1979 Starcraft 16’ SS Refresh

[Moserkr]

Thanks @Watermann The repurposed ladder bench seat was a fun challenge. Just need to add a few side pads for the corners to complete it. In the future Id love to have the boat professionally upholstered but my work will do for now. That or I will learn to sew from someone.

Im guessing we hit the wake of some big wake-making boat or big boat in general. Weird though we never saw what made them, they were just big slow rollers. Definitely learned a lesson with the safety lanyard, I used to not wear it but now its always attached. Luckily it was on when I lost control but I didnt fall far enough to kill the motor.

 

[Moserkr]

Went on a blitz today in the heat so I am not only done working on the boat for the lake tomorrow, but done working on it for the summer!

I cut around 4” off the bimini cause I always thought it looked too tall. Found out my bimini mounting brackets were off by around 2” from the PO, and readjusted them so they sit evenly. Then I built side cushions for the rear bench seat. Next was painting the trolling plate gloss black to match the motor - admirals request, she thought the silver looked ugly. Actually agree, it looks sharp now. The adhesive that came with my cupholders failed so I siliconed them in place. Also added a support for my gas fill and vent lines. Got new, bigger buoys all set up. And last but not least, put a new fish finder on. Not cause I wanted a new one, but because I left my old one on the gunnel and drove off, so its on the roadside somewhere.

Taking first mate fishing tomorrow early, then the Admiral and second mate will meet us later.

Also pics of the new to me kneeboard, a gift from my awesome neighbor who sold his boat long ago. Will take a bunch of pics at the lake tomorrow.


Ended up cutting that 3” foam in half and making the bench seat side cushions 1.5” thick.

 

[Moserkr]

Live update from the lake!! First mate caught a nice rainbow.

 

[SHSU]

The smiles are why we do it!!!! Nice catch for the 1st mate!!!

SHSU

 

[Moserkr]

A day full of smiles is all you can ask for!! Lake was beautiful today. Stayed calm and glassed until late afternoon. Not very crowded either as most the out-of-towners head home on Sundays. Next lake we go to will be a new one way up high where there is stunning scenery and lots of big hungry trout!!

Kids took naps on the boat, first mate did his first solo tube ride. Admiral loves all the seats in the boat, favorite is now the bench. Cheers!!

 

[Moserkr]

Just a little fun on the Sacramento river over the weekend. I had never boated a river before. She handled everything flawlessly, including dodging debris and submerged trees. Took a few friends for a ride down to a charity club event, probably 20 miles. Burnt more fuel than I ever have over 2 days. I spent the night on the boat and came back in the morning solo. New top speed record - 36 mph going with a 2 mph current. First photo is me docked next to a beautiful 55' trawler. Last few photos are photoshopped. Also got to dock at a bar so some refreshments before our journey down river.

 

[junkman306]

Man, that boat looks sooo good!

 

[Moserkr]

Man, that boat looks sooo good!

Thank you. It turns a lot of heads and only I notice all its imperfections lol. When you know every square inch its hard not to, but all that work is worth it when she gets compliments. Best part it is how these boats ride, just cut through the water and keep going. 44 years n counting.

 

[Moserkr]

Man I haven't been on the forum enough lately. Life just gets busy! Last post was almost 2 years ago...

Had the boat out twice so far this year. Once for a quick fishing trip, and then memorial day weekend for a camping trip. Family loves the boat, it was worth all the effort and the new motor is the cherry on top.

Before the camping trip I did the annual maintenance - annual because I put less than 100 hours a year on the motor. Changed the oil, gear oil, oil filter, fuel/water separator filter, and put on a new prop. All the fluids still looked really clean and almost new, so that speaks to the amount of use she gets. The prop is what I got for my 40th birthday - Im old now haha. But it turns out its what the boat was missing this whole time.

Old prop was a 3-blade mercury black max 15 pitch. New prop is a Quicksilver 15 pitch. Mercury claimed that going from the 3 to 4 blade, same pitch, would not lose any top speed or rpms. Turns out they were 100% right! Not only did I not lose either, I gained on both!! Top speed hit a new record for this lake/elevation at 35.3mph at 5200 rpms WOT with just me and a slight chop on the water. Trim control improved. Stern lift improved. Trolling with the trolling plate down improved by slowing down my troll speed. Hole shot improved. Top speed improved. Handling improved. Less slip. Less vibrations. Cruising rpms went down and I get on plane faster at 750 less rpms. The only struggle the motor had was with 3 adults on the bench seat and no one in the bow - everything took a hit but we still planed out and got home. Overall, super impressed with the prop, motor, and boat combo. Absolutely zero regrets. Just need a little more time n money for the final things Id like to build on it.

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