Chris-Craft 425 / 426 / 427 Catalina
Built 1985–1990 by Chris-Craft (ex-Uniflite plant, Bellingham, WA)
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About the Chris-Craft 425 / 426 / 427 Catalina
Researched from public sources for this model. Any individual boat may have been modified or repowered — confirm before relying on any figure.
- Built
- 1985–1990
- Builder
- Chris-Craft (ex-Uniflite plant, Bellingham, WA)
- Length
- 42 ft
- Beam
- 14.75 ft
- Draft
- 3.5 ft
- Displacement
- 33,000 lb
- Hull / keel
- planing
- Propulsion
- inboard
- Fuel
- 400 gal
- Water
- 160 gal
- Holding
- 60 gal
- Generator
- factory option
- Bow thruster
- not fitted
- Stern thruster
- not fitted
Tank capacities — where the figures come from
-
Fuel 400 gal
“FUEL CAPACITY: 400 gals (1,512 lt)” — brochure (1985 (425 Catalina Double Cabin)), commanderclub.comThis figure is for the 1985 425 Catalina Double Cabin; no brochure was found for the later 426/427 versions.
-
Water 160 gal
“FRESH WATER CAPACITY: 160 gals (605 lt)” — brochure (1985 (425)), commanderclub.com
-
Water heater unknown
The 1985 brochure spec block gives tankage only; no equipment list for this model was found.
Tanks are often replaced or added on older boats — check the tank labels or a survey for yours.
Thrusters and steering — where this comes from
-
Bow thruster not fitted
Our earlier figure of none has no source. The 1985 fleet brochure gives dimensions and power only and points to a price schedule for options.
-
Stern thruster not fitted
Our earlier figure of none has no source, and no option list was found.
-
Steering unknown
The 1985 brochure's 425 entry and its standard list for all cruisers don't mention steering, and nothing else useful was found.
Thrusters and steering are often replaced — check the units on your boat before ordering parts.
Named 425 (1985), 426 (1986, restyled larger bridge) and 427 (1987-90). New walkaround queen berths fore and aft, which the Uniflite never had. 13-deg deadrise; smooth ride per BoatUS. Whether Chris-Craft continued Uniflite's fire-retardant resin was not stated in sources read.
Engines fitted
-
Crusader 454 (7.4L) gas V8 inboard — 350 hp, gas, twin
standard
HMY: standard 350 hp Crusaders; a 1985 Catalina is listed with twin Crusader 454s (rebuilt).Sources: hmy.com · breweryacht.com
-
Caterpillar 3208TA diesel — 375 hp, diesel, twin
factory option
HMY cites optional 375 hp Cats; a 1989 427 is listed with its original twin Cat 3208TAs.Sources: hmy.com · evyachtsales.com
Boats of the same model can differ — check which engines yours actually has before ordering parts.
Generator
factory option
“*Diesel engines include fuel/water separator, fresh water cooling and 8.0 kw diesel generator.” — brochure (1985), commanderclub.com
For the standard twin 340 hp Mercruiser gas boats the brochure mentions no generator; a 1988 gas-engine listing shows a 6.5 kW Onan (one boat only).
-
Generator (make not stated) — 8 kW, diesel
factory option
Came as part of the optional diesel engine packages (Detroit 8.2L or 4-71 TI). Make not named by the builder; one 1987 diesel listing shows a Westerbeke 8 kW.“Diesel engines include ... 8.0 kw diesel generator” — brochure (1985), commanderclub.com
Generators are often replaced or added — check the unit's own plate before ordering parts.
Manuals and brochures online
- Brochure 1985 Chris-Craft fleet brochure, cruisers (scan, with spec pages) (1985) — commanderclub.com
Hosted by the builder or an owners' association; they own the copyright.
