1979 18' Mariner

Joined
Nov 1, 2025
Messages
2
Still not certain this is a Mariner, but after emailing Starcraft, they said it was. I have had a hard time finding pics of a boat online with the matching transom shape of mine. Anyway, to the juicy stuff. I got this beauty of a hull from a buddy of mine who had it stripped down to its current state.

My vision for this boat is: 60hp merc tiller, maximize floor space, utility boat for moose/deer/duck hunting. So, this boat does not have to be pretty, but it does need to be safe and strong. I am dead set on the tiller life and this particular boat is interesting, the transom seems to be higher than similar year boats I have found.

My current problems with this boat: missing transom cap, missing splashwell, missing corner gusset, missing hole on one side of the knee, cracked on the other side of the knee.

What are my options for these problems? splashwell is my biggest concern, but so is the knee brace. I'm sure the knee is a common issue on these older boats.
Love this boat, my vision for it is going to be perfect for what I need it to do.

cheers!
 

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Joined
Nov 1, 2025
Messages
2
previous owner built this wonky transom that OBVIOUSLY stood the test of time lmao. but they removed the splashwell, built these 'wings' to act as a back trolling wave whacker and threw a 75hp remote sterring outboard on her. Whatever works, I guess. I rebuilt the new transom to properly fit the stern skin and what not. Leak test is pretty strong. I have one hole in the keel that looks like the exact size as a bucking rivet. not sure if accessible from the interior or not and maybe just weld and 5200 a small plate over it. Next step is to drill out all the old flooring rivets and gluvit the seams as some insurance for the future. I'm limited on tools at the moment but have the basics. I am better at working with wood than I am aluminum.

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Last edited:

redneck joe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 18, 2009
Messages
13,484
Yep, that's a mariner.

I'll link my overly long and overly boring thread for you to review. I had all parts for my rebuild, yer gonna need more help than I can answer.
 

redneck joe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 18, 2009
Messages
13,484
 
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