Another project

[Marrken]

Well with the 1974 Glastron SeaStar all redone I got suckered into a new project. I now have a barn find old tinny to redo. It's a 1963 Star Chief by Starcraft. Similar to the Glastron it came with an antique motor, lets hope I can get this one running too. Neatest thing to me is it still has what looks like the original brass prop on it.

Like all old mercs it's not possible to get the exact year but the cowl says 85 hp and the front plate says it's a 900. I haven't looked into it yet but it's a 6 cylinder, lets hope it is as easy for me to get going.

I'd put a photo up, but I can't figure out how to on the phone. It's a real project all the wood is gone, and I do mean ALL the wood.

 

[classiccat]

Re: Another project

Well with the 1974 Glastron SeaStar all redone I got suckered into a new project. I now have a barn find old tinny to redo. It's a 1963 Star Chief by Starcraft. Similar to the Glastron it came with an antique motor, lets hope I can get this one running too. Neatest thing to me is it still has what looks like the original brass prop on it.

Like all old mercs it's not possible to get the exact year but the cowl says 85 hp and the front plate says it's a 900. I haven't looked into it yet but it's a 6 cylinder, lets hope it is as easy for me to get going.

I'd put a photo up, but I can't figure out how to on the phone. It's a real project all the wood is gone, and I do mean ALL the wood.

Welcome to the Starmada! (well almost, PICS are mandatory for membership).

You've probably seen this already, but in case you haven't: Starcraft Rebuilds and Restorations.

 

[Watermann]

Re: Another project

Welcome to the owning tin with a grin section Marrken! You won't be sorry you came over to the tin side, this is where the most hansom and clever boat owners hang out.

We'll be waiting for the pics.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Another project

Like all old mercs it's not possible to get the exact year but the cowl says 85 hp and the front plate says it's a 900. I haven't looked into it yet but it's a 6 cylinder, lets hope it is as easy for me to get going.

Not in my experience, but try here:
OldMercs

The cowl/front plate is likely not original.

 

[Marrken]

Re: Another project

Not in my experience, but try here:
OldMercs

The cowl/front plate is likely not original.

Yeah I have not pulled the number yet off the motor, cowl or front plate could both be off something else for all I know. And from when I got the last one and trying to narrow it down best I'm probably going to get is with in a few years most likely.

Photo's are to large, going to have to rework them so I can post them.

 

[Marrken]

Re: Another project

As asked for here is a pic, I have more on the phone as I was gutting her most of the day yesterday. Just about have her stripped all down and ready for sanding so I can freshen up the paint.

In debate on if I should go with the original colors or something more modern.

anyway here is a pic of what she looked like when I found her.



I'll have to resize the others of before I tore into her and while I was doing so, but it's time to take the 74 Sea Star out for some fishing today!

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Another project

Very cool old tinny!

After you prep for paint but before painting you should do a leak test on her and examine all the ribs for cracks, these are typical tinny problems and are best dealt with before painting and the new decking goes in.

 

[rheagler]

Re: Another project

Cool project! Looking forward to more pics!

 

[Marrken]

Re: Another project

Very cool old tinny!

After you prep for paint but before painting you should do a leak test on her and examine all the ribs for cracks, these are typical tinny problems and are best dealt with before painting and the new decking goes in.

I had planned on going over the haul to make sure it was still sound before the new paint goes on, hate to do all the work to have her sink the first time out. if there are any leaks they should be a quick and easy fix, I can weld aluminum and have the means to do so at the house. Someone in the past had put a few extra holes in the roof and sides mounting stuff, I planned on sealing those up.





I probably have a couple more days of cleaning her out left, before I get into really going over the hull. The pic was before I started cleaning.

 

[Watermann]

Re: Another project

Oh hey that ole gal has a cuddy, very nice! Sad to see how people use their boats as a dumpster, no respect for such a beautiful lady.

 

[Marrken]

Re: Another project

Oh hey that ole gal has a cuddy, very nice! Sad to see how people use their boats as a dumpster, no respect for such a beautiful lady.

Really the only "dumpster" part of her was a garden hose, everything else in her was actually.... her. Rotted wood, torn up seats, one of the original tube side rails, etc.

The motor in the pic I tossed into her before I drove her home so I didn't peel the transom skin apart as it was hanging on it and the wood had fallen apart some years ago, it was actually a pile of dust and mud.

Why make more work for yourself eh?

 

[Marrken]

Re: Another project

Anyone have an opinion on the preferred HP that should be mounted to one of these? Heh I'm sure there are lots that will all very, But I was looking around at local deals and see a Mercury thunderbolt 800 80 hp motor for sale in the area. Granted the extra 35 hp would be nice but would it make much difference? And the 800 looks like bolt and go, and I still have to go through the 1150.

I have an 800 on my Sea Star and I cannot say a bad thing about it, good power, reliable, and great on gas. I see the Star Chief out on the Great Lakes more then I can see her on the rivers or smaller 10-60 acre lakes I take the Sea Star on.