Known problems for this model
-
Check for blisters (Uniflite molds) hull
Built from the Uniflite 42 Double Cabin molds in the former Uniflite plant; Uniflite-era hulls are known for resin-related blistering, so check the bottom closely.hmy.com · nautipedia.it
Engines & parts
Crusader 350 / 454 inboard gas V8 parts: good
Factory standard engine — you entered “Crusader 454 (7.4L) gas V8 inboard”
GM-based inboard engines; Crusader (now part of Pleasurecraft Marine Engine Co.) still publishes illustrated parts manuals and sells through distributors. Go2marine stocks Crusader manifolds, risers, raw water pumps and ignition parts; Osco and Barr make aftermarket manifolds, and new GM/Crusader base engines are sold by rebuilders.
Parts sources: Crusader Engines, Go2marine (Crusader parts), 1-800-RUNS-NEW (GM & Crusader base engines)
Common problems (1)
-
Clogged or failing manifolds/risers exhaust
Owners find individual risers running much hotter than the others (a sign of internal blockage) and debate replacing vs. flushing; Osco manifolds are often preferred as closest to OEM.marineengine.com · marineengine.com
Maker’s service schedule (14)
| Engine oil & filter change 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 50 hrs or 1 yr | “Change engine oil and filter — After 1st 25 Hrs / Every 50 Hours of Operation / Once Each Year” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Fuel filters & water separator 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 50 hrs or 1 yr | “Fuel Filters - Service or replace — After 1st 25 Hrs / Every 50 Hours / Once Each Year” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Raw-water pump impeller 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 100 hrs or 1 yr | “Cooling System - Inspect/Replace raw water pump impeller — Every 100 Hours of Operation / Once Each Year” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Drive belts inspect / replace 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 100 hrs or 1 yr | “Drive Belt - Inspect condition and check tension — After 1st 25 Hrs / Every 100 Hours / Once Each Year” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Spark plugs inspect / replace 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 100 hrs or 1 yr | “Ignition System and Spark Plugs - Clean and inspect condition — After 1st 25 Hrs / Every 100 Hours / Once Each Year” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Exhaust mixing elbow inspection 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 100 hrs or 4 mo | “Exhaust System - Check condition and tightness of all hose clamps — After 1st 25 Hrs / Every 100 Hours(1) / Once Each Ye” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Coolant replacement & freeze-point test 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 5 yrs | “Fresh-water cooled models - Change coolant — Every five years” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Engine pencil zincs 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 1 mo | “Zinc Anodes - Heat exchanger and cooler - check condition — Every 30 days” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Transmission fluid change 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 1 yr | “Transmission and "V" Drive - Change fluid and clean strainer, if equipped — After 1st 25 Hrs (Hurth Only) / Once Each Ye” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Flame arrestor & crankcase ventilation - clean and inspect 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 100 hrs or 1 yr | “Flame Arrestor and Crankcase Ventilation System - Clean and inspect — Every 100 Hours / Once Each Year” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Engine alignment check 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 1 yr | “Engine Alignment - Check and adjust if necessary — After 1st 25 Hrs / Once Each Year” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Inspect all hoses (and cooling hose clamps) 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 100 hrs or 1 yr | “Hoses (all) - Inspect for cracks, swelling, weather checking or other signs of deterioration — Every 100 Hours / Once Ea” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Shift & throttle cable linkage - inspect and lubricate 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 100 hrs or 4 mo | “Shift and Throttle Cable Linkage - Inspect and lubricate — Every 100 Hours(1) / Once Each Year” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Electrical system - check connections and wiring 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 50 hrs or 2 mo | “Electrical System (complete) - Check for loose or dirty connections and damaged wiring — Every 50 Hours(2) / Once Each Y” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
