67 starcraft

[utfyrfytr]

Going to look at a 1967 18' aluminum starcraft tomorrow. The pictures look very good but I am wondering what problem areas I should be looking for. Is there anyway to tell for sure if the transom is solid? I have had a couple of older glassers and it seems they all leak and most have rotted transoms. I thought an aluminum may be a better alternative, not that they don't leak but I thought they might be easier repairs and wouldn't have to worry about rotten stringers and the such. Any info is much appreciated since I have no experience with aluminum boats.

 

[dozerII]

Overall Starcrafts are very well built boat. Is this one an outboard or inboard/outboard model? Some things to watch for on either is corrision/ pitting on the hull, cracks along the spray rails and the last row of rivets on the bottom next to the sprays at the rib ends. The transom can be checked down low on the inside wit an awl for softness. Plus black punky looking wood. If it is an inboard/ outboard a 67 model will be very hard to get parts for but can be changed up to a newer version with a donor boat.

 

[utfyrfytr]

It is an outboard with a 95hp merc. I think it is original to the boat. If I new how I would send you the pictures in the add, but I'm not sure how to do that. I might be able to print it then scan it and attach it to an email. If you saw it you could advise me better on what to look for. Thanks for your help.

 

[jbcurt00]

To further your purchase of a pending boat, post a kink to the ad.

Sometimes the descriptions help id any problems or concerns. I have yet to see someone iboats lose a boat because someone else saw the linked ad here and beat the poster to it. Esp not a Starmada guy..... ads get posted all the time, just dont post your own boat for sale

Good luck, on a late 60s 18ftr, you could probably go up to a max of 125hp OB, so if the 95 isnt running right, negotiate, same if its got soft spots the deck.

Similar to glass boats, hard to be 100% positive transoms not soft w/out drilling some holes. But it'll be sort of obvious transom is bad if there are stress cracks in the knee brace, transom or splashwell.

But the good news is deck and transom should be MUCH easier to replace in a tin Starcraft then just about ANY fiberglass boat. Significantly easier....

 

[utfyrfytr]

Here is the link for the add: http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=33483123&cat=&lpid=&search=starcraft&ad_cid=1

 

[MTboatguy]

Not a bad looking boat, but as said, make and check the floor and transom, look around under the hull for any major hits/dents, which could indicate possible stress cracks.

That said,better watch out, I could be there is a few hours!

:lol:

 

[jbcurt00]

It looks in pretty good shape for a neary 50yr old boat, hard to tell from listed pix if its a $1200 rig, but w trailer, no major problems w hull, deck and outboard (running) it might be a good rig...

It'd need to be free of major problems, plus good a water test and running the outboard would be required for me to spend $1200. If no water test or Merc doesnt run and have good compression, the offering price drops. How much depends on you.

Good luck.

BTW: just tell that MT fella to back off and go play w the foldable boat he just bought

 

[dozerII]

I agree the pictures don't tell a lot. It must have been stored indoors or covered for the interior to look that good. If the motor runs and has good compression I would be all over that. Check the hull for any damage as mentioned. A floor an transom are a fairly simple fix on these boats. If your into doing it.

 

[utfyrfytr]

JB, the owner said we could start the merc and hear it run on muffs. How do you do a water test? Are you talking about taking it to the lake? Foldable boats, what's he into origami?:joyous:
Boat guy, Thanks for the info. Stop by the house and we can go look at it together, then if you have time you can show me how you fold those boats.

 

[MTboatguy]

Oh, I have several boats to play with, I was just giving ya a hard time.

:joyous:

 

[utfyrfytr]

Boat Guy! I know, just giving you a hard time back:joyous:

 

[MTboatguy]

I just got a 14' Porta bote to hang on my RV, and some call it an Origami Boat!

 

[utfyrfytr]

Probably just jealous:joyous:

 

[MTboatguy]

Did you buy it?

 

[utfyrfytr]

Couldn't make schedules work today trying for Monday AM. Found out is was his dad's boat and it hasn't been used used since late 2013. Says the exterior is excellent, interior is excellent and the motor is suppose to run great. He bought it from his dad, even though he had another boat already, when his mother passed away to help his dad out financially. I am anxious to see and hear it. I'll let you know what I find out Monday. Do you know how to do a water test? Is that just taking it out to the lake? Take care

 

[jbcurt00]

Yep, ^^^ its a boat, so the only real way to make sure everything is as it should be is to give it a very thorough going over on the trailer, tow it to water, and launch it.

Check to make sure its not taking on water, and run it around for a bit. Go thru everything you can, switches, fuel system, lights, bilge pump, steering, throttle control, throttle up and cruise at wide open, putt around at idle, run up just til the boat planes out, and throttle back until it just stays up on plane, etc etc etc.

Pull it out and pull the drain plug, see if it took on water.

Then discuss price.

 

[utfyrfytr]

Went and looked at the Starcraft this AM. It appears to be basically a solid boat it is in need of restoration. Needs paint inside and out, interior is peeling off the sides and carpet is wore, floor felt solid but couldn't get to the area under the splash well. The transom seemed serviceable but should be replaced before long. The motor would not start after I got there, but he did call later and said he had gotten it running. It is an interesting project boat if the price is right.