Advice on a Boat - Cranchi 21 Ellipse

[ontheplane]

Any other opinions as to good / bad / indifferent???

Also, as to value....

I am looking at a 1998 model - not on the open market. In good(ish) overall condition but requires a blooming good clean (professional not home job, it's not been cleaned in a long time), compound and polish. Engine is in good overall nick, may need risers at some point (purely due to age and boat's been used and kept in salt water and is raw water cooled)
no evidence it needs them right now. Drive looks ok too.

No trailer.

Overall Tonneau cover, but no canvas of any kind (Camper or bimini).

Cabin has been trimmed out (it's not the one I looked at that had been stripped) but no cabin cushions there at all.

Otherwise seems ok...

I've made an offer, owner has come down, but not to where I am offering....

What do people think (cos being from the Motor trade background I am used to having a little book I can look them up in and you can't do that with a boat).

Asking what is a fair price to pay, not what it should be advertised at!

 

[epervier]

Being that you're an Arthur Daley, you ought to know, something is only worth what someone is willing to pay.

 

[ontheplane]

Yes, but in the motor trade it's easy to find out what someone else will pay (go to an auction, look in Glass's or CAP)

This is totally different. I paid way too much for my last boat - I reckon well over £2000 too much - which on a boat that cost £4600 is a LOT - don't want to repeat that mistake again.

I'd like to know that when I buy, I'll be able to sell on for more or less what I paid less a usual small depreciation.

 

[Cliffie*]

Rather good, in my (limited) first hand experience.
I tried one of them in the early 90s, when I was looking for a lake boat suitable also for some waterski.
She did fit my requirements, and felt pretty solid for its size, even in a rather windy day with some very short breaking waves.
Of course, nothing as bad as what the ocean can throw at you, but more than enough to make the ride very unconfortable for many 20 footers.
Not so for the small Cranchi, which handled that nicely.
And if you're interested, her pull and wake is good enough also for monoski, though of course not for a slalom course.
The only drawback I can think of is that she was rather sensible to weight distribution and/or crosswind.
Mind, the one I tried had no trim tabs, and I think that most, if not all, were built without them.
In fact, she definitely doesn't need them to jump on the plane, but if you plan to cruise often in xwind you might want to fit them.
Particularly if you're cruising alone, which doesn't give you the chance to move people around to level the ride.
Eventually, I choose another boat, but mainly because I found a better deal.
Good luck with your search!

I know I am replying to an old post, but I thought my experience with the cranchi ellipse would be useful to a new prospective owner.

I have owned one for nearly twenty years, and she is still going strong. Mine has the 5l V8 and she is fast! I had trim tabs fitted which definitely helps with crosswinds. A boat definitely designed for the Med where I keep mine and has always been kept in the water except for the annual liftout. Original engine and outdrive. A well built boat and for me, no regrets.