Service part numbers (18)
| Oil filter remote-mounted oil filter (MP7.4L and 2013 5.0/5.7/6.0L MPI) |
Crusader 22679 | “Oil Filter 22679 (MAINTENANCE ITEM PART NUMBERS)” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Fuel filter MP7.4L / MP454 XLi (454 MPI) - illustrated parts manual L510008 |
Crusader 47038 | “Fuel Filter 47038 (MAINTENANCE ITEM PART NUMBERS)” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Fuel filter 5.7L (350) MPI with FCC fuel system, 2007 on - 2013 owner manual L510001-13 |
Crusader RP080026 | “Fuel Control Cell (FCC) Fuel Filter Element RP080026” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Fuel pre-filter / separator MP7.4L / MP454 XLi (454 MPI) - illustrated parts manual L510008: engine-mounted Racor water-separating filter 47046 |
Crusader 47047 | “25 47047 Element, Racor fuel filter (Not Shown) 1” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Fuel pre-filter / separator 5.7L (350) MPI with FCC fuel system, 2007 on - 2013 owner manual L510001-13: primary fuel filter |
Crusader R080033 | “Primary Fuel Filter Element R080033” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Raw-water impeller MP7.4L / MP454 XLi (454 MPI) - illustrated parts manual L510008 (raw water pump RA057031) |
Crusader RP061017 Replaces R061017 |
“Replaces Crusader R061017 (Impeller Kit with Gasket & O-Ring | Crusader RP061017)” — dealer, marinepartssource.com · “Replaces Crusader R061017 (Impeller Kit with Gasket & O-Ring | Crusader RP061017)” — dealer, marinesuppliesdepot.com |
| Raw-water impeller 5.7L (350) MPI with FCC fuel system, 2007 on - 2013 owner manual L510001-13 |
Crusader RP061022 | “Impeller , Raw Water Pump (1) RP061022 (ON-BOARD PARTS KIT 5.7L)” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Raw-water pump kit MP7.4L / MP454 XLi (454 MPI) - illustrated parts manual L510008 (raw water pump RA057031) |
Crusader 40064 | “40064 Overhaul Kit, Major (includes items 2, 3, 11, 14 and 15)” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Drive belt MP7.4L / MP454 XLi (454 MPI) - illustrated parts manual L510008: alternator drive |
Crusader 98210 | “Alternator Drive Belt 98210” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Drive belt MP7.4L / MP454 XLi (454 MPI) - illustrated parts manual L510008: raw water pump drive |
Crusader 10258 | “Raw Water Pump Drive Belt 10258” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Drive belt 5.7L (350) MPI with FCC fuel system, 2007 on - 2013 owner manual L510001-13, left-hand (LH) rotation: serpentine |
Crusader R066028 | “Belt , Serpentine (1) R066028 (ON-BOARD PARTS KIT 5.7L (LH))” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Drive belt 5.7L (350) MPI with FCC fuel system, 2007 on - 2013 owner manual L510001-13, right-hand (RH) rotation: serpentine |
Crusader R066029A | “Belt , Serpentine (1) R066029A (ON-BOARD PARTS KIT 5.7L (RH))” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Spark plug MP7.4L / MP454 XLi (454 MPI) - illustrated parts manual L510008: platinum plug |
Crusader 49078 × 8 | “Spark Plugs (platinum) 49078” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Spark plug 5.7L (350) MPI with FCC fuel system, 2007 on - 2013 owner manual L510001-13: platinum plug set |
Crusader RP030010 | “Spark Plug , Set, (Platinum) (1) RP030010 (ON-BOARD PARTS KIT 5.7L)” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Thermostat MP7.4L / MP454 XLi (454 MPI) - illustrated parts manual L510008: raw-water (standard) cooling, 143 F |
Crusader R026002E | “6 R026002E Thermostat (143-degree) 1 (Raw Water Cooling Components - Figure 18)” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Thermostat MP7.4L / MP454 XLi (454 MPI) - illustrated parts manual L510008: fresh-water (closed) cooling kit, 170 F |
Crusader 98203 | “5 98203 Thermostat (170-degree) 1 (Fresh Water Cooling Components 1)” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Zinc / anode MP7.4L / MP454 XLi (454 MPI) - illustrated parts manual L510008: oil cooler / transmission cooler / heat exchanger |
Crusader R168005 | “24 R168005 Zinc, sacrificial 1 (Raw Water Cooling Components - Figure 18)” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| On-board spare parts kit (belt, cap, rotor, fuses, relays, plugs, impeller, fuel filters) 5.7L (350) MPI with FCC fuel system, 2007 on - 2013 owner manual L510001-13, LH rotation |
Crusader RK173089D-07 | “ON-BOARD PARTS KIT 5.7L (LH) 2007 TO PRESENT, FCC FUEL SYSTEM RK173089D-07” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
From the engine maker’s parts lists, or two independent parts dealers. Numbers change with serial number and get superseded — check yours before ordering.
