Neophyte Seeking Sage Advice and Wisdom (Please Help)

[WeatherEye]

Good morning all,

As a long time admirer of classic boats, I have finally reached a point in my life where I am able to take on a new project. I especially fancy the look of the smaller Lone Star aluminum models. This past weekend I looked a two different models, the first was a 16 foot, 1964 model runabout with a Force 40 outboard in need of complete resto. Seems to be solid structurally, all wood trim needs to be replaced, floor is spongy and was constructed from non-MGP, paint was poorly applied with a brush, This model has a split walk-through windshield and a small forward hatch that slides. According to the owner, the outboard has not been started in 2 years, the starter failed before the return trip so they had to be towed. Electric tilt is shot too!

The second model was a smaller, 14 foot rear tiller boat with a Suzuki 9.9 HP outboard..in much better shape. This boat is pretty much fishing-ready...although I do not care for many of the modifications the current owner made. Plus, this model does not have half the character of the larger craft.

Yesterday morning, I found another 14' foot, 1955 Lone Star runabout, supposedly either a Malibu or an Admiral. I admit I am not yet familiar with all of the model differences, nor do I have many Lone Star resources or references to make the call. I am slated to look at this model tomorrow afternoon.

I am a good listener and relatively quick study. I do have a few photos of the 1st and 3rd Lone Star boats, I can share once I have satisfied the 3-Post requirement for the iboat forum. Or I can post the photos to a photobucket album.

Any and all helpful advice will be gratefully appreciated.

Thanks for reading my post.

Bill

 

[jbcurt00]

Use photobucket and post pix

Sounds like 3 completely different styles of boat.

How do you plan to use it?

An open bench style 14ftr isnt going to offer the same ride quality as a 16ftr that has more typical seat.

 

[WeatherEye]

Thanks for the quick reply!

My primary goal is to learn and satisfy the desire to take on the restoration of a vintage project boat. Fishing hard to reach places in some local lakes is secondary. Both the 1965 and 1955 can be viewed at the following link.

http://s288.photobucket.com/user/weathereye1/library/?sort=3&page=1

As a starter project...I am leaning toward the 1955 Lone Star...as I stated before I am open to advice and suggestion. The 1964 seems pretty rough and is a much larger project.

To be quite frank...I have no idea what current market value is for either boat. Which would you deem more desirable?

Thanks in advance!

 

[jbcurt00]

Theres an IMG code for each pix you add to Photobucket. Copy and paste it into your posts, and the pix will show up IN your posts.

I dont care for the black paint, but I'd prefer it over the other LS. Not a fan of Force motors, and love the vintage Evinrude.

Dig into the forum, quite a few tin LoneStars have been done. And we have a very active Starcraft forum to help w tin boat repairs.

RedneckJoe and 64osby are both currently working on tin LoneStars that are similar (but larger) to the blue and white 1 you added to you PB account. In fact Joe just finished his and has been using it.

Have you put your hands on either boat?

Both probably need more work then you think

Does either motor currently fire and run? Dont be surprised if a ran when parked motor, doesnt.

Unless you get extremely lucky, you'll spend more fixing either then you'd get when you sell it, and you'd be doing all the labor for free. But price a new boat. And theres no way to match the experience of buying fixing it yourself and putting an old boat back into service. For less then a new boat.

Smaller is a better place to start, but many of us own more then 1 because small is, surprisingly small....

 

[TruckDrivingFool]

Only commenting on #s 1 & 3 cause that's what I looked at in pics.

Depending on your definition of restore I see the same amount of work to be done on both. Strip and repaint both. Floors in both. Mechanicals hard to tell from a pic.

The big boat (64) going to ride better just because its a bigger boat, not a fan of the Force either (just on rep) but maybe look at repowering in the process. It's on a nicer trailer.

The 55 has way more style in my eyes and will get into tighter places just cause it's a smaller boat. At some point the steering will need updated. What are the changes/mods the PO did that you don't like? Things that will be easily changed while in the process of restoring?

