 50 feet and then the 501 was an updated version.
 
That is my understanding as well, after untold hours of research. The 500 has my attention, the layout seems to appeal to us, but we have yet to see one in person.
 
It is a big boat. Very nice boat. For a while Ed Mcmahon, of the Johnny Carson Show, was part owner of Murray Chris Craft and had either a 500 or a 501.
 
I took a serious look at a 501 back in 2010. It had 4 staterooms and two big DD692's. The wife wanted fewer staterooms and a bigger saloon. That was the only reason we passed. I thought the boat was well built on initial inspection.
 
We have spent a tremendous amount of time researching countless makes and models, originally starting in the 40-foot range. After multiple spreadsheets, and various scoring systems applied to the various boats in said spreadsheets, the winner is always the 500. 3 staterooms, 3 heads, 2 giant Detroit Diesel 6V92 engines and all. Unfortunately, my wife is all in, and loves the boat too. See my dilemma? I truly am here for a voice of reason.
 
72tpiK5 said:
We have spent a tremendous amount of time researching countless makes and models, originally starting in the 40-foot range. After multiple spreadsheets, and various scoring systems applied to the various boats in said spreadsheets, the winner is always the 500. 3 staterooms, 3 heads, 2 giant Detroit Diesel 6V92 engines and all. Unfortunately, my wife is all in, and loves the boat too. See my dilemma? I truly am here for a voice of reason.
Click to expand...

Ok, then you have to start seriously looking for a nice one. There is no way out since your wife is all in…
 
Might also look at the Hatteras 53 Motoryacht, late 70's vintage. That was my teen dream. Some amazingly well maintained ones occasionally come on the market. Beautiful woodwork.
 
Hi Mike,
YachtWorld has three 500's listed now, an '85, '86 and '87... might be time for a road trip to take a peek at one of them.
 
I like that one of them is in Boyne City, Michigan, freshwater boat.
 
Ah, the Chris Connie, great memories of the 32 woodie from the 50's. Still one of the boats that get a long look.
 
We've owned a 1986 460 for almost 10 years and 22k miles so I'm not the one to talk you out of looking for one of these beautiful boats! Two of those years were full time and the interior space is perfect for a couple with occasional guests.

Murray Chris Craft only built 29 of the 460's and 99 of the 500's so you are much more likely to find a 500 for sale. For us the 460 is perfect, didn't need the third head (with "tub") or bigger engines etc. We have the Covington Marine DD 6-71ti's and love them. Just over 700 hours when we bought is now in the 3000's and running well. Everything needed for service is mirrored between the engines so filters, oil fill, coolant and impellors are very easy to access. There are also no belts on these engines to service, everything is gear driven including the alternator. The only need to pull the large floor panels is to change the zinc in the cooler which is outboard.

The one poor design flaw was placing the fresh water tank in the bilge running from the office back under the fuel tanks in the master stateroom. Most of these corroded and leaked with no easy access to replace. On ours some PO installed a poly tank under the couch in the office which works but is only about 90 gallons.

One great design and I'm not sure all Connie's have it is the folding radar arch which allows us to get down to 17' when needed. This was perfect for our Great Loop trip and allowed us to go through downtown Chicago.

We've been looking for a smaller/faster boat for the past several years due to only spending about 6 months on board annually but we're spoiled by the amount of space we have and doubt we can ever downsize at this point.

We'll be starting our second Loop in the spring and taking a few years to complete this one with the Downeast Loop in our 2024 plans.

Bottom line (and yes, I'm biased) you can't go wrong if you find a well taken care of Connie. They have the classic lines you don't find in newer boats and not too much teak to care for! Good luck in your search and feel free to reach out with further question.
 
Greetings,
Welcome aboard. Can't add anything to what has already been offered and I agree that if your wife is on board, you're getting a CC.
 
We have a huge old Chris Craft in the far back corner of our marina storage yard. We've been at our marina 11 years now and it's never moved. It's been gradually deteriorating each year "Hotel California." Sad to see, they sure were grand old boats.
 
Simply put, you can't beat a Chris Craft "Connie". The older ones are wood which for obvious reasons you should go into with eyes wide open. Later ones are fiberglass and said to be bulletproof.

Another consideration would be the Chris Craft "Commander" also fiberglass. But of the typical Chris Craft design.

pete
 
I'm not sure why I thought I would find a voice of reason here, you guys clearly have this boat obsession worse than I do. I have read that due to the age of the engines, it is getting hard to find mechanics that are familiar with them. I guess the 6V92 outlives the mechanics. On the other hand, I have read that they are the simplest form of a marine diesel engine, and will run forever with clean fuel, fresh oil, and adequate cooling. My takeaway at this point is to find a boat that you like enough to make you take the risk of the unknown.
 