Caterpillar 3208 (NA / T / TA) parts: good
Factory optional engine — you entered “Caterpillar 3208TA diesel”
V8 introduced in the 1970s and discontinued in the late 1990s (Big Bear Engine gives 1999). Naturally aspirated versions run about 210 hp; turbo and turbo-aftercooled versions go up to 435 hp. Cat dealers still supply many genuine parts by serial number, and aftermarket in-frame/overhaul kits (pistons, rings, liners, bearings) are sold by Diesel Pro Power, Highway and Heavy Parts and others; complete remanufactured long blocks are also sold. The block is unsleeved from the factory but can be bored and sleeved during a rebuild.
Parts sources: Diesel Pro Power, Highway and Heavy Parts (Cat 3208), Big Bear Engine Company (3208 long blocks)
Common problems (3)
-
Aftercooler failure flooding the engine (TA models) cooling
The seawater-cooled aftercooler on turbo-aftercooled 3208s has aluminum parts that corrode; a failure can let seawater into the cylinders. Owners pull, clean, grease and pressure-test aftercoolers every 2–3 years and some replace them on a fixed schedule.trawlerforum.com · forums.ybw.com
-
Short life at high ratings / overloading engine
The higher-rated 3208TA engines last longer when run well below full power and propped so they can reach rated rpm; overheating or running at full load continuously shortens life.trawlerforum.com · trawlerforum.com
-
Overheating at high throttle cooling
Common causes owners check are clogged heat exchangers, thermostats, fouled keel coolers or restricted raw water flow, and faulty temperature senders.justanswer.com · facebook.com
Maker’s service schedule (20)
| Engine oil & filter change | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “Every 9000 L (2400 US gal) of Fuel or 250 Service Hours or Yearly ... Engine Oil and Filter - Change” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Fuel filters & water separator | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “Every 9000 L (2400 US gal) of Fuel or 250 Service Hours or Yearly ... Fuel System Primary Filter/Water Separator Element” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Raw-water pump impeller | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “Every 9000 L (2400 US gal) of Fuel or 250 Service Hours or Yearly ... Auxiliary Water Pump - Inspect” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Engine pencil zincs | 50 hrs | “Every 1900 L (500 US gal) of Fuel or 50 Service Hours ... Zinc Rods - Inspect/Replace” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Air filter / intake silencer | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “Every 9000 L (2400 US gal) of Fuel or 250 Service Hours or Yearly ... Engine Air Cleaner Element - Clean/Replace” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Valve clearance check / adjust | 2,000 hrs | “Initial 9000 L (2400 US gal) of Fuel or 250 Service Hours or 1 Year ... Engine Valve Lash - Inspect/Adjust” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Coolant replacement & freeze-point test Cat DEAC / conventional coolant | 1,000 hrs or 2 yrs | “Every 36 000 L (9000 US gal) of Fuel or 1000 Service Hours or 2 Years ... Cooling System Coolant (DEAC) - Change” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Coolant replacement & freeze-point test Cat ELC (extended life coolant) | 6,000 hrs or 4 yrs | “Every 216 000 L (57 000 US gal) of Fuel or 6000 Service Hours or 4 Years ... Cooling System Coolant (ELC) - Change” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Turbocharger inspection | 1,000 hrs or 2 yrs | “Every 36 000 L (9000 US gal) of Fuel or 1000 Service Hours or 2 Years ... Aftercooler Core - Clean/Test” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Turbocharger inspect | 2,000 hrs | “Every 72 000 L (19 000 US gal) of Fuel or 2000 Service Hours ... Turbocharger - Inspect” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Heat exchanger & oil cooler cleaning | 2,000 hrs | “Every 72 000 L (19 000 US gal) of Fuel or 2000 Service Hours ... Heat Exchanger - Inspect” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Injector test / service | 2,000 hrs | “Every 72 000 L (19 000 US gal) of Fuel or 2000 Service Hours ... Fuel Injection Nozzles - Test/Exchange” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Sea water strainer clean/inspect | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “Every 9000 L (2400 US gal) of Fuel or 250 Service Hours or Yearly ... Sea Water Strainer - Clean/Inspect” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Coolant SCA test/add | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “Every 9000 L (2400 US gal) of Fuel or 250 Service Hours or Yearly ... Cooling System Supplemental Coolant Additive (SCA)” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Hoses and clamps inspect/replace | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “Every 9000 L (2400 US gal) of Fuel or 250 Service Hours or Yearly ... Hoses and Clamps - Inspect/Replace” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Crankcase breather clean | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “Every 9000 L (2400 US gal) of Fuel or 250 Service Hours or Yearly ... Engine Crankcase Breather - Clean” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Thermostat (water temperature regulator) replace | 1,000 hrs or 2 yrs | “Every 36 000 L (9000 US gal) of Fuel or 1000 Service Hours or 2 Years ... Cooling System Water Temperature Regulator - R” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Marine transmission oil cooler clean/inspect | 1,000 hrs or 2 yrs | “Every 36 000 L (9000 US gal) of Fuel or 1000 Service Hours or 2 Years ... Marine Transmission Oil Cooler - Clean/Inspect” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Crankshaft vibration damper inspect | 2,000 hrs | “Every 72 000 L (19 000 US gal) of Fuel or 2000 Service Hours ... Crankshaft Vibration Damper - Inspect” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Jacket water pump inspect | 3,000 hrs or 2 yrs | “Every 108 000 L (28 500 US gal) of Fuel or 3000 Service Hours or 2 Years ... Water Pump - Inspect” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
Service part numbers (4)
| Fuel filter | Caterpillar 1R-0750 | “| Fuel Filter | 1R0750 |” — dealer, marineenergy.com.au · “Fuel Filter for Caterpillar 3208 Natural and Turbo engines 1R0750 Advanced Efficiency” — dealer, dieselpro.com |
| Zinc / anode heat-exchanger anode (10 mm); 2 on the 4W-9164 heat exchanger, 3 on the 7C-3114 heat exchanger |
Caterpillar 6L-2283 | “| Anodes on 7C-3114 Heat Exchanger | 6L-2283 | [CM6L2283] x 3.” — dealer, marineenergy.com.au · “Zinc Anode for Caterpillar Marine Engines 6L2283 NPT: 1/4”” — dealer, dieselpro.com |
| Zinc / anode 16 mm anode, starboard bottom of bonnet, 4W-9164 heat exchanger only |
Caterpillar 6L-2289 | “Anodes on 4W-9164 Heat Exchanger | 6L-2283 6L-2289 ... [TEC 02023] x 1. Starboard Side, bottom of the bonnet. 16mm” — dealer, marineenergy.com.au · “Zinc Anode for Caterpillar Marine Engines 6L2289 NPT: 1/2”” — dealer, dieselpro.com |
| Zinc / anode transmission oil cooler anode (if the cooler has one) |
Caterpillar 6L-2288 | “| Anode - Transmission Oil Cooler (If present on cooler) | 6L-2288 |” — dealer, marineenergy.com.au · “Zinc Anode for Caterpillar Marine Engines 6L2288 NPT: 1/2”” — dealer, dieselpro.com |
From the engine maker’s parts lists, or two independent parts dealers. Numbers change with serial number and get superseded — check yours before ordering.
Sources disagree on horsepower — left blank rather than guessed.
Model sources (5)
hmy.com · nautipedia.it · breweryacht.com · evyachtsales.com · commanderclub.com
Own a Chris-Craft 425 / 426 / 427 Catalina? Add her to your boats, then share a photo — names, numbers and faces are blurred before it appears.
Other Chris-Craft models
- Chris-Craft 36 Sports Cruiser / 36-360 Commander 1973–1986
- Chris-Craft 381 Catalina 1980–1989
- Chris-Craft 410 Commander (41 Motor Yacht) 1972–1986
Researched from public sources. Spotted an error? The sources are listed above — tell us what they got wrong.