Need some 1979 Starcraft advice, watch my video please!

[marcusknight]

I have a 1979 16 foot Starcraft with a 70 horse Johnson. I am doing some maintenance and some upgrading and could use some advice from other people that have had similar boats and engines. Please watch my video which will give you an overview of my boat and some of the various issues I have observed that I am looking to resolve. Your feedback on this thread is greatly appreciated.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Need some 1979 Starcraft advice, watch my video please!

WOW....... all those questions

Lets tackle it a few at a time. Based on what I see you need some interior work and easy fixes elsewhere.

The windshield braces should be solid - easy fix.

The deck might need replacing........ your wood backing for the seats needs to be replaced and ANY awning shop or upholstery shop can help attach the buttons and covers.

Trailer...... I doubt even a polyurethane bow brace will help because it is the rubbing that is hurting the paint. The poly braces do not leave black marks. I would DUMP the winch rope and go with a strap and make sure it is tight before you travel. A strap is stronger and will stay tighter..... no rubbing. The trailer needs paint. Mount your spare onto this up front and don't forget to lock it down with a padlock Seasense Offset Spare Trailer Tire Carrier 50017106

The engine needs a transom saver Springfield Adjustable Head Transom Saver and the motor will ride higher. Higher trailering clearance.

That's a few for now more to come

 

[dozerII]

Re: Need some 1979 Starcraft advice, watch my video please!

Great video and questions Marcus.
1. Bow stop, local graphics shop will be able to sell you a piece of vinyl in a matching color for your white hull, clean the area real well then cut and fit the vinyl and glue in place, it will last a vey long time as a wear pice.
2. Tilt the motor all the way up and deploy the trailer latch, this puts the weight of the power head directly above the transom for travel.
3. The oil residue you are seeing on the skeg looks a lot like residual 2 stroke oil draining out of the exhaust passage down to the prop, then on to the skeg.
4. Starter problem, take the starter off, then clean and lube the bendix, which ix the gear and spring assembly on the top of the shaft.
5. The windshield supports, the lower nuts are "jam"nuts used to lock the square chrome supports in the proper position. If you put a square on the center section of windshield you will see it has sagged to the starboard side over the years. Drill the rivets, re square and
re rivet.
6. A bow mount electric trolling motor is perfect for a 16 SS as and example a Minnkota pd 55
7.All the missing and rusted buttons on the upholstery are telling you it is all rotting from the inside out. I'm pretty sure from what I saw in your video most of the upholstery is at the end of it's life.
8. My first 16SS has the battery in the same spot, I likes how out of the way it was and just installed a battery tender on it and left it plugged in for the winter.
9. The Steering issue flopping too one side would not be an issue if it was tilted up into the trailer position.

Hope that all helps.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Need some 1979 Starcraft advice, watch my video please!

Oil residue is nothing to worry about. It is unburned 2 stroke oil and is normal!

The trim tab is to counter the pulling of the motor while under power. If you are going straight w/o pulling leave the tab alone.

Good move having the spark plug holes done right!

WD40 the starter sprocket then Light weight machine oil on the starter sprocket shaft. The shaft is dirty and or the spring is worn.

6 HP motor works fine but the 2hp is paid for and it works....... keep that. Look on ebay for a trolling motor bracket.

More to come

 

[laurentide]

Re: Need some 1979 Starcraft advice, watch my video please!

A kicker bracket is the way to go with our transoms, as Bob_VT already stated. There's no room on the transom itself due to the steering tube location. Mine is mounted on the port side, and I use the same fuel line with an OMC female fitting for both of my 2 strokes. I have basically the same 70 hp, mine's an '82, and I have a '74 lightwin 4 hp. The 4hp actually moves me at hull speed, about 5 knots. I use it for trolling, but it will get me home in a mechanical tight spot, too. If you use the kicker for fishing you can get a tie rod to the main engine and use the wheel to steer both.

Here's the bracket that I found on a local forum:

And here's how I set it up:

PS: I trailer mine in that^^ position, too. I use the spring loaded bracket that's on the engine mount, er, bracket. No issues yet, but I may try to block it up somehow on longer trailer trips.

