Boat Buzz

Looking for all info. and photos I can find concerning my new project. 1973 17' CHRIS CRAFT! Lancer

Congrats, its a great boat. I have owned a 1972 17 Lancer with the original V6 and outdrive since 2000. It's our family go to boat for tubing skiing and fishing. Its great in rough water and I've used it in the ocean many times. It was in good shape when I got it but I've worked on or rebuilt just about everything on it over the years. Changing the floor is next on the list. There don't seem to be many left out there. I have the original owners and maintenance manuals. Feel free to let me know what you need help with.

I think I will love this little one. My last boat was a 1965 38' CC Commander. This resto will be a walk in the park compared to that big old gal. I am hoping to share info here on the Buzz. I will be needed advise on the v6 and interior photos for sure. The biggest problem is she hasn't run in 2 yrs. The second biggest problem is that the interior was stripped out. Other than that she is in really good shape. We can share here or in emails, whatever is easier.

Post a couple of photos of the engine and outdrive. If you have the V6 it should be the same package as mine. Its roughly a Buick 225 with a volvo 150 outdrive with Chris Craft stamps all over it. They were famous for having camshaft issues but its an easy enough fix and the design of the boat makes it super easy to work on the motor. You can get parts at an auto parts store. Just tell them you have a 1968 Buick Skylark with a 225. Believe it. The weird thing on the motor is the tranfer case. It must have been a one off custom just for Chris Craft and no one knows or has any parts for it. Take good care of the shaft and housing and you'll be O.K. I had to pull the bearings and have them measured out. Whatever you do, do not run the motor with the outdrive in the up position. It might be best to just remove the upper housing to avoid any damage to the outdrive while trying to get the motor going. I'll try to post some photos and interior stuff for you later. If you give me your address I will make a copy of the owners manual and send it to you.

I finally figured out how to post some photos so heres a couple I had. I'll take some of the interior this weekend for you. That is the original gelcoat and White-Cap canvas cover. Chromed pieces on the motor were done by previous owner.

I am new to the forum and also have 17' Lancer (1971). I am looking for any paperwork/manuals/maintenance guides that anyone may have copies of. The boat is in good condition and has a Buick 225 CID 155 hp with a Volvo Penta 250 outdrive. Thanks very much & happy boating !

I've been looking at lancers possibly to purchase and restore. I really like the style, but have never owned an out drive boat. How is the parts availability for older Volvo out drives?

I have had luck finding what I need at the following places. Luckily they are all right down the street from me in Costa Mesa CA.
http://www.seanskimarine.com
http://www.outdriveexchange.com
http://www.warnerboats.com
The only nagging problem I have encountered with the 250 outdrive is the lift mechanism. There are plenty of other outlets online that have replacement parts. Check prices as they can vary widely.

There are plenty of Volvo parts available online and on ebay. There pretty bullet proof drives. Go ahead and pull the trigger on a Lancer if you find a good one and there are plenty of them out there. They are great performing boats and draw lots of admiration wherever you go.
Search the web. You'll see lots of comments like "I had one I sold about 10 years ago, wish I had that boat again". Let me know what I can help you with as far as what to look for. I'm pretty well versed on them.

OK Guys...and gals, I know this thread is slightly dormant...so time to open it back up. I just purchased a 1974 17' Lancer..hopefully the picture uploads. It has the 225 Buick with leaking exhaust manifolds (cracked/rusted thru), a little internet shopping and I see these are hard to come by...any suggestions ?

Welcome. OMC and Volvo used the Buick 225 so you can look for parts through those outlets as well. The exhaust manifolds are different from the Chris Craft ones but they will work. You may end up having to buy a complete used engine but at least you will have everything you'll need down the road. I am still looking for a set of heads for mine and have resigned myself to having to go with either a re manufactured or used engine. Good Luck.

hey Greg, there is a pair of these manifolds listed on Ebay now:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1960s-Exhaust-M ... zx&vxp=mtr

Good luck,

Denis D

Thanks Dennis, they are cracked just like mine....

Hey, I need to buy a new prop...or recondition the one on the boat. I believe the boat is under propped...does anybody know what size/pitch came from the factory ? I am running the v6 with the stringer drive...what props are anybody running and what are your cruising speed/rpms and so on....thanks for any and all help.

I use a 17 inch stainless prop on mine. I get about 4200 RPM and 40 MPH. I have a couple of original steel props, one is 19 and I think the other is 21 but I have never used them since they would be too much prop at the altitude I normally run at. (6900). If your closer to sea level try a 19. I tried a 15 inch once but that was too little, lots of RPM but no speed.

Thanks Ollon,

I have a 14" dia with 18"pitch, I just had it reworked and I am at lots of rpm, no speed....18mph at 3500rpm...what pitch is yours ?

Greg

Greg,

As far as I recall, the numbers I referred to in the previous post are the pitch. I will be up at the lake this weekend so I will double check the measurement for both pitch and diameter on the props I have and get back to you. If I have time I'll try a couple different props and let you know the results.

Ollon