Is it only a matter of time for leaks?

[redneck joe]

Check out opinions on the opti motor, seems like not preferred but dont take my work for it.

 

[redneck joe]

Otherwise that's a nice boat and price seems reasonable.

 

[AussieB]

Check out opinions on the opti motor, seems like not preferred but dont take my work for it.

I did some quick research and it was mainly positive, but like anything I'm sure there are also negative.

Not even sure how well an older boats consoles would fit to that, so it could be a can of worms.

 

[redneck joe]

Sheet and angle aluminum with a thousand or so rivets and you can customize to your heart's content. Just find a boat windshield the appropriate width.

 

[IslandExplorer]

Another great option, considering you aren't bent on bow access being optimized, is the Starcraft Islander series. Esp for looks in my opinion. Beautiful closed bow boats with a really unique and sleek look I think. Those were also available with the sharper V5 hull. A 25 foot V5 would be the holy grail (very rare) but the 22 with the venerable straight 6 or OB is a really nice size and way more common.

I had my sights set on a 25 with dual 70hp outboards once but missed it. Loads of cockpit space in those boats and you also get a great little dry cuddy cabin space. Even if you never lounge out in there it's a convenient storage locker at minimum. I really like the factory layout with the fold out table on the dog house and those back to back convert to lounge seats. Stylin.

Lot's of options to consider. Boat shopping can be a blast, hopefully you're enjoying all the possibilities!

 

[IslandExplorer]

https://imgur.com/a/hz8fMhs

 

[redneck joe]

Those are good looking boats.

If you want to road trip to central fl I know where a 19 ft chieftain is. All stripped ready for new floors and up to 150 hp worth of outboards. I drove from tn to MN with my brother to geab mine.

 

[AussieB]

Another great option, considering you aren't bent on bow access being optimized, is the Starcraft Islander series. Esp for looks in my opinion. Beautiful closed bow boats with a really unique and sleek look I think. Those were also available with the sharper V5 hull. A 25 foot V5 would be the holy grail (very rare) but the 22 with the venerable straight 6 or OB is a really nice size and way more common.

I had my sights set on a 25 with dual 70hp outboards once but missed it. Loads of cockpit space in those boats and you also get a great little dry cuddy cabin space. Even if you never lounge out in there it's a convenient storage locker at minimum. I really like the factory layout with the fold out table on the dog house and those back to back convert to lounge seats. Stylin.

Lot's of options to consider. Boat shopping can be a blast, hopefully you're enjoying all the possibilities!

They are a nice looking boat.

 

[IslandExplorer]

Hey well definitely let us know what you decide to do if you go ahead with it. The tin boat members on here are very helpful and love to see another riveted classic come back to life- we'll have your back whichever way you go.

 

[AussieB]

Hey well definitely let us know what you decide to do if you go ahead with it. The tin boat members on here are very helpful and love to see another riveted classic come back to life- we'll have your back whichever way you go.

Well I'm pretty sure I am going to wait for a 78/9 V5 hull in 22 ft length. Most I have seen for prior sale are i/o but I want an o/b.

From what I have seen on iboats, both have the same hull/transom structure/support. So it looks like an easier conversion than to a smaller hull.

I see many of the 16-18 ft for sale and the prices do not justify (for me) tearing them apart and rebuilding. There was an 18 SS that was fully restored and the build is on iboats, I found it when researching. He had that for sale for 6 months or more. He finally dropped the price down to around $3k and it sold.

I think starting with the better and what appears more sought after hull is a better use of funds. Not that I'm delusional enough to think I will get all my money back, I've restored plenty of muscle cars to know the realities of that. But I do think it would sell a lot easier from my research.

 

[MNhunter1]

Well I'm pretty sure I am going to wait for a 78/9 V5 hull in 22 ft length. Most I have seen for prior sale are i/o but I want an o/b.

V5's are hard to come by as it is. You may be waiting for a while to find a good deal on a 22ft OB.
I'd love a big 22ft'r, but my 18ft fits in my garage and is fine for any lake/river I fish here in MN. Doesn't mean I still don't consider the >20ft Starcrafts whenever I see one pop up for sale.
Of note, I sold my '78 16SS fully rebuilt for $4500. Originally paid $100 for the hull and trailer and $700 for the motor. Obviously had other expenses involved in the rebuild, but just to give you a rough idea.