I would guess the 1150 is close in all regards except fuel consumption, and of course having that extra 35 hp giving it a bit more power. Basically I guess is it worth the time for the rebuild or should I just make the swap and worry about the rebuild later on the 1150 Merc?

Oh and if the pics or comments are not clear she is set up for an outboard and I do not feel up to the task of trying to make her an I/O.

 

[rheagler]

Re: Another project

Since the 800 is a 'bolt and go', I would try it out and see how it works out. As you stated above, why make more work for yourself?

 

[Watermann]

Re: Another project

35 HP is not just a little, it would make a huge difference especially when talking about boats powered under 100 HP. I would go for the repower for the increase. After all when was the last time you heard anyone say "jeez I sure wish I didn't have this much power?"

 

[Marrken]

Re: Another project

Well I opt'ed for the 800 that was for sale so I can get her put together faster. Just got home from picking it up. Nice clean motor that seems like it works perfectly for 450. I did run across a 1963 merc 85 hp 850 that matches the tinny beast for free so I have that now too. the 1150 and the 850 are manual trim so if I can get one of those running I'll swap plates and put the power tilt/trim from the 800 on her but for now she is getting the 800.

New interior is getting picked up next weekend and I bust out the saws to refit all the wood and give her the new shinny seat covers, and all new surfaces.

I have some aluminum diamond plate laying about the barn for the last oh.... 10 years. I'm in debate on using some for the deck on her.

Any opinions? should I wood and carpet her like of old, or make her all super shinny? barefoot might suck with the plate being hot, but never having to redo a rotten floor again has it's perks too. then again it might be a bit on the slippery side if (when!) the deck gets wet with the plate compared to carpet with wood underneath. (and no I wouldn't carpet the plate, that's just a waste imho)

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Another project

Wood & an antiskid of your choice. Neither carpet or plate: carpet holds water, plate would likely be both hot & slick.

You'd have to beef up the below deck structure to better support the plate too.

Epoxy encapsulated deck (top & bottom sides 2-3times, edges w/ every coat, so they'd get 4-6 coats.

2 antiskids that have been used recently over plywood decks:
Durabak
Deck-Over by Behr @HomeDepot

Read thru some resto threads over in the Starcraft Owner's forum. Lots of good info:
[h=3]Starcraft Rebuilds and Restorations, they're all here![/h]

 

[Marrken]

Re: Another project

Wood & an antiskid of your choice. Neither carpet or plate: carpet holds water, plate would likely be both hot & slick.

You'd have to beef up the below deck structure to better support the plate too.

Epoxy encapsulated deck (top & bottom sides 2-3times, edges w/ every coat, so they'd get 4-6 coats.

2 antiskids that have been used recently over plywood decks:
Durabak
Deck-Over by Behr @HomeDepot

Read thru some resto threads over in the Starcraft Owner's forum. Lots of good info:
[h=3]Starcraft Rebuilds and Restorations, they're all here![/h]

I'm am more then leaning toward a wood sealed wood deck, just curious about how to go about it. And honestly extra support on aluminum diamond plate? Do you even know what that is? there is no reason in the world I would have to add any kind of extra support to use that as decking.

NONE!

Granted the slipping and "hot foot" factor is my main "no no" on that route, and I why was looking for opinions on that factor. I always wear sandals or shoes on the boats just wanted a second or thirtieth opinion on the angle.

The durability angle is another factor on it though too. you'd have to replace the flooring about when you had to replace the haul, effectively never. If I use the plated compared to a wood decking, And that my friend is a bonus. A huge bonus if you like seeing your work last a long long time.

I've built almost everything as a hobby/out of boredom over the years. Old cars, new cars (add trucks into that) airplanes, helicopters, hover craft, and more recently boats. By land, air, sea , or a combination I'll do it and make it work perfectly by the end. I'm that stubborn, my best friend likes to say "You're not right" he's more "right then he knows. ;p

If it's not worth doing so it works right I'm not doing it, no discussion!

I may not be looking to make this perfectly original like I have seen most rebuild/restorations do. I wouldn't mind bringing her into the current times and adding a bit of todays jazz to the girls old lines. (meaning tossing a few extra features in and making the color scheme more modern compared to the original resto I finished on the Sea Star.

As soon as I have some time from this fire rebuild at work I'm jumping straight back on her. I'd love to see her on the water this year and I may pull it off. I'm beating on this next spring when she's ready in all honesty though.

I have asked boating friends, and most of them agree the plate is a cool idea, but the above reasons could make it a severe draw back too.

I'm leaning towards a natural wood finish under epoxy with sand tossed in the drying epoxy for grip. I think a light blonde oak look would be killer cause I want to get close to the original lower white/upper sky blue two tone paint scheme.

I'm all about general flow from keel to bow, port to starboard, inside and out. Not only do I want her to perform great, I want her to be functional by today's standards and work perfectly while looking good while doing it.

