1973 starcraft ss restore in progress

[MikeSchinlaub]

Screw a sheet of aluminum or diamond plate on the bottom of the floor where you will have the pedestal seats. That's what every aluminum boat I've done a floor in has. I think it's too keep the seats from pulling out of the wood as it eventually rots.

 

[crankbait cowboy]

Looking for a bit more advice
power?
What do you all feel as far as power (hp) for this out fit?
is 90 sufficent or should I be thinking 115 or so?
thanks in advance

 

[BWR1953]

Looking for a bit more advice
power?
What do you all feel as far as power (hp) for this out fit?
is 90 sufficent or should I be thinking 115 or so?
thanks in advance

I learned (the hard way) to just install the max rated horsepower for the boat. That's what I'm doing with my current project.

Yes, it's possible to go lower, but at a minimum, recommendations are to use no less than 75% of max rating.

Sometimes less works for awhile in specific circumstances, but it's been my experience that more is better. YMMV.

 

[Watermann]

Looking for a bit more advice
power?
What do you all feel as far as power (hp) for this out fit?
is 90 sufficent or should I be thinking 115 or so?
thanks in advance

My 18' SS now has a 115 Merc on it, I think that's the sweet spot for an 18'r. Not a heavy gas hungry V6 and will push into the 40's at WOT.

 

[crankbait cowboy]

Thanks fellas, yes, I believe 115 would be a better bet than 90hp

 

[crankbait cowboy]

I got the front bow completed and wrapped up the electrical.

 

[crankbait cowboy]

Getting closer to wrapping up ( if ya don’t need power) the story on the back bench is basically planning as I go. I think it worked out and will try show it in picks.

 

[crankbait cowboy]

3 screws hold back (black) 2 screws hold seat base and seat falls into place for easy removal, it got abit heavier than I had initially planned, but I’ll have to see when it hits h20

 

[Reserector_]

2 x 4s are typically a bit much for anything but building construction. Each piece seems light, but man does it add up quick.
1 x (?) and plywood are better for what you are building. It forces you to use pocket screw joints or small blocks in corners, but I feel that the extra work is worth it in the end.

 

[crankbait cowboy]

I. Did downsize a big and used 2x3 and 1x6

 

[crankbait cowboy]

I did get the steering cable mounted and steering wheel not bolted on yet ( a gift from my kids) until I get motor

 

[Reserector_]

That is really turning out beautiful!

 

[Watermann]

2 x 4s are typically a bit much for anything but building construction. Each piece seems light, but man does it add up quick.
1 x (?) and plywood are better for what you are building. It forces you to use pocket screw joints or small blocks in corners, but I feel that the extra work is worth it in the end.

Yeah aluminum stock is difficult to work with and very expensive, I used it when building support structure for my raised casting deck framing.

 

[DWbaseball]

This is looking really nice and coming together quick. Keep it going this SS will be getting wet all summer!

I like the bench seat boats alot. Do you have any issues with reach to the stern cleats with the bench plus splashwell taking up space?

 

[crankbait cowboy]

Too early to tell on reach to cleats, haven’t splashed yet, but it looks doable

 

[crankbait cowboy]

POWER COMING, I found what I have been looking for!
stay tuned!!

 

[crankbait cowboy]

2000 125 merc 2 stroke

 

[Watermann]

2000 125 merc 2 stroke

Man I love my 4cyl Merc. The age is a factor for maintenance when I got mine the fuel system needed cleaned, new lines, a link n sync, full water pump kit, shift shaft seal, spark plugs and I replaced the water jacket gasket. Recently I replaced the starter and got a 900 cca starting battery, starts super easy.

 

[Reserector_]

That's purty!! Congratulations!

 

[crankbait cowboy]

Drilling for motor bolt holes is really just math and then re checking, and good knowledge gleaned from the interweb