I'm guessing prices are about the same so I'll say look at what you want to do with the finished product and go from there.

 

[64osby]

The Larger Lone Star would be a good choice to fix up IMO. It will have a rib structure under the floor that will allow for a reasonably clean project. It would be much like Redneckjoe's project.

That should be a Medallion model.

Personally not a fan of Force motors but some here like them. As others will also say.......

A good motor is one that runs, a bad motor is one that doesn't.

 

[bonz_d]

I see 2 very dissimilar boats. Both being projects from the start and both needing about the same amount of work. Also seeing 2 completely different finished boats with largely different capabilities. When finished I think the newer one would be easier to resell only because it is larger and more current looking while the older one would be more of a niche market. The one thing they have in common is that they should both float.

I think either would be a nice project to start with but it still comes down to which style/type do you refer. I think you could end up putting the same amount of money or work into either one. It all comes down to your vision of them finished.

 

[WeatherEye]

To all that have responded...I thank you!

Each of you who responded to my post offered additional insight and asked some great questions. I will do my best to respond to every question submitted...please be patient. I suppose the best way to do so is to tackle the replies in order and to the individual addressee.

Bill

 

[WeatherEye]

Theres an IMG code for each pix you add to Photobucket. Copy and paste it into your posts, and the pix will show up IN your posts.

I dont care for the black paint, but I'd prefer it over the other LS. Not a fan of Force motors, and love the vintage Evinrude.

Dig into the forum, quite a few tin LoneStars have been done. And we have a very active Starcraft forum to help w tin boat repairs.

RedneckJoe and 64osby are both currently working on tin LoneStars that are similar (but larger) to the blue and white 1 you added to you PB account. In fact Joe just finished his and has been using it.

Have you put your hands on either boat?

Both probably need more work then you think

Does either motor currently fire and run? Dont be surprised if a ran when parked motor, doesnt.

Unless you get extremely lucky, you'll spend more fixing either then you'd get when you sell it, and you'd be doing all the labor for free. But price a new boat. And theres no way to match the experience of buying fixing it yourself and putting an old boat back into service. For less then a new boat.

Smaller is a better place to start, but many of us own more then 1 because small is, surprisingly small....

I don't care for the black paint either. If I decide to purchase the 1955, I would strip the paint completely and polish the boat to a mirror finish. That is my initial thought for now.

I have had my hands on the 1964 16 foot model with the Force 40. If I purchase this boat...I would paint the boat using the original color scheme.

Both boats are in need of a complete restoration. I have not seen any paperwork for either boat. But I have read extensively and educated myself on the registration laws in the State of Texas. I have also run both hull numbers through Texas Parks and Wildlife Department database and gathered as much information as I can without seeing the actual titles...if there were any funny business, I should be able to spot the problems immediately. I also know how to further investigate any such anomalies to prevent future headaches.

Neither motor will fire!

I have no intention of selling the boat I select to restore. Such as restoring a classic car... restoring a boat will exceed the finished boat's market value!

I am curious how one determines the pre-restored value of each boat. Would you pay $2000 for either boat in the current state? How about $1000? Or even lower yet...say $500? Obviously, If all of the paperwork is in order and I decide to purchase one of the boats I will seek to negotiate the best possible price.

I am aware of the price of new boats...and they don't seem to possess the character of either vintage boat. I have restored 3 classic cars and 1 pickup truck. I now want to take on a classic boat, to keep me out of trouble and give me something to do.

 

[TruckDrivingFool]

Don't know about Tx but that condition without a running motor up here $500 would bring them home especially if they've sat for sale for any amount of time.

 

[WeatherEye]

Only commenting on #s 1 & 3 cause that's what I looked at in pics.

Depending on your definition of restore I see the same amount of work to be done on both. Strip and repaint both. Floors in both. Mechanicals hard to tell from a pic.