I have not mentioned this before, but I don't plan on keeping her once done. What I want to do is make something anyone is proud to own and use. And I would hope use everyday! Granted to each their own, but their is a HUGE middle ground on what features people are looking for.

And I'm not looking to restore her and make a shiny buck either. I saved her from the scrap yard, I would much prefer... nah LOVE to know she is being used at every chance on ripping the open water years after I rebuild her.

After all it's all about the journey and how you got there for me.

 

[73Chrysler105]

Re: Another project

Here are my thoughts on the plate,
1) shiny imagine the sun shining down and you look down and get blinded,
2) Hot absorbs all the suns radiant heat and stores it, you wont feel it through your sandals but may wear your sandals out faster.
3) Rough, with sandals on won't be that bad but anyone that doesn't it will hurt, also in the event that someone falls it is much more sharp to the skin.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Another project

Yes, I am familiar w/ aluminum diamond plate.

What are the specifications of the plate you intend to use?
6061?

1/16" 1/8" 3/16" 1/4"?

On an 18' StarChief there are likely only 2 stringers, across an 82" +/- beam, that's approximately 20" spans. Will a 250lb guy deflect 3/16" aluminum plate when walking on it? Particularly at the seams, which will likely run port to starboard.

What are you planning to use for flotation foam? Aluminum plate will require multiple thru deck holes to use pour in foam, which would offer additional support if it fully expands in the sub deck cavity. Or pour in foam done prior to the deck going down. How do you plan to accomplish that? Trimming the foam flush to the top of the stringers, exposes the cells, and will need to be covered to prevent water logging.

If not pour in foam, noodles/rigid foam then? They won't offer nearly the support that pour in foam would.

Being metal, I suspect it's much more susceptible to insulation rubbing & squeaks then a wooden deck would be.

Have you been in a metal boat of this size w/ no decking or foam? They're loud compared to a fiberglass boat. Adding a metal deck would, IMHO, make a loud boat even louder, in general, then a similar boat w/ a wooden deck.

Being a metal deck, what is the intended plan to terminate the deck at or on the chines? Have you read thru any resto threads & noted that the 18' & up SC's suffer from frequent cracking of the ribs & chines?

Perhaps when you asked for opinions, you forgot to include: If you agree w/ me, all others need not respond...

Best of luck w/ your project.

 

[Marrken]

Re: Another project

That may have come off rougher then I intended JB, sorry did not mean too. People disagree that's great, means there is more then one way to do something. I wasn't trying to be a/an (insert appropriate word), I didn't mention the thickness of the plate when I tossed the idea out there.

I was thinking of 3/8" or 1/2" plate as I have a few full sheets laying about. They knocked down an old warehouse/manufacturing plant near me and they let me take the plate off the loading docks before they demolished the building. So as far as seams, I wasn't going to have any. I have big enough pieces to do the rear open part of the deck in a solid piece and again a solid piece inside the cabin after the step down. The later two thicknesses being able to hold a 250 lb guy, or two, rather well with little to no buckling/cavitation upon movement with the current supports and not needing to add in any more. Yes I have been on big metal boats, and they can be very loud when things get bumped or dropped, another con.

I did say I was leaning towards the wood deck for creature comfort, I just like the idea of the deck lasting as long as the hull and if anyone had any ideas towards making it work out better against the mentioned discomforts. Or for good ways to install a long lasting wood deck. I have just put a couple coats of epoxy on wood then carpeted it in the past.

I did go through that link you put up JB, lots of good stuff on the ones I read through. Thanks for that by the way. I have looked at the 3 "completed" StarChief restoring threads, the '67, '68, and '73 and was watching along H2O's as he puts things up on his.

So a big thanks to whoever put that list of everyone's projects together. Always good to see what others do, get stuck on, have problems with, try out. More examples of previous ones gives you a better idea, more choices/ideas of things to do or that need to be done.

I may have asked if you (JB) were familiar with the plate, but I didn't say "you disagree! go away!" the rest of my post was agreeing with you, and others, wood seems like the best way to go. Then I tossed out a way I was thinking of doing it with wood.

Now as I can't think of a good way to not make the plate a comfort problem short of putting carpet/durabak on it (and I wouldn't really want to cover it up). Is Epoxy pretty much the only way to leave it so you can see the wood finish? A friend said he does that whenever he has to put a new floor in and likes the way it looks. It does look nice on his dads boat from the pictures he showed me.

I'm not familiar with durabak , never used it, any good pics short of google on how that comes out? About the best looking one to me was the textured light gray and sand colors, the others looked a bit on the shiny side and I'd prefer a more matte/flat look if I go with a color.

How does the durabak hold up compared to epoxy? About the same? Anyone have a preference from textured to smooth finishes on the durabak, the texture a bit rough on the bare feet/the smooth a bit slick? Is it common to epoxy the wood and then use the durabak for added protection?

I'm just looking looking at options while I go over the hull.