Help Identifying a Chris Craft

[mathias]

My sister-in-law was given this boat after her father passed away. It has sat in a barn for about the last 8 to 10 years. She is interested in selling it, but the family cannot locate the title work. I took several photos of it for them and looked for a hull id #, but could not find one anywhere. All we know from looking at it is that it a 25ft Chris Craft (cabin cruiser maybe?) on a dual axle trailer. The motor says chris craft marine engine, is an 8 cyl and has the numbers 307 on the valve covers. Any assitance in how we can find some id or what you can tell by these photos would be greatly appreciated!
Matt

[Gilbert]

It has a state registration number. You should be able to get the basic info from the state.

[Lt. Holden]

It may be a Cavalier? The 307 c.i. Chevy engine was introduced in cars in 1969, not sure about marine apps.

[MarboMan]

The state registration numbers will give you the titled owner information, even if expired.

Then you will need documents showing how you came to possess it. ie: probate papers, plus death certificate etc.

After you satisfy the DMV, they will get you a duplicate title and the heir will have to have it put in their name, then they can give to you or sell.

[Ike]

For a boat of that age there may not be a title. Marboman gave good advice. All the old records for Chris Craft models (plans, specs, etc, not records of ownership) built prior to the bankruptcy sale in the late 80's are at the Mariners Museum in Newport News Virginia http://www.mariner.org/ Ask about the Chris Craft Collection. If you give them photos they should be able to identify the model and year.

[Bob&Sandy]

what you have is a chris craft 251 catalina. should be a identifing number on a brass plate under the engine hatch.
there are lots of people in michigan that can help you with your questions.
try chris craft parts.com good luck
bob

[erwin.tarr]

I am also having a hard time identifying a Chris Craft. She is identified as a Sea Skiff but doesn't look like any Sea Skiffs out there. Please see my thread at:

http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/wooden-boat-building-restoration/1959-chris-craft-sea-skiff-35-identity-26106.html#post256242

Ray