Hey all — I originally posted this on the iboats Chris Craft forum, but it appears to be a very slow forum, so wanted to repost it here to get some feedback. Just looking for any and all opinions so that I consider everything before making a decision.
I’m looking at purchasing a 98 Chris Craft 260 express, and looking to get some feedback. There doesn’t seem to be many for sell so I am not sure if people are just hanging onto them, or if they were not very popular. The unit I am looking at is a 98 with a 5.7 GSi and a Cobra SX outdrive. It appears very clean, has just shy of 300 hours on it, cabin dockside A/C, head, etc. The dealer is asking 24,500 for it, which appears a few thousand above NADA value, but does include a trailer. For starters — fair price assuming good condition?
There’s a few things I am not sure of and would like your input on:
* Outdrive is a Cobra SX. I know I want to stay away from the OMC due to parts availability. but from what I read, if it says SX Cobra on the drive, it’s really a VP SX and parts are readily available at any VP dealer.
* GSi engine. this is a throttle body engine, correct? Never heard anything bad about them.
* Anyone have any real experience on this model? How well does it handle? As a comparison, a friend has a Bayliner 2855 that I am used to, and have no issues with. I would imagine this would be the same or better.
* Are there any known issues with this model/engine/outdrive that I should be aware of?
* Did these have an option for generator on them? It doesn’t have one now, but that’s something I may consider adding if possible. There appears to be room on the port side in the engine room.
* Dry weight shows to be 5250lbs. which seems a bit lighter than some of the other 26ft’s, but this could work to my advantage. I’m figuring 1400lbs for the trailer, and just under 1000lbs for liquids/gear. should put me at around 7000lbs. Would be towing with a 1/2 ton F150 setup with 3.73LS and the 5.4 which is rated for 9800lbs. I know I want to leave some breathing room, anyone have any experience towing something about this size with an F150? I’ve towed a bobcat and trailer before which I estimated at about 6500lbs and it handles it fine. Most of my towing would be 20 miles/trip, but a few times per season I’d probably head down to Texoma which is about 150 miles.
* Battery switch. I can’t see one in the pictures, and I don’t rememeber seeing it when I looked in person, but that doesnt mean it isn’t there. I can see two batteries, so it would have to have it, right? (Is the switch in the engine room or somewhere else?) Worst case, that’s an easy fix.
I think that covers my questions. but if there’s any additional feedback anyone has, it would be much appreciated. I was originally looking for a Crownline 230CCR, but stumbled across this one and was extremely impressed. Overall, seem like a good deal assuming a good sea trial, etc.?