We have looked at the Hatteras 53, and it is a beautiful boat as well, but the Chris Craft seems to appeal to us more.
 
72tpiK5 said:
I like the one in Michigan also, too bad I live in south Texas.
Click to expand...

Well, you would get part of the Great Loop done on the way home. It is amazing the difference between a saltwater boat and a freshwater boat.
 
Comodave said:
Well, you would get part of the Great Loop done on the way home. It is amazing the difference between a saltwater boat and a freshwater boat.
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Can't agree with this more. When we bought Chasing 80 it was a 1000 "shake down" trip from Watts Bar lake, TN home to Cincinnati, OH. A truly great learning experience.

The trip from Chicago to Mobile is about 1300 miles and very easy river cruising. Don't let the location of that boat put you off. We've been as far west as Houma, LA and it's all very easy in good weather. Well...maybe the crossing of the Mississippi is a bit exciting in New Orleans...

As far as DD mechanics yes, it's getting a bit harder but not impossible at all and parts are still available easily. I have the numbers of a couple of good ones if the time comes.
 
Comodave said:
Well, you would get part of the Great Loop done on the way home. It is amazing the difference between a saltwater boat and a freshwater boat.
Click to expand...

I assume the main difference is corrosion in the cooling system, etc. Assuming the purchase happens, this will be my first "big boat", and the trip down would be quite a first outing. I'm up for it, but would probably have to do it solo.
 
Greetings,
Mr. 72 "... I thought I would find a voice of reason here...". Sorry, my friend. you shot yourself in the foot when you posted "... my wife is all in, and loves the boat too..." I think the majority of my fellow TF members realized the complete futility of bringing ANY sort of "voice of reason" to the discussion.


iu
 
RT Firefly said:
Greetings,
Mr. 72 "... I thought I would find a voice of reason here...". Sorry, my friend. you shot yourself in the foot when you posted "... my wife is all in, and loves the boat too..." I think the majority of my fellow TF members realized the complete futility of bringing ANY sort of "voice of reason" to the discussion.


Now that's funny. I realize that resistance is futile, I am just trying to consult brighter minds than mine, so I don't bear all the blame when this plan goes to hell.
Click to expand...
 
Greetings,
Mr. 72. All is not lost. Part of the problem may be focusing on ONE make or model. Perhaps if you broaden your search and re-look at some of the boats you have rejected you may find an equally suitable compromise. EVERY boat is a compromise in case you haven't heard that before.
I'm sort of in a similar situation. I'm on a search for a power catamaran to replace our recently departed trawler. They're not terribly popular nor were made in great numbers so finding one that isn't overpriced and poorly maintained has become an ongoing problem.


https://www.trawlerforum.com/forums/s3/sport-catamaran-65383.html
 
72tpiK5 said:
RT Firefly said:
Greetings,
Mr. 72 "... I thought I would find a voice of reason here...". Sorry, my friend. you shot yourself in the foot when you posted "... my wife is all in, and loves the boat too..." I think the majority of my fellow TF members realized the complete futility of bringing ANY sort of "voice of reason" to the discussion.


Now that's funny. I realize that resistance is futile, I am just trying to consult brighter minds than mine, so I don't bear all the blame when this plan goes to hell.
Click to expand...


Well you came to the wrong place for people to tell you not to but a boat. For advice like that go to a financial planning website…
Click to expand...
 
RT Firefly said:
Greetings,
Mr. 72. All is not lost. Part of the problem may be focusing on ONE make or model. Perhaps if you broaden your search and re-look at some of the boats you have rejected you may find an equally suitable compromise. EVERY boat is a compromise in case you haven't heard that before.
I'm sort of in a similar situation. I'm on a search for a power catamaran to replace our recently departed trawler. They're not terribly popular nor were made in great numbers so finding one that isn't overpriced and poorly maintained has become an ongoing problem.


We have spent the last 2 1/2 months watching videos, and last week we looked at a CHB Present 42 and a Carver 42 in person. The result of this research has led us to believe that a Constellation is our favorite, but we need to step foot on one to be sure. As a young man, I worked on the fuel bar at a marina and fell in love with the big Chris Crafts that I had the pleasure to fuel.
Click to expand...
 
Realize that there is a big difference in the complexity of a 50’ boat and a 42’ boat. More systems and a lot more maintenance. OBTW, more cost…
 
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