KENCRAFT PILOTHOUSE - The Hull Truth

Fiberglass magic · 03-01-2008, 05:20 PM

DOES ANYONE KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT LATE 80S STRAIGHT INBOARD KENCRAFT PILOTHOUSE BOATS.I HAVE THE CHANCE TO PICK ONE UP CHEAP.IM JUST LOOKING FOR SOMTHING TO FISH IN THE SOUND MY OTHER BOAT IS ON THE SOUTH SHORE.

Fiberglass magic · 03-01-2008, 10:05 PM

someone has to know something

shemstreet · 03-02-2008, 03:56 AM

Call Kencraft. They told me they stopped making them when the molds were destroyed in a fire. If it surveyed out well it should be a well built boat. Every so often one pops up on boattrader.

thomas70 · 03-02-2008, 04:51 AM

They are tough no nonsense boat. We have a commercial customer that fished one for 15 years before we built him a new boat. I tookit on trade and sold it in less than a week. To another guy that runs the heck out of it.

bustedflat · 03-02-2008, 07:53 AM

Can't speak for pilot house model but I have 1989 center console cuddy forward and there is not a serious crack anywhere on the boat. Its been well cared for but has worn out several motors along the way. What kind of propulsion pushes this craft?

Mud Runner · 03-02-2008, 08:13 AM

I had seriously considered the Kencraft Buxton when I lived on Long Island. There were a few on the south shore. They appeared to be solidly built and easy to maintain and plenty of deck room. What turned me off was that the one I looked at had a 318 motor. Although a good engine, at the time it didn't have a good reputation in my opinion in marine application. Chrysler marine parts were expensive and had limited availability at the time. I still like the looks and can understand it's popularity.

Fiberglass magic · 03-02-2008, 08:23 AM

crusader 270 hp chevy 350 with b/w trans, for power

warthog5 · 03-02-2008, 08:28 AM

They were available in Gas & Diesel. The biggest turn off is they are slow. Like 17K cruise.

KeyPineSavage · 03-02-2008, 12:40 PM

As far as I know, there were never any serious generic issues with the small block Crusader 270's. I had four of them (two different boats,) all were old and all performed/held up well. When they get old, they get the maintenance needs any older engine gets (risers, elbows, intake manifolds may burn thin spots, etc.) but good solid engines generally, IMO.

DWS · 03-02-2008, 03:42 PM

I remember seeing one last year on Shark River, NJ...I think it was a Buxtom(?)...looked like a really cool setup...it didn't have a full pilot house like the others but it provided wind protection and had a top to it...wish I would have taken a picture...like I said, it was a really cool boat!

Fiberglass magic · 03-02-2008, 07:22 PM

are the hulls cored

bayhunter · 03-03-2008, 11:12 AM

Yes. I fish on one (a Buxton) owned by a friend. Solid and serviceable. Runs nice but not fast. Pretty shallow draft for IB. Was a former fire co. rescue boat on DE Bay.

meii · 03-03-2008, 08:57 PM

i had a 84 kencraft buxton.
loved it, wish i never sold it.
i cruised at 20-22 with a inboard windsor

i can post pics if you like