Chris-Craft 381 Catalina
Built 1980–1989 by Chris-Craft
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About the Chris-Craft 381 Catalina
Researched from public sources for this model. Any individual boat may have been modified or repowered — confirm before relying on any figure.
- Built
- 1980–1989
- Builder
- Chris-Craft
- Length
- 38 ft
- Beam
- 14 ft
- Draft
- 3 ft
- Displacement
- 21,600 lb
- Hull / keel
- planing
- Propulsion
- inboard
- Fuel
- 410 gal
- Water
- 65 gal
- Holding
- 75 gal
- Water heater
- AC · standard
- Generator
- often added later
- Bow thruster
- not fitted
- Stern thruster
- not fitted
Tank capacities — where the figures come from
-
Fuel 410 gal
“FUEL CAPACITY 410 gals 1551 lt” — brochure (1983), commanderclub.com · “FUEL CAPACITY: 410 gals (1552 lt)” — brochure (1985), commanderclub.com
-
Water 65 gal
“FRESH WATER CAPACITY 65 gals 245 lt” — brochure (1983), commanderclub.com · “FRESH WATER CAPACITY: 65 gals (245 lt)” — brochure (1985), commanderclub.com
-
Holding 75 gal
The brochures give no holding capacity. 75 gal (from the HMY powerboat guide) is large for a 38-footer with 65 gal of water, so it's worth confirming on your boat.
-
Water heater AC · standard
“Water pressure system, hot & cold, 115V, w/water heater (381 Catalina Double Cabin standard equipment)” — brochure (1983), commanderclub.comStandard per the August 1983 builder brochure; capacity not stated.
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 1983 and 1985 brochures give standard equipment only and point to a separate price schedule for options.
-
Stern thruster not fitted
Our earlier figure of none has no source, and no option list was found.
-
Steering unknown
Steering isn't in the 1983 standard-equipment list. Only single-boat sources were found: an owner's video series shows Hynautic hydraulic steering on a 1984 boat, and a Q&A page says a 1988 boat has hydraulic steering. That's not enough to name a type or brand.
Thrusters and steering are often replaced — check the units on your boat before ordering parts.
Enlarged 350 Catalina; double cabin with no flybridge (helm on the raised aft deck). Very spacious engine room. Modified-V hull gives a hard ride in a chop. King berth available from 1983.
Engines fitted
-
Crusader 454 (7.4L) gas V8 — 330 hp, gas, twin
standard
HMY: standard 330 hp Crusader gas engines cruise at about 16 kn, 25-26 top; a 1987 listing has twin 330 hp Crusader 454s.Sources: hmy.com · classicyachtsbrokerage.com
-
Crusader 454 (7.4L) gas V8 — 350 hp, gas, twin
factory option
HMY gives 350 hp Crusaders as the alternative rating; a 1988 listing has twin 350 hp Crusader 7.4L 454s.Sources: hmy.com · mapleleafyachtsales.com
Boats of the same model can differ — check which engines yours actually has before ordering parts.
Generator
often added later
“A 6.5 KW Onan generator provides electric away from the dock.” — search excerpt, d3.popsells.com · “6.5 kW Onan generator” — search excerpt (1984), marinesource.com · “Kohler 7.5 kW generator runs well” — search excerpt (1985), boatexportusa.com
Not in the 1983 builder standard-equipment list (which points buyers to a separate options price schedule, not found), and the 1985 specs list no generator. Listings often show one: a 6.5 kW Onan on two boats, a 7.5 kW Kohler on a 1985 boat and an unnamed 6.5 kW on a 1987 boat. Many were probably dealer or factory options.
-
Onan — 6.5 kW
often added later
Seen on two independent listings (fuel not stated; the gas-engine boats would normally carry a gas set).“A 6.5 KW Onan generator provides electric away from the dock.” — search excerpt, d3.popsells.com · “6.5 kW Onan generator” — search excerpt (1984), marinesource.com
Generators are often replaced or added — check the unit's own plate before ordering parts.
Manuals and brochures online
- Brochure Chris-Craft Cruisers brochure, August 1983 (scan, with per-model spec tables) (1983) — commanderclub.com
- 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
No well-sourced problem reports found yet.
Engines & parts
Crusader 350 / 454 inboard gas V8 parts: good
Factory standard engine — you entered “Crusader 454 (7.4L) gas V8”
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.
Model sources (5)
hmy.com · classicyachtsbrokerage.com · mapleleafyachtsales.com · commanderclub.com · commanderclub.com
Other Chris-Craft models
Researched from public sources. Spotted an error? The sources are listed above — tell us what they got wrong.