Hi:

I need a little help! Actually, I need some advice from someone who has more experience with this boat than I do.

I have an opportunity to purchase a 1974, 40' model. Only one problem. The boat sank. (It was tied up at a dock and the shore culinary water line broke under the sink and flooded the boat. It only sank to about half way up the cabin, but the engines, transmissions, electical, etc. will all either need to be replaced or repaired.

I have been told (I can't confirm this) that the boat has Chrylser 318 engines in it. In looking at the specifications on your web site, I don't see where Cruise-A-Home ever offered those engines as an option. I don't have any idea what the transmissions are, but I'm guessing they will either need to be repaired or replaced because of the water damage.

Having said all of that, I'm really impressed with the quality of the boat. Not just this boat, but the way they seem to be made in general. It's very simple, functional and substantial.

I would certainly welcome any thoughts you might have as to the practicality of taking this on as a project. I'm confident in my abilities to do all the interior work that needs to be done. The mechanical, however, is a little worrisome. Mostly I'm worried about parts. If you have any thoughts or suggestions, I'd welcome hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Jim Harrison

Answer 2:

Hello Jim -

Dean Singer here; a CAH owner for 24 years, and thus an expert on everything --- well, on a few things, anyway. Carl Tenning forwarded your message to me. I'll see if I can help.

Yikes! I've only known of a couple of CAH's sinking. Interesting proposition. You didn't say where you are, or whether the immersion was in salt water or fresh, but here's my two-bits worth.

Engines: I don't think CAH ever put out any models with Chryslers; they are most likely the OMC conversion of the GM 305 c.i. engine. Hopefully, someone pumped them full of oil when the boat was raised. From what I've seen, a tear-down is required, but unless they sat immersed for quite some time, they can be made serviceable relatively easily. Generally, someone doing that would want to do a conventional rebuild while he was at it; with new valves, valve springs, pistons, valve grind, etc., etc. Probably about $1500 each.

Transmissions are almost surely Velvetdrive Model -61, made by Borg/Warner. They're practically bulletproof, and unless immersed for quite a while, should be able to be put right back in. I suppose if it was mine, and I was near Seattle, I'd check with the folks at Doc Freeman's. If they have to look inside, you're probably looking at the same money as the engine rebuilds.

CAH's of that age quite often have rot in the bulkheads. The company did not utilize marine plywood, and most of us have lost at least one bulkhead. The builder says the bulkheads are not structually necessary once the upper deck and house are in place, but it just ain't tidy to have one collapsing down there. I'd check carefully for that. Also around the back corners of the house. Water running off the flybridge goes over the two little "gutter" cutouts at the aft end of the upper deck and if the molding strip between the upper deck and the vertical walls of the house leaks, it gathers in the walls at that point and rots the inside structure. Usually you can see discoloration of the paneling at the corner behind the bed or inside the closet.

1974 is about the time the company changed from steel fuel tanks to aluminum. If there are steel ones in this boat, I'd consider replacing them. We've had many folks have the steel ones rust out, filling the bilge with gasoline. Bad, bad, bad!

My most recent correspondence was from a party who had a surveyor look at her boat (a 1970 -- the first year built), and estimated about $15K to get it shipshape. She's now past $25K. However, she has replaced windows, doors, and a bunch of stuff you shouldn't need. But be prepared for lots of surprises.

Hope this helps in making your decision. I'd appreciate it if you'd let me know where you are, and the boat name if it has one. If you go for the project, stay in touch. We've got a lot of folks around here who have faced and solved a bunch of different situstions with CAH's. Good Luck!

Dean.