1988 Star Craft Mariner 180

Seedamin

Cadet
Joined
Sep 17, 2017
Messages
9
Picked this up a couple months ago for my son and I to use for fishing. Its a 1988 Mariner 180 center console with a 70hp Johnson, which runs great. I love the 70hp Johnsons, great engine. Overall I really like the boat and would like to "spruce" it up a bit. I am going to pull the floors and seal the hull and replace the foam. I saw a pretty good suggestion for using swim noodles, so I may go with that or sheet foam.I will probably do the transom at the same time while I have it all ripped apart. The windshield has a crack and I was looking for a replacement online. My questions aren't really in the "how to" as there is a vast plethora of knowledge in these forums. Thank you to all who have contributed, it's been a great resource for me. My question is about finding parts for these old starcrafts. I would like to replace the windshield, dash panel, some missing odds and ends. Anyone have a good lead or suggestions on finding parts? I don't have any preference is there are OEM or Aftermarket. I can adapt. Also, anyone have any idea what kind for floor covering that is? Seems almost like textured vinyl.
 

jbcurt00

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Oct 25, 2011
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25,189
Leave the noodles at the pool, not a good choice at all....

Seal the hull how?

Find a similar enough windshield that fits amd use that

Parts source? What parts? OEM/aftermarket isnt likely for 90+%, even as a 1988..

In rare occasions some parts do show up on ebay or craigs. Some buy donor boats and strip them of anything useful or sellable and junk the hull. Typically glassers..
 

Seedamin

Cadet
Joined
Sep 17, 2017
Messages
9
Thanks for the feedback, I figured parts availability would be tough.

I have a pretty good leak. When I fill the boat on the trailer, it drips out of the keel weep hole, which is towards the bow area on this boat. I need to bring it back to the house and plug that weep hole and see if I can find the leaky spot. I'm guessing based on reading other posts that it may be a seem leak. Most of the posters seem to recommend sealing with Gluvit from the inside.
 

jbcurt00

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Oct 25, 2011
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25,189
Yep, bow seam at the transition from bow curv to hull bottom keel.

Just don't permanently plug the weep hole, it is supposed to be there...
 

Seedamin

Cadet
Joined
Sep 17, 2017
Messages
9
Yea, that would be bad with the Michigan winters. The hole is open but there is putty around it like someone had plugged it at one time.
 
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