Chrysler boat, model?

Question

Was just given a 1976 Chrysler open bow, tri hull, with a 105 hp on it. Did an inage seach on all 16' Chrysler models listed by NADA for '76 and it looks like either a Valient or Fury. Trying to decide if it's worth a little work to bring it back or not. Does anyone know the models and if people have an interest in them?

Answer 1

I am very familiar with the boat, but only because one set just inside the front gate of our Marina for about 6 years with a sign on it that said "Free".

Only after 6 years of "teasing" the Marina's owner about it - did he finally walk out to the front gate and remove the sign... Sure enough, the following weekend, someone stole it. lol

I don't know of a single person in the whole wide world that would have an interest in one... except maybe the guy that stole the one in our Marina (he could then take parts from one to the other and end up with a boat he could register).  

They are just one of many boats that slipped through the all cracks without even leaving a watermark in the boneyard - much less on a restored classic list...  However, if it is still in good shape, that doesn't mean you can't have lots of fun with it.  My guess is, if someone is in need of a inexpensive boat they can use to fish out of - you might get $300 for it, $400 or $500 with a good trailer included, and maybe $600 or possibly $700 if the motor is still running and in good order...

Do you even know... does the motor run? Can you jump on it and not go through the bottom?  If you take hold of the motor and give it a good push and pull - does it scare you the entire transom may come off?

Not sure what you are thinking when you say "bring it back"... If you are talking all the way back to its original show room floor condition, I would say "definitely not as an investment"... That could easily cost you $20 thousand or more...  and you will never see that money again... But if you want to do it yourself - for fun, or sentimental reasons - well, go for it...

Happy & Safe Boating!

Answer 2

The 105 was chryslers stock and trade motor for years. Real strong and hooked up to that 16 footer would really fly. The 2 piece lower unit was easy to work on -The carbs were right out front where you could get to all the parts- reed blocks were a snap. So -if the steering is free and there is spark(don't hook it up backward or that $300. box on the side of the motor won't even give you a kiss.) Do all the structure stuff as posted earlier and just enjoy a low end fish ski boat. If you advertise for a parts motor you will save a lot of grief.

Just don't believe the timing sticker. Chrysler bumped it back 3 times I think it ended at 28degrees but better check with a marina.