Fish Tank, 221V thinking about renaming to Over My Head

[Crankworm]

I had to join this forum after reading all the helpful info specific to starcraft. I just purchased a very used 1989 221 Islander. Spending summers on lake Huron in the 80s these boats were everywhere. I probably overpaid for this one. When I looked at it it wouldn't crank over, I realized the transom and floors were junk beforehand and the wiring is a complete disaster. Once home I bypassed the neutral safety switch and got it running only to have chocolate milk come out pour out of the valve cover breather. Being new to this stuff I am looking for some advice on where to start on the teardown. This is going to be a very slow budget orientated process. Sorry for the long winded first post

 

[Crankworm]

I can't load pictures until I have 3 posts. Does anyone know if it is possible to remove the floor without disassembling the whole console and cuddy?

 

[Crankworm]

I've been trying to find a question to ask to get 3 posts in so I can post pictures but everything I can think of has already been answered somewhere in this awesome forum. I apologize for bumping my own post

 

[Crankworm]

Wondering if anyone from Michigan recognizes it? 3755hrs on the meter, it has been fished hard and put away wet. Literally

 

[Candutch]

Welcome to the Starmada Crankworm. I like your boat, wish I had it to restore. That is going to be a great machine for you once restored. The things you mention replacing are no different than most every other resto on here. As long as the aluminum structure is sound you can restore her to her former glory.
Paying TOO MUCH is subjective as well. As long as you didn't pay ready to go boat price, which you probably didn't since you noted the issues before you bought it, you should be just fine.
Looking forward to your restore, one day I hope to find the same boat to tackle but have to finish the current boat first.

 

[Crankworm]

I talked the seller down from $2500 to $1500. My dad is trying to talk me into taking off the downriggers and autopilot and selling the rest for whatever I can get but I'd rather rebuild this one so I would know the boat inside out and hopefully not have to discover any surprises while 8 miles offshore with my kids

 

[Candutch]

I think that is a grat price since you have power Downriggers and auto pilot. Find a donor glasser with an i/o that will fit for next to nothing and you are laughing. Rebuilding is a lot of work and not cheap but in the end you know what you have is rock solid and way better than dropping 8gs on something that is probably original and will need new floors sooner rather than later.
If I lived closer to you I'd tell you to follow your dad's advise and then offer you 500-1000 for the boat and still be ahead.
If you are feeling overwhelmed there is tons of help and knowledge here. Have a look at my thread, this is my first full resto and this forum made it totally possible. One piece of advise, don't have a deadline and enjoy the process.

 

[Candutch]

I can't load pictures until I have 3 posts. Does anyone know if it is possible to remove the floor without disassembling the whole console and cuddy?

I cant answer that for you but there are a bunch or restos in here of different model starcrafts that have the cuddy cabins. Look for the Starchief or the Islander in the resto threads as they are basically the same as yours and I'm sure you'll get a good idea of what you are facing.

 

[Watermann]

:welcome: aboard worm,

Before removing the decking you should start by removing the motor since it has a shot transom and motor took a dump with what sounds like a cracked block from not being winterized. The transom cover has to come off first off so you can easily get to the motor. Pull the drive off and store it and then get to work disconnecting the motor from the boat. If you run into any trouble along the way just post up.

You have a great big water fishing boat for a full resto, don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

 

[Furrylittleotter]

Welcome. thats a cool boat. I'd put a 5.7 in that bad boy!


Neil

 

[Alumarine]

When you pull the drive don't forget to put it in forward before you try and pull it off.

 

[Crankworm]

Welcome. thats a cool boat. I'd put a 5.7 in that bad boy!


Neil

I have been seriously looking into the 5.7 there seems to be an availability of mid to late 80s deck boats with running V8s and soft floors on Craigslist in the $1200-2000 range. There is lots of room forward of the current 4.3 in the engine compartment that I shouldn't have to modify that. I am planning on getting the transom and floors sorted before I look at motor options

Been busy with my stepson graduating and end of school year stuff so I am holding off on any boat work for a couple weeks.

 

[Furrylittleotter]

Get your priorities in order ! It's hard not to like a small block Chevy when you can buy a crate motor for less than $2000. Easy to work on and endless aftermarket parts.

Neil