Older Chrysler boat concerns

bryan · Post by **bryan** » Sun Dec 06, 2009 9:47 am

Hi all, after reading through many of the posts here at Chrysler Sailors I was wondering if members could list some of the more common issues and problems that affect these older boats. The recent "broken mast step" is one, for example. What about the keel (e.g., sinking to the bottom of the lake!), rudder, hull leaks, etc? It just seems that many of these older Chryslers have many of the same problems and, if we had a list, it would offer a good start for preventative mainteance/repair or at least make us aware of possible issues to look out for.

And could a site admin maybe post the results - maybe even include links to member comments/solutions from the forum? If I can help - let me know.

Thanks! Bryan

CaptainScott · Post by **CaptainScott** » Sun Dec 06, 2009 10:04 am

Leaking keal pin area along with need to replace old keel pins.

Some folks like to clame weak rudder however I've found that if I keep the rudder pulled all the way down there is very little odd stresses on mine and am happy with the design.

Leaky portals.
Mast step can break easily.
Electrical system usually on its last legs.
Running and interior lights are generally bad.

These issues are pretty normal for a boat that is this old though.

Also, keep in mind there are several different levels of tollerances for issues on a boat. Some folks can not stand faded gelcoat. Is it an issue? not structurally. Some folks like the brightwork to look new. Issue? maybe, maybe not.

Me? If it isn't broke, I don't fix it! I'd rather be sailing! LOL!

Scott

Oh yeah, one last item . . . . .
They don't have enough storage for rum and Jimmy Buffet disks

thepartydog · Post by **thepartydog** » Sun Dec 06, 2009 11:22 am

Scott,

That is why God invented mp3s.

Darin

tgentry · Post by **tgentry** » Tue Dec 08, 2009 6:53 am

I think Scott hit it on the head.

BTW, my running lights had issues but were easily brought back by sanding the inside of the sockets lightly with 2000 grit paper and using dielectric grease.

As for the rum storage... I have a 26.

Alanhod · Post by **Alanhod** » Tue Dec 08, 2009 7:38 pm

thepartydog wrote:Scott,

That is why God invented mp3s.

Darin

And dont forget, MP3's are made from 100% recycled electrons.

I could not resist

Alan

bryan · Post by **bryan** » Tue Dec 08, 2009 7:47 pm

Ok, great - thanks Scott. Looks like you summed everything up there nicely.

Gus · Post by **Gus** » Wed Dec 09, 2009 4:51 pm

The original mast step (J hook) is made out of aluminum, I'm waiting for mine to break to take to a machine shop and have one made out of SS, I think it'll be more strong. (I found a piece of and old J hook inside my mast when I got the boat, so it has happen already)

Alanhod · Post by **Alanhod** » Wed Dec 09, 2009 7:01 pm

Banshi · Post by **Banshi** » Thu Dec 10, 2009 7:18 am

Fragile? Hmmm mine is 33 years old and has been stepped......who knows how many times........I think worn out would be a better description

I may not like the design and will change if it breaks or I get some cash I don't need but it, like the rest of the boat, seems........pretty tough.

Alanhod · Post by **Alanhod** » Thu Dec 10, 2009 10:52 am

Yea, your right, "fragile" was not a good choice of words.

Maybe on my boat it was just well loved, that would have been a better way to put it.

Thanks
Alan

J. Austin · Post by **J. Austin** » Thu Dec 10, 2009 4:11 pm

Concern for old boats:

My wife may find out that my mistress is not 19 year old
blonde, but a 33 year old bathtub made of fiberglass that I host bedsheets, on and hurry-up and get nowhere, and I can't get enough. (and either can she).

My wife may find out how much money I've put into my mistress, or even worse, how much more I'm willing to put in to her.

Mario G · Post by **Mario G** » Thu Dec 10, 2009 5:50 pm

I was about to say 1 of the problems is the lawn seems to go unkept

NYCSAILOR · Post by **NYCSAILOR** » Fri Dec 11, 2009 7:28 am

Hey Alan....

Quick question on your transom mounted depth transponder.... do you like it that way... does it work well for you. do the mounting screws go all the way through the hull or just half way to prevent leaks...

I am thinking of same simply to solve a quick problem of where to mount the depth sounder and kick that thruhull mounting project to another season..

Alanhod · Post by **Alanhod** » Fri Dec 11, 2009 8:11 am

Alanhod · Post by **Alanhod** » Fri Dec 11, 2009 9:27 am

Capt. Bondo · Post by **Capt. Bondo** » Fri Dec 11, 2009 9:46 am

Bryan
This board is a great resource for the things to looks out for and the how to fixit.
Another thing to consider is history of the boat, If your boat has spent it life in the upper midwest and sailed in fresh water and spent the average of 5 to 6 months "trailer sailing" in the snow. You may find that a good inspection of the problem points that are frequently noted may not be to bad off, just due to less use in sweet water.