'86 Aluminum Starcraft Restoration

[sutor623]

So, I have been on an over a year long journey with this boat. It started off with a '67 Merc 650 that needed tons of work. Got it running really well, then decided to sell it for a motor with power trim, plus I have always been more of an OMC guy. Ill start with the first portion of my rebuild, and pick up from where I am right now.

Here's when I first got her.

I know, what a mess!! Oh, and the lower unit was off of the Merc, and she ran poorly, if at all. But first thing I did was get this to happen.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95o6T0oBDyU

 

[sutor623]

Re: '86 Aluminum Starcraft Restoration

Soooo, I did a ton of work on the Merc, as well as getting the boat habitable for me, my wife, and fishing buddies. It was a temporary plan. Just wanted to be able to use what I had, and get a great summer out of her, and that is what I did. The plan was to get the motor running, and get the accessories in order (console, seats, interior paint, rail carpet) Long term was to sell the Merc, rebuild transom and floors, and put a newer motor on the back, with power TnT.

Platforms being made. Used advantech wood and Olympic deck stain. (Its holding up, but would use something different in the future.)

Carpeting rails.

And floor. (Only part that I would end up redoing, didnt have time or $ to redo entire floor at this time.)

 

[sutor623]

Re: '86 Aluminum Starcraft Restoration

Some fishin behind the house.

 

[sutor623]

Re: '86 Aluminum Starcraft Restoration

I wanted to make things a little more roomy for guests, but still not give up my casting platform. So, I made some custom removable seats. I know some of you guys have already seen this, but my goal is to make a full up to date resto thread.

 

[sutor623]

Re: '86 Aluminum Starcraft Restoration

I built the aluminum frames custom, as well as the upholstery for the seats. Came out really nice. Used 3" foam and wife absolutely LOVES them!!

 

[sutor623]

Re: '86 Aluminum Starcraft Restoration

Right now I have the floors up, and just finished Spar urethaning the tops, bottoms, and sides of BCX 1/2" plywood. Thanks to Jigngrub for the help on that. Ill try and get some pics up of the boat without floors, and new wood. I also got all of the starcraft stickers off the sides of the boat and am preparing that for paint. Once it is painted I will put on this absolutely GORGEOUS Evinrude that I just picked up!

 

[sutor623]

Re: '86 Aluminum Starcraft Restoration

Here are some pics of the old and new floors/transom. I think they are going to last a long time. Transom was rotten pretty badly.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: '86 Aluminum Starcraft Restoration

Lookin' good!

You keep that boat covered and the plug out and she'll stay nice and new lookin' for a long time.

 

[sutor623]

Re: '86 Aluminum Starcraft Restoration

Finally got all of the 20+ year old decals off. Heat gun, sticker remover, razor scraper and patience.

 

[sutor623]

Re: '86 Aluminum Starcraft Restoration

And last pictures for the day. This is what the stock foam and floor support looks like.

 

[sutor623]

Re: '86 Aluminum Starcraft Restoration

Sooo, this is an 18' with belly tank. There has been a lot of discussion on whether or not gas tanks should be in the floor, and I am pretty sure putting it all the way up in the bow isnt the greatest idea. But I would like to incorporate this somehow....

 

[sutor623]

Re: '86 Aluminum Starcraft Restoration

Now, height-wise, this would work. Length wise, no problem. The tank is 5.8" tall at its highest point, 21" wide, and I forget how long. I have 18" between the aluminum frame. I was thinking of cutting the rails and widening them up, along with bracing across the top with aluminum. Basically I would make a small aluminum square shaped "C" around both sides of the tank to allow the floor to accept it's width. I would make sure I do not block the drainage pathway, and use aluminum to really stiffen up the support since it would be altered. I would also pour more foam to seat the gas tank nicely. Any input on this idea guys? Looking at the fuel inlet makes me think that I would have to put the tank in the bow or the stern. Honestly I would be fine either way because Id love to have a fuel guage in the dash, a spout to fill the fuel up, and the extra room. Now that I have power trim I dont think the added weight in the stern would cause porpoising as much since that is what the hull was designed for anyway (gas tanks in the back.)

 

[jigngrub]

Re: '86 Aluminum Starcraft Restoration

IMO, that's the best place for that belly tank. That way it doesn't block your bilge drainage like it would if it was further back.

You'll need to strap that thing down and pour expanding foam around it to secure it.

 

[sutor623]

Re: '86 Aluminum Starcraft Restoration

IMO, that's the best place for that belly tank. That way it doesn't block your bilge drainage like it would if it was further back.

You'll need to strap that thing down and pour expanding foam around it to secure it.

Gotcha. Well check this out. Under the ribs, right down the center of the boat, there is a 1/2" space where water can flow. If I place the tank on the ribs, water would pass by with no issues at all. Do you think gas tanks up front will splash around too much sending air down the fuel line to the motor?

 

[jigngrub]

Re: '86 Aluminum Starcraft Restoration

I've seen several boats with the fuel tank in the bow and haven't heard anyone complain about getting air in the fuel line.

You're supposed to have watertight bulkheads at the front and back of that tank in case it gets a leak so it doesn't fill your bilge with gasoline. I think if you completely encapsulate the bottom and sides with expanding foam it will do the same thing.

I also notice it looks like your existing expanding foam could use a little touch-up, you have craters in it that can collect and hold water... it also looks like you can add more up front where the fuel tank is on the sides.

 

[sutor623]

Re: '86 Aluminum Starcraft Restoration

I agree, foam could use a touch up. That picture with the tank is actually another members boat. He has an 18' starcraft, so that is why the tank fit without any modification. I am questioning the whole tank under the deck idea. I have 1- 3 gallon tank, 3- 6 gallon tanks, a 10 gallon tank and a 12 gallon tank, all topside. Makes me wonder if it is worth modifying my foam and rails and spending $300 on a tank. Decisions, decisions.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: '86 Aluminum Starcraft Restoration

I have 1- 3 gallon tank, 3- 6 gallon tanks, a 10 gallon tank and a 12 gallon tank, all topside.

Uhhhhh... do you really need another tank with all of those?

I'd spend the $300 on something else.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: '86 Aluminum Starcraft Restoration

Uhhhhh... I'd spend the $300 on something else.

Yep, $300 can go a long way elsewhere....

Your NEXT SC can get the optional below deck tank

 

[sutor623]

Re: '86 Aluminum Starcraft Restoration

Yea I hear ya fellas. I may figure out a way to more securely attach a topside tank under the splash well. The main reason I was even going to fool with a below deck tank is because of weight issues as I was dealing with porpoising. No othe way to get my 100 lb. tank up closer toward the bow. P.O. Had the tank under the console with gas line running down the gunnel right beside all of the electrical!!! What a crazy bastard!

 

[jigngrub]

Re: '86 Aluminum Starcraft Restoration

The power T/T should take care of your porpoising problems.

I've got a 17 gal. above deck tank, 2 batt., and a 50 hp 4 stroke hanging off the back of my 17' Tracker and don't have any problems.

Motor trimmed all the way down on take off, then when the speed tops out start trimming up for more speed.