1972 Tri-Hull I/O??

coolness

coolness

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I'm considering purchasing a 1972 Starcraft Tri-Hull with a 120 inboard. It has been in the family since new. Are there real or perceived drawbacks purchasing this boat with an Inboard vs. one with an outboard? (Other than cost of replacement) :eek:
 
Huron Angler

Huron Angler

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Re: 1972 Tri-Hull I/O??

Interior space is eaten up by the doghouse, the boat will draft deeper with an I/O also.

There's a thread called "outboard vs I/O" that covers all the varying opinions. Bottom line as mentioned is that it's much easier to repower a vessel with an outboard.

I am partial to Starcrafts though, so if it runs and the wood isn't rotten have at it:D
 
ezmobee

ezmobee

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Re: 1972 Tri-Hull I/O??

Old I/O's can be real money pits. If it's been sitting unused for any length of time you may have some expensive preventative maintenance to catch up on.
 
North Beach

North Beach

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Re: 1972 Tri-Hull I/O??

Old outboards can be real money pits. If it's been sitting unused for any length of time you may have some expensive preventative maintenance to catch up on.:D
 
Bwana Don

Bwana Don

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Re: 1972 Tri-Hull I/O??

I/O's are more expensive to repair and maintain. They get better gas mileage and run off of gas with out oil in it. They produce far less smoke, think car engine here.

The debate is long and never ending. Both sides can make arguments for their favorite.

I say fish (buy). As long as it runs good. If it doesn't and you to work on things then go for it great, the guys here will help you with whatever ails your boat. This is a great "family" to be a part of.

Tri-hulls have a tendency to porpoise in rougher water. V hulls are best for bigger waters, tri-hulls for turning tight like water skiing.

Is this what you want? If so and the price is right, why not?
 
ezmobee

ezmobee

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Re: 1972 Tri-Hull I/O??

North Beach said:
Old outboards can be real money pits. If it's been sitting unused for any length of time you may have some expensive preventative maintenance to catch up on.:D
Click to expand...

Phtht NB. I just spent $420 on my outboard today :eek:
 
jasoutside

jasoutside

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Re: 1972 Tri-Hull I/O??

ezmobee said:
Phtht NB. I just spent $420 on my outboard today :eek:
Click to expand...

Oh nooooooo! EZ's rock solid, never fail, trump card on the IO is looking a little weak today. Ouch!

Sorry to hear about your troubles buddy!

Cheers!:D
 
coolness

coolness

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Re: 1972 Tri-Hull I/O??

Thanks for the advice, guys!! The owner of the Starcraft says his Dad (and him) have maintained the boat very well. (I hope!!) They have owned it since new. He is asking $1400 for it. I am in the process of possibly trading my 1962 Buick for it - straight up. The Buick needs restoration but has a lot of potential. Has a 401 c.i. :) Sound like a good deal?? :cool:

I plan to use the boat for family cruising and fishing; someday I hope to move back to New York and use it on the Finger Lakes and bays on Lake Ontario. For now I'd use it on Smith Mountain Lake and other nearby impoundments.

Keep ya posted. Great boating family on here. :)
 
Huron Angler

Huron Angler

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Re: 1972 Tri-Hull I/O??

Being very long and very deep the finger lakes can pick up pretty good, as can Lake Ontario of course. The tri-hull design is best suited for rivers and smaller lakes in my opinion. I passed on a couple(very good prices) just because a V hull handles some chop much better.

Just for your consideration:)

BTW there are plenty of aluminum Starcraft V-hulls around that have higher sides might be better for you intended use. I'm just being honest here since I would have regretted getting anything but an alulminum Starcraft:D
 
Bwana Don

Bwana Don

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Re: 1972 Tri-Hull I/O??

A tri-hull on my favorite lake, Lake St. Clair is a crappy ride, you'll get the sh%# beat out of you. I asked my LSC boating forum their opinion on buying a tri and it was like 9 to 1 against.

I would think twice if you want to boat in Lake Ontario in a tri-hull. They make good calm water boats though.

My 2 cents, it's got to be your call. Good luck with whatever you choose.

Don
 
barato

barato

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Re: 1972 Tri-Hull I/O??

for family boat, there's always the consideration that the V-hull Starcrafts tend to be really "deep" in terms of high gunwales, i.e., harder for kids to fall out of.

Coolness, have you noticed yet that many in this group (i plead guilty) have a definite preference for the tin V-hulls as opposed to other stuff with the Starcraft name on it? not that anyone might ever be guilty of a little bit of bias, but.....i shudder to think of the reaction i'd get if i showed up and announced i'd just bought a nice aluminum Starcraft pontoon....;)

if the fiberglass is solid and you like the boat, do it. check for rotting cores very carefully first, as $1400 tri-hulls are a dime a dozen....many without that expensive-to-fix old 120hp.
 
coolness

coolness

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Re: 1972 Tri-Hull I/O??

Uncle!! Uncle!! :D

I got an e-mail from the guy that was considering trading my boat ('62 Buick) for his boat. (Tri-Hull) No deal. It will take a lot of work and $$ to restore the car.

I have noticed that there are MANY tin V-Hull Starcrafts on this Starcraft forum. :) I do have 4 kids and the V-hulls would be safer. I was fishing with my Dad on Sodus Bay (Lake Ontario) many years ago in his 1969 15' Glastron with a 40 h.p. A storm came up quickly and we got chased off the lake. That Glastron had no problem; V-Hull. I have been looking at the V-Hulls a bit; think I'll look a little harder.:cool:

Thanks for the advice!!
 
Huron Angler

Huron Angler

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Re: 1972 Tri-Hull I/O??

i shudder to think of the reaction i'd get if i showed up and announced i'd just bought a nice aluminum Starcraft pontoon....
Click to expand...

Starcraft makes a nice pontoon, that would be a nice addition. Don't forget about the Starcraft pop-up campers, 5th wheels:D
 
barato

barato

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Re: 1972 Tri-Hull I/O??

got nothing against the popup campers cept how would i tow my Starchief?

i HATE pontoons.....they seem to attract the slobs n idjits of the world and are almost a cultural statement of ignorance and "bringing everything incl the K sink" mentality. Jimmy Buffett's comment about mobile homes in the Keys seems apt: "they looked a lot better as beer cans". SOAPBOX MODE OFF
 
fshngho

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Re: 1972 Tri-Hull I/O??

i HATE pontoons.....they seem to attract the slobs n idjits of the world and are almost a cultural statement of ignorance and "bringing everything incl the K sink" mentality. Jimmy Buffett's comment about mobile homes in the Keys seems apt: "they looked a lot better as beer cans". SOAPBOX MODE OFF

Go ahead Barato, tell us what you think, don't hold back.:p

I uhhh, actually like em.:rolleyes:
 
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