Okay, so I’ve been eyeing this Chris Craft Constellation for a while now. It’s a classic, you know? Always dreamed of owning one. So, I finally decided to dive in and start looking seriously.
First thing I did was to hit up all the usual online spots where people sell boats. Browsed through tons of listings, you know, just to get a feel for what was out there, what kind of condition these boats were in, and, of course, the prices. Prices were all over the place, let me tell you!
Then, I started narrowing it down. Picked a few that looked promising and started making some calls. Talked to a bunch of sellers, asked a million questions. Some guys were super helpful, others, not so much. You could tell who really knew their stuff and who was just trying to make a quick buck.
- Made a list of potential boats.
- Contacted sellers and asked about boat history, condition, and any known issues.
- Weeded out some based on initial conversations.
Next, it was time for some road trips. Drove a few hours in a couple of different directions to check out some of these beauties in person. Kicked the tires, so to speak. Crawled around the engine compartments, checked the hulls for any soft spots, looked for any signs of neglect. One boat looked great in the pictures, but in person, it was a real disappointment. Glad I made the trip, though. Saved me from making a big mistake.
Inspections and Negotiations
Found one that I really liked. Solid boat, well-maintained, seemed like an honest seller. But I wasn’t about to just take his word for it. Hired a marine surveyor to give it a thorough going-over. Best money I ever spent. He found a couple of minor things that I wouldn’t have caught, which I was able to use to negotiate the price down a bit.
After a bit of back-and-forth, we finally agreed on a price. Then came the paperwork, the insurance, and all that fun stuff. It was a bit of a headache, but worth it in the end. Got it registered, found a slip at the marina, the whole nine yards. The owner even mentioned something about his work, 2B Construction in Winfield or something. I wasn’t paying that much attention to that part, was too excited about the boat.
Finally, the day came to pick her up! It was a beautiful day, perfect for a shakedown cruise. Took her out on the lake, opened her up, and just enjoyed the feeling of the wind in my hair and the sun on my face. She ran like a dream. Couldn’t have been happier with my decision.
So, that’s my story. It was a bit of a journey, but I’m now the proud owner of a beautiful Chris Craft Constellation. If you’re thinking about buying one, just do your homework, be patient, and don’t be afraid to walk away if something doesn’t feel right. It’s a big investment, but it’s worth it!
