1967 Starcraft Holiday Deluxe 120Hp New Engine Needed (I think?)

[OhioMaxumBowrider]

We just purchased (last week) a 1967 Starcraft Holiday Deluxe 18ft aluminum hull. Overall the boat is in great condition and we are looking to enjoy the deep Vee's capacity over our Maxum Bowrider. We love the looks of the older boat and the possibilities. After the recent thaw here in Ohio, I pulled it out of the garage today and fired it up for the first time. I saw the crack along the block where the PO failed to properly winterize the motor and the water was slowly leaking as the engine ran. I now that it has a prealpha sterndrive after looking at the top and seeing the loop on top. I am worried that the out drive has some previous repairs and leaking. I am wondering where is the most cost effective way to be a used motor for the boat. I have looked at MichiganMotorz and have failed to see the 2.5L. Should we look into just an overall upgrade with a NEW Mercruiser Vazer 1.6L 100 hp Mercury Marine Boat Engine

Sorry, copied and pasted that from ebay. I was thinking that maybe just a complete redo would pay off in the end, like putting new running gear in an classic cruiser car. We really don't have the extra to go to this extent at the moment without selling the Maxum, but was wondering if I am going to run into a slew of problems that I just don't want to tackle and start to piece together classic components to bring this boat back to life. She currently runs, but I worry that it is not just an external break on the case, but as mentioned in other forums, problems under the surface that will lead to cylinders filling with water and then seizing the engine and either stranding it at the dock or, worse, out in the middle of the lake after floating and enjoying the sun.

THANKS for your seasoned advice in advance.

-New Classic Starcraft Owner

 

[Tnstratofam]

Perhaps a good option would be to find a used donor boat with a good engine/out drive combo that you could install in your Starcraft. Lots of people here have done this and it is usually a cheaper route to go. Make sure the controls and everything needed to make the swap are intact and you could be back on the water fairly economically.

 

[Watermann]

:welcome:

Looks like you had little trouble with the forum getting your thread started.

So what motor and drive is in that Maxum? :joyous:

 

[OhioMaxumBowrider]

It is a 1989 Maxum with a 1979 Johnson V4 outboard I believe. It had a Force in its former life, but had the Johnson hanging off the back when I bought her 3 years ago.

 

[GA_Boater]

Couple of things, Ohio - Gonna move this to the Mercruiser section because you have motor issues.

Second - The Vazer was available from Mercruiser for about 12 seconds and was discontinued. I'm not sure it ever got past the experimental stage. I would avoid a Vazer.

And finally, you have some options. A rebuilt - MichicanMotorz aren't the only rebuilders, but I personally don't know who they are. The other choice is check Craig's List in your region for either a motor for sale or a donor boat.

One more - Did water get into the oil? It's possible only the outside of the block cracked and there are repair methods for that that don't break the bank and won't be but a few bucks down the drain if it is worse.

 

[OhioMaxumBowrider]

Sorry, I will check when I get home tonight. Sickness visited my house and I needed to prepare for my classes today. I am not a student anymore, thank goodness, but a teacher.

 

[Alumarine]

Welcome. As others have said hopefully this might not be as bad as it seems.
If you're lucky your current block can be repaired.

Make sure you check your oil now just in case.
Also, make sure you drain the block and manifolds in case another cold spell comes.

btw MichiganMotorz has the 3.0 which should work for you.

 

[Bondo]

We just purchased (last week) a 1967 Starcraft Holiday Deluxe 18ft aluminum hull. Overall the boat is in great condition and we are looking to enjoy the deep Vee's capacity over our Maxum Bowrider. We love the looks of the older boat and the possibilities. After the recent thaw here in Ohio, I pulled it out of the garage today and fired it up for the first time. I saw the crack along the block where the PO failed to properly winterize the motor and the water was slowly leaking as the engine ran. I now that it has a prealpha sterndrive after looking at the top and seeing the loop on top. I am worried that the out drive has some previous repairs and leaking. I am wondering where is the most cost effective way to be a used motor for the boat. I have looked at MichiganMotorz and have failed to see the 2.5L. Should we look into just an overall upgrade with a NEW Mercruiser Vazer 1.6L 100 hp Mercury Marine Boat Engine


Sorry, copied and pasted that from ebay. I was thinking that maybe just a complete redo would pay off in the end, like putting new running gear in an classic cruiser car. We really don't have the extra to go to this extent at the moment without selling the Maxum, but was wondering if I am going to run into a slew of problems that I just don't want to tackle and start to piece together classic components to bring this boat back to life. She currently runs, but I worry that it is not just an external break on the case, but as mentioned in other forums, problems under the surface that will lead to cylinders filling with water and then seizing the engine and either stranding it at the dock or, worse, out in the middle of the lake after floating and enjoying the sun.

THANKS for your seasoned advice in advance.

-New Classic Starcraft Owner

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,... That's because ya go with the 3.0l motor as a direct replacement,.....

The block, externally is exactly the same as the 2.5l,....

 

[OhioMaxumBowrider]

Just checked dipstick and oil does not look milky. Going to drain just to be sure. Will post after that process. Please don't judge but I am wondering if the fix is the JB Weld fix that I have seen or is there a more professional fix without replacement.
Thanks the welcome and everyone's help thus far.

 

[OhioMaxumBowrider]

I just sucked a quart of oil out of the beast and she is milky. Well, I guess that means she is toast.

 

[Watermann]

That's too bad about the milkshake but it's a very common problem. You have a couple choices in the matter, find a newer donor boat with what you need and upgrade to the Alpha OD or pop for a long block 3.0 L.

 

[OhioMaxumBowrider]

Thanks for the advice guys. I do very much appreciate it. I am in the search for a donor and now know what to look for during my search. Craigslist along with a mechanic friend will help to ensure that we keep the cost down and find something semi-usable and not just another block that can be used as an anchor.