I am the proud owner of a 1978 CC Sportsman Ray Hunt Design. I purchased the boat in 1998 and have totally refurbished the vessel. I was born & raised on Lake Saint Clair and was a life long dream to own this particular boat. We lived on a canal where my neighbor had a 1976 Sportsman and every time he passed my house with the boat I just stared.
When I purchased the boat it was missing the removable inserts that lay in the rear hatches. Can any direct me where I can find the original inserts or any aftermarket insert?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I have attached a picture of my boat - "Yellow Belly"
Roy, you're a piece of work, I can tell from the "lookie there" comment.
The 30' Hunt Sportsman is one of the most stable fishing machines in it's size range, anywhere. I never found any back-up to it, but it was so close of a knock-off to the Bertram, that I think CC and Bertram actually exchanged legal fees over the issues.
I'd like to help Brad if we can, so anyone out there with a Hunt and photos of the inserts he's talking about, please post away.
Brad, I'm not sure what you are even asking about, what sort of insert are you referring to?
There seems to be at least two models of this boat. One with Flybridge, is that at TF or SF, and this one pictured. What are the true model names?
BTW, Steve, did you have this boat at Beardsley's two winters ago? I saw one just like it in their shop. Man o man, she is a real beauty. I'd like to have one.
Here are model designations and production numbers
February 25 2008, 7:17 AM
The 30' Tournament Fisherman 1975-77
(This is the hardtop model with flybridge installation)
MFA-30-002 to MFA30-254
253 hulls built
30'-1" LOA
11'-11" beam
Draft 31"
12,000 pounds
The 30' Sportsman 1976-77
(This is the open "sportsman/runabout" model)
MSA-30-001 to MSA-30-046
46 hulls built (rare boat, only built two years in very low numbers)
30'-2" LOA
11'-11" beam
32" draft
12,300 pounds
Engines offered, 350K (2)
Props are undoubtedly nested within the Deep-V hull in order to achieve the unexpectedly shallow 32" draft on a boat with such a deep hull profile.
The following in in relation to the TF:
( From Parker and McKnew's Powerboat Guide)
"This is the only Chris Craft (series) ever built on a deep-V Hunt-designed offshore hull. With a steep 21-degree of deadrise at the transom and six lifting strakes, this boat is able to run with the big boys when the weather gets nasty. Engines rest on inverted aluminum mounts, very heavy duty. Twin 250-hp gas engines will cruise the Chris 30 TF at 18 knots and reach a top speed of 25 to 26 knots. Trim tabs are required for proper running angles."
That's not a bite, it's a "down rod" we use this position here on LSC for Muskie. Typically a 5 rod pattern. Two long lines, two down rods and one in the prop wash.
Brad,
You might try "Marine Sales and Repair" in Harrison Twp. at South River Rd & Jefferson. Talk to Earl, he's the owner and has a TON of old CC inventory. I like to refer to him as the Home Depot of CC parts and have spent many dollars there restoring my '69 42' Commander. His stuff is original, not cheap, but he has alot of things you won't find anywhere else. Being your in the area (Lk St. Clair) you might get lucky and find what your looking for. I don't have his ph# handy so just call information for it.
Good Luck,
Steve
I assume you are looking for the factory supplied insulated fish boxes that fit under the rear deck hatches. A friend and I each have 1978 30' TSF.'s..I have boxes..he does'nt...I made him an offer to pull molds from mine... (would be an ez layup), but he has since put his boat up for sale.
You might find a local owner that would be willing to allow you pull a mold from his...and do/have the boxes laid up .
I was a member or "Hull Of A Hunt Club" that had a great resource base for the Hunt CC's, but the club gave up da ghost a few years back and left us on our own.
Brad,
I have a 77 sportsman. Go to master index and type in Ray Hunt 30 Sportsman.
You will see my boat.
I have the in deck storage bins. I will take photos and post them on this site. Any capable glass shop should be able to reproduce these. The deck is guttered around the inserts and the covers fit flush to the deck. I will take photos of the under side of covers for reference. You should have a center bin just aft of the cabin door,if this lid fits use it as a templet.
Bill
I photographed this boat a couple years ago on Lake Michigan, and I really was not familiar with it at all. At the time is sure looked like a NICE Chris, but I didn't know it was a Commander. Since then, I've learned a lot about the boat, all here on the Forum, thanks to so many contributors!
Now I know the guy was giving us a demonstration run at the time this photo was taken. I really didn't know why at the time, but hey, camera was ready and I snapped away. Now I know that famous Hunt designed deep-V hull was slicing through the chop like it wasn't there.
Here's a nice portrait of the boat and the owners!
I just purchased a 30' sportsman and would like to talk to you, I think I can get you the removable inserts if you still need them. PLease call me at 616-437-9224 thanks Dennis
