1977 Starcraft Restoration project

[pntbtrjllytme]

Ok got some pics as promised. Livewell is completely finished with wiring and plumbing, got my new bilge in and wire ran for that, one bin for the trolling batteries is in I dont plan on installing the other til the end it will just get in the way. Also got tired of working on the dark with one bulb lighting my garage (never worked in there much til now) so I wired up some LED strip bulbs and will be installing another set later. Started working on the flush mounted hatches on the front deck and would like to get the front deck completely bolted down with vinyl soon so that is my top priority now (not much up there for wiring and I can get consoles in right after). Carpet is also completely done up front with the help of my wife =)

Also I took a pic of something I did a while ago when I installed a fuel gauge shortly after I got the boat. Wish I would have taken pics when I did it.. and if anyone tries to do this it is not an easy task by any means, at least it wasnt for me.. But I didnt want my fuel gauge on all the time so I installed a wire to the ignition switch so the gauges and lights only come on when the boat is on. I drilled a hole into the back of the throttle..box? to run the wire through. When you take apart the top half of the assembly theres a few springs and a ball bearing that took me a good hour to get back in before I could put it all back together..

You can see how bad the bilge was.. That alone made it worth this restore. Could have lost everything if that would have gone out. Im planning on installing another as a backup. The old one was a 500gph motor this one is an 800. Didnt really think Id need more than that for the main bilge but the backup will be a bit heavier hopefully I never have to use it.

I do have a question for the livewell spouts. What is the best sealant to use on the nozzles? They arent sealed yet in case I have to move something.

 

[Pusher]

I think everyone uses 5200 as the standard around here for sealing. I haven't been too impressed with it myself but then I don't have a better option for you either.

You weren't kidding, that pump was toast. It probably would have given you the ghost right when you needed it most.

 

[Candutch]

Sikaflex also makes some good marine adhesive sealants, I've used their non structural in place of 3m 4200 as it is way cheaper.
Be mindful with most these products they make a permanent or structural and light/med non permanent adhesive sealant. So for example 3m 5200 you should use for permanent applications that you never intend on taking apart. 3m 4200 is used on things you may need to take apart or replace sometime down the road. The sealant properties are similar on both.

 

[Watermann]

Lots going on there in those pics working from one end to the other pecking away at things and knocking them off the to do list. :thumb:

 

[pntbtrjllytme]

Thanks for the help with the silicone. I didnt think the 5200 was the best for plastic it doesnt seem "rubbery" enough for that type of material so I will probably check the sikaflex. (after looking I noticed the instructions that came with the aerator actually mentioned it also) But today was my bday =) So I was looking around online for bday ideas for my wife to buy me lol. Found this sweet looking windshield from a 4winns marquise 160. The reason I want a new windshield is I HATE how short they are on these boats they are practically non-existent. I've been in some big waves and heavy winds and heck, even just getting to my spot on a calm day sucks when you have to duck down so far you cant even see over the bow.. So the 4winns WS I got was 200$ and its spotless it looks brand new. Its also tinted a bit so it looks pretty cool. This WS gives me an extra 5 inches in height and is only 2 inches wider which I can work with. The problem is the angle if you notice its actually a bit lower but I think I can make it work with some adjustments. The current WS mounts to the top of the console and from looking at pics the 4winns WS mounts to the front or even the side of the console so I may try to angle my dash out a bit or.. something else not sure just yet but at this point Id say Im 80% confident I can make this work to my benefit. If not Im sure I can sell it back online for what I paid for it. At least I hope I didnt just blow 200$... Anyone have any bright ideas on how to mount this and lift it up a bit higher let me know =D Mounting the window on the console isnt the problem is the long rail on the side that Ill have a problem with if I lift it too high.

Also, when I got there I found out its actually like a giant workshop.. They have lifts, plasma cutters, tools out the wazoo.. robotics lab, you can build drones, sewing machines, 3d printers... everything! so this guy has like 10 boats there just parts galore.. I found a nice steering wheel he sold it to me for 100$ with the steering cable and it just needs a wipe down and slight buff and it will look brand new. The cable is in MUCH better shape than the one I currently have.I actually ended up signing up for a membership there as well. They will teach you anything you would like to know I figured, hell, for 30$ a month I spend a heck of a lot more than that in gas alone just to go buy tools lol. And they have a lift so I can pick the boat up no problem and paint anything Id like I wouldnt have to lift but a finger to get it off the trailer.

