its between 2...

**Machine 3** · 07-02-2011 02:03 AM

Hi All!! new here but not so new to boating, however its been a while since i owned a boat...

I'm looking at 2 particular boats and would like opinions....

1) 1983 Hull CC Stinger 312 newly re done in 2009 with new 502 efi magnums, new tsr out drives, all re wired, new dash and gauges, for all purposes this boat is all redone, $19k

2) 1988 CC Stinger Fittipaldi with 502 magnums new in 2004, needs some minor TLC (roughly 1k worth) but a very rare boat. $22k

for roughly the same price these 2 examples are good buys, the pro's on boat 1 is turn key re done within the last few years and boat 2 is the rare factor...

I am leaning toward boat 1 but would like some advice...

**BDC1013** · 07-02-2011 03:30 AM

pictures? links?

**old377guy** · 07-02-2011 03:35 AM

boat 1

**Machine 3** · 07-02-2011 03:51 AM

Originally Posted by BDC1013

pictures? links?

here ya go... first 3 pictures are the fittipaldi, second 3 pictures are boat 1

**Bobcat** · 07-02-2011 07:21 AM

Welcome to SOS

Get a professional marine survey done, It's a lot cheaper in the long run.

Where are you located ? someone on here will know a good surveyor in your neck of the woods.

**Flying Dutchman** · 07-02-2011 08:05 AM

Another one for boat #1

**fund razor** · 07-02-2011 10:28 AM

Number 1, assuming that it passes a survey and is not a salt water boat.

**Machine 3** · 07-02-2011 11:43 AM

Originally Posted by fund razor

Number 1, assuming that it passes a survey and is not a salt water boat.

both boats are fresh water boats their entire lives, both are in upstate NY and boat 1 has had a survey, boat 2 is actually docked about 2 blocks from my house. I like the "rare" factor of boat 2 and the fact that the hull is 5 years newer, but boat 1 seems to be "better" if thats the right word, in that it was completely re done and up graded less than 100 hours ago, it only needs minor upholstery work on the rear seat and sun pads. Boat 1 comes with a folder full of receipts and record's of everything done since the current owner has owned the boat. Boat 2 is a second owner boat and also well cared for and used regularly.

**Ratickle** · 07-02-2011 07:58 PM

Assuming both boats pass the survey test identically for wood in the hull, buy whichever one makes you the happiest. They are for all practical purposes identical, except the newer upgrades on the 83.

I have an 83 39 Scorpion, and just looked up the basics from the 312L Stinger for 83.

The boat was 31' 6", Beam 96", weight (boat only) 4300 lbs.

I do not have a brochure that includes the Fittipaldi.

But, the wood in the stringers, bulkheads, and transom are the number one issue of what to watch for.

What drives are on the Fittipaldi?

What trannies are in front of the TRS's in the 312?

**Machine 3** · 07-02-2011 08:12 PM

Originally Posted by Ratickle

Assuming both boats pass the survey test identically for wood in the hull, buy whichever one makes you the happiest. They are for all practical purposes identical, except the newer upgrades on the 83.

I have an 83 39 Scorpion, and just looked up the basics from the 312L Stinger for 83.

The boat was 31' 6", Beam 96", weight (boat only) 4300 lbs.

I do not have a brochure that includes the Fittipaldi.

But, the wood in the stringers, bulkheads, and transom are the number one issue of what to watch for.

What drives are on the Fittipaldi?

What trannies are in front of the TRS's in the 312?

Thanks for the great advice... The survey on boat 1 says stringers and transome are good and no problems found, it is about 20 or so pages long and was done in April 2011 just before a potential sale fell through.

I did not see a survey on boat 2 but would obviously have one performed, after speaking with the owner in great detail, he was very informative as to what to look for on these older, used CC Stingers. Boat 2 has the "newer" Bravo drives with SS props.

Not sure what trannies are on the first boat, but the owner has made the mechanic at the marina who performed all the work available to me for any questions, he also has a binder will every receipt and record of all work done in his possession which he has also made available to me, he is the one that had all the upgrades and enhancements done to the boat.

**600sci** · 07-02-2011 10:20 PM

welcome, i would take the fidipaldi ! ( boat #2 ) if its a real one tho !

**Machine 3** · 07-02-2011 10:35 PM

Originally Posted by 600sci

welcome, i would take the fidipaldi ! ( boat #2 ) if its a real one tho !

It is for sure a REAL fittipaldi... needs some cosmetic tlc, and I noticed several stress cracks in the gel coat, maybe cause they show up more on the red, I do like this boat alot, but my practical side is telling me to go with boat 1 just from the stand point of everything that counts being new or redone recently and the extensive paper trail.

Is there any advantage to the MPI/EFI magnum versus the carbed 502? boat 1 is EFI, boat 2 is carbed with roller cam, some head work and silent choice. Boat 1 goes 60 mph on GPS, boat 2 will do 70 mph (no GPS)

Its a tough decision but I am really leaning toward Boat 1 for just the peace of mind from all the upgrades. I guess anytime you are dealing with 23 to 27 year old boats there will be some give and take, I just want to choose the one with the most give and the least take... lol!!

**600sci** · 07-02-2011 10:50 PM

I like carbs better, but thats me..a lot easyer to work on and also to beef up ! Stress cracks..i would not worry and its also a newer boat !
new parts ..i agree, always a + but u still never know ..because its a boat !

Go with the fitipaldi ! u be happy u did even tho it may cost some bucks over the time to get her up to date !

IMO

**Machine 3** · 07-23-2011 01:40 AM

after alot of research, discussions,negotiations and a survey, i decided on boat 1, the white one....it is all around a safer bet in terms of records, survey and overall condition... i pick it up in about 2 weeks! I am very happy and satisfied with my decision and have already had some cool graphics designed for the deck and sides... although its late in the season, i anticipate some fun times with this baby....

**fund razor** · 07-23-2011 06:57 AM

Congrats. I used to have a white 260 CC stinger. Always got lots of compliments on it. Ran low 50s with stock small blocks and Cobra drives. It was also a Murray Chris Craft, like yours but was built when the OMC connection was there. It would be worth learning the Chris Craft/Murray/OMC/Genmar story btw.

I was never really impressed with the red Fitipaldis other than in the movie Tequila Sunrise.

**Bobcat** · 07-23-2011 08:54 AM

Congrats !

**Machine 3** · 07-23-2011 09:30 AM

Originally Posted by fund razor

Congrats. I used to have a white 260 CC stinger. Always got lots of compliments on it. Ran low 50s with stock small blocks and Cobra drives. It was also a Murray Chris Craft, like yours but was built when the OMC connection was there. It would be worth learning the Chris Craft/Murray/OMC/Genmar story btw.

I was never really impressed with the red Fitipaldis other than in the movie Tequila Sunrise.

Originally Posted by Bobcat

Congrats !

Thanks Guys!!! this is going to be the longest 2 weeks of my life, waiting to pick this up.... but it gives me time to take the safety course and read up on safe boating, I have not owned a boat since 1987 and I was only 21 then so my mindset was much different back then, but i am sure the time will seem like forever anyway...

**old377guy** · 07-23-2011 11:50 AM

Way to go!

**Ratickle** · 07-24-2011 11:54 AM

Congrats.......

The difference in speed between the two, in my opinion, is the difference between TRS drives set low with a lot of drag, and the Bravo's set a little higher with less drag. If you get a real need to increase the speed, watch for a decent buy on the Konrad swapouts......

**rschap1** · 07-25-2011 01:19 PM

Congrats

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