 

[greenbush future]

Re: Need some 1979 Starcraft advice, watch my video please!

the gas kicker is a great option to use trolling and if your main power ever fails. One thing to consider is that w/o the connection to the main motor, operating the kicker will be a bit difficult due to location. You have to reach down and adjust which is not most efficient way to steer and adjust speed. The quick connect linkage to the main is the best solution, but they are pricey. If you fish, dealing with the kicker in back, will eventually become a pain in the butt w/o the above system. Bow mounted trolling motor will be a much better choice, I have both, but almost never use the outboard kicker.
I agree on your winch rope, get rid of the rope and get a rated strap, they come in various strength's get one that exceeds your needs, and get one that is longer than you think you will need.
Pedestal seats would really open your cockpit up, you may lose some seating, but how often do you have more than 2-3 people in your boat? 4 pedestals will fit nice, I have 4, but usually only run with two, leaving the entire back open to fish.
Nice clean boat you have. Power trim and tilt sure would be nice, but my bet is too much $$ to add.

 

[marcusknight]

Re: Need some 1979 Starcraft advice, watch my video please!

Great comments everyone. In regards to using a strap instead of a rope, I actually prefer rope and have been using rope for 15 years and hadnt had any issues. The twisting action that a strap makes rather ticks me off.

Another issue I am having is with the bearings. They splay grease all over my rims constantly. The bearings should probably be replaced anyway. Any recommendations for new bearings to avoid this grease problem in the future?

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Need some 1979 Starcraft advice, watch my video please!

You need seals if the axle grease is splattered on the inside of the wheels. Probably bearings for peace of mind.

 

[dozerII]

Re: Need some 1979 Starcraft advice, watch my video please!

Great comments everyone. In regards to using a strap instead of a rope, I actually prefer rope and have been using rope for 15 years and hadnt had any issues. The twisting action that a strap makes rather ticks me off.

Another issue I am having is with the bearings. They splay grease all over my rims constantly. The bearings should probably be replaced anyway. Any recommendations for new bearings to avoid this grease problem in the future?

Probably have the seal pushed out of there seat from over greasing if they have bearing buddies.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Need some 1979 Starcraft advice, watch my video please!

Great comments everyone. In regards to using a strap instead of a rope, I actually prefer rope and have been using rope for 15 years and hadnt had any issues. The twisting action that a strap makes rather ticks me off.

Another issue I am having is with the bearings. They splay grease all over my rims constantly. The bearings should probably be replaced anyway. Any recommendations for new bearings to avoid this grease problem in the future?

I guess my point was to keep the boat tight against the bow stop I have found staps feed in and out flat as long as they are treated the same way we all put on a belt...... we make sure it is not twisted before we thread it through the loops.

The excess grease that is splayed all over....... could be from over greasing and yes, it is an excellent idea to change the bearings and seals if they have not been done in a few years.

 

[marcusknight]

Re: Need some 1979 Starcraft advice, watch my video please!

Here is an update on some of the work I was doing on the boat, especially painting the trailer. I am especially interested in changing or fixing my props. One correction on this video, the prop with the big chip in it is NOT 10 inch diameter as I say in the video. It is in fact a 13.75 diameter with 15 pitch. As always, your advice and insight is appreciated.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JsRmId81Uo&feature=youtu.be

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Need some 1979 Starcraft advice, watch my video please!

You can get that old prop repaired and a prop shop will weld in pieces. The average for that is $50-75 for the repair.

The bearing buddies......Welcome to BearingBuddy.com explains the various sizes and I would remove one of the ones you have, clean it up and bring it into a parts store and they should be able to accurately measure it (unless you have an caliper that will do it).

Nice job on the trailer. I would use some WD40 and a rag to finish cleaning the wheels up.

 

[marcusknight]

Re: Need some 1979 Starcraft advice, watch my video please!

I just looked through the entire Clymer Johnson Outboard shop manual to find out what the optimal RPM should be at wide open throttle. I could not find it. Thoughts anyone?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Need some 1979 Starcraft advice, watch my video please!

I've been looking for a 70 hp for my boat for quite some time and therefore researching them quite heavily. Based on my findings I think for a 70hp I think 5000 to 6000 RPM. You should setup with a prop that allows 5800-6000RPM at WOT with an average load.

 

[laurentide]

Re: Need some 1979 Starcraft advice, watch my video please!

I've been looking for a 70 hp for my boat for quite some time and therefore researching them quite heavily. Based on my findings I think for a 70hp I think 5000 to 6000 RPM. You should setup with a prop that allows 5800-6000RPM at WOT with an average load.

Yup, 5400 is WOT on my 18' Chief with an '82 70 hp OMC, but I never checked my prop specs.