 

[Watermann]

What type of helm came with the steering cable and wheel? One thing is that if the steering cable is not the exact length it needs to be then it won't fit.

 

[pntbtrjllytme]

Just looked at the numbers on it and its definitely newer. http://www.iboats.com/SeaStar-Solutions-14-B-M-Rack-Cable/dm/view_id.169527

 

[pntbtrjllytme]

Cant find the helm other than amazon or ebay. http://m.ebay.com/itm/281902057206?_mwBanner=1

 

[Watermann]

Oh okay so it's a R&P helm and a 14' cable should fit your 16'r, my 18'r uses a 16' cable.

 

[pntbtrjllytme]

Ok good! He said it would fit so I trusted him he seemed to know what he was talking about.. The end of the cable (I dont know half of this is called) that goes into the motor looks a bit smaller in diameter to me. He said it would be universal.. is that true or do they come in different diameters and I cant use this? The guy runs the shop I went to so even if this doesnt work out I would think he would let me return it.

 

[Pusher]

I'm a little lost as to the window shield issue. Is the picture above showing the new WS on the right? It looks like it's going to fit....?

 

[pntbtrjllytme]

New on left, old on right. Ill take some better pics after work

 

[Watermann]

Yeah the steering cables are universal, I take it you're worried about the ram end that goes into the motors tilt tube.

 

[pntbtrjllytme]

Yeah the steering cables are universal, I take it you're worried about the ram end that goes into the motors tilt tube.

Yes that was my concern

 

[Pusher]

Oh, I see now. I imagine if you are planning on using the original support arms it will really have to raise up unless that's something you can shorten.

Would it look weird to build a ledge tapering up to a foot tall with built-in storage pockets? I imagine that would kill your line of sight.

Is there glass in the stern end of the ws?

 

[pntbtrjllytme]

Oh, I see now. I imagine if you are planning on using the original support arms it will really have to raise up unless that's something you can shorten.

Would it look weird to build a ledge tapering up to a foot tall with built-in storage pockets? I imagine that would kill your line of sight.

Is there glass in the stern end of the ws?

There isnt any glass in the stern side. I doubt Id be able to shorten anything as it would lower it if anything. I havent been able to look at it much just yet but just kind of thinking about it I will probably just have to raise the whole thing a bit. Also, after thinking on it, I originally was thinking Id just angle it up more like you see on the driver side's stock glass.. but the more aggressive angle makes it look pretty sweet from the front if you ask me =) (Ill post pics later) so Im thinking maybe I just stick a matching sized piece of aluminum under the window on the console and the support arm to raise it up an inch or 2 it would be good to go. Right now, I cant think of any potential problems that would cause.. so I will probably run with that until either someone comes up with something better, or I find out the hard way =)

 

[Watermann]

Not really a problem but you'd probably need some longer WS supports.

 

[Candutch]

Your new windshield looks the same as my stock windshield on my ss180. I don't think you'll have any issues mounting it, maybe replace the support arms with the ones from your old windshield.

 

[pntbtrjllytme]

Been a little slow going last couple if days. Had to wait on some parts from shipping. Im wrapping the front deck up, ended up redoing it all.. I didnt like how the last peice sat it was too far from the edges with too many gaps.

I was wondering, whats better the pink stuff or the pool noodles? Ive seen both but never knew if it was just a way to save some money or if the pink stuff was definitely a lot better. Also, wheres the best place to get some? Thanks!

 

[jbcurt00]

Noodles arent a good choice, use the sheets.

Here somewhere is a lively debate that ends w how little dead weight a noodle will actually float, they are more like a sponge w a thru hole and are an efficient use of space at best.

@ezmobie is the only active member I can think of who used noodles, and even he'll admit it wasnt a good choice, in hindsight, and wouldnt use them if he does another boat rehab.