The big boat (64) going to ride better just because its a bigger boat, not a fan of the Force either (just on rep) but maybe look at repowering in the process. It's on a nicer trailer.

The 55 has way more style in my eyes and will get into tighter places just cause it's a smaller boat. At some point the steering will need updated. What are the changes/mods the PO did that you don't like? Things that will be easily changed while in the process of restoring?

I'm guessing prices are about the same so I'll say look at what you want to do with the finished product and go from there.

My definition of restoration is absolutely every single aspect redone with a fine tooth comb!

1955 Lone Star
As I stated above...I would not repaint the 14 foot Lone Star...but I would strip and polish the hull to a mirror finish. The floor striped, sealed, and painted. New MGP wood completely sealed and recarpeted using a marine grade outdoor carpet. New mechanical and electrical throughout. If the Evinrude is salvageable, then I would go through the outboard completely...or find a suitable replacement.

1964 Lone Star
Yes it would ride better and it is a nice looking boat...or could be when completed. It would be more work, but I'm not afraid of work. I would fine tooth this boat as well...but it would be painted in period appropriate paint. The Force 40 would have to go!!

Fishing Model Lone Star (no pics of this boat)
The owner drilled holes in the hull and mounted all kinds of crap. I can buy any old V-hull fishing boat any day of the week. Zero character...just ho hum.

Bill

 

[TruckDrivingFool]

My definition of restoration is absolutely every single aspect redone with a fine tooth comb!

Ok then I was correct to say they are going to be the same amount of work. Don't get me wrong I like polished but consider the thought of a big mirror reflecting that sunrise/set into your face and you may reconsider polishing the topside. Either way paint will need to be stripped so I'd chock it up to the same amount of work and I might even add work for polishing over painting.

 

[WeatherEye]

I see 2 very dissimilar boats. Both being projects from the start and both needing about the same amount of work. Also seeing 2 completely different finished boats with largely different capabilities. When finished I think the newer one would be easier to resell only because it is larger and more current looking while the older one would be more of a niche market. The one thing they have in common is that they should both float.

I think either would be a nice project to start with but it still comes down to which style/type do you refer. I think you could end up putting the same amount of money or work into either one. It all comes down to your vision of them finished.

Correct! Two very different types of boats! In the past I have restored classic cars and a truck...never taken on a boat. I'm more concerned with finding a suitable "1st project boat" to restore than the boat type. I seek a boat with character...both of these (in my opinion) possess character.

1964 Medellion
Consensus opinion on the Force 40 is negative! The transom needs to be replaced (which does not look to be an easy task for a novice). The floor (deck) was previously replaced with non-MGP and common indoor/outdoor carpet. Who knows what has been done under the decking? I have next to zero idea what the boat looked like on the inside from the factory. The transom needs to be replaced. I've been told replacing the transom is not for a "beginner" on the 16' Medallion. I am always up for a challenge...but for those reasons...I am leaning toward the 1955 Lone Star 14' boat right now. Current owner seems to be stuck on a price of $1000, which is half of what he was asking when I went to look at the boat.

1955 Lone Star
I would like to add...I have yet to "put my hands" on the 1955. I'm suppose to inspect the boat this afternoon. It was allegedly restored 10 years ago...but as you can tell from the few photos that were sent to me...the boat has rested in what appears to be "junk yard" like setting. Obviously uncovered, exposed to the elements with weeds growing off or near the transom. It does have a Evinrude 30 which is may be "better" than a Force 40...if it is repairable. The interior appears to have been modified a little less from factory original and a few photos I have found online. The trailer appears to be the original trailer sold by the factory. The owner started out at $2000 on this boat and the last price he quoted was $800. He seems to think it is worth more due to the fact it is "vintage"...but he obviously has never restored a car or a boat. The boat will not restore itself!! It needs someone willing to put the TLC, $$$, time and effort into the restoration...and seldom will the finished product's value justify the amount of money or time!

It is still possible that I may walk away from either project. Good things come to those that wait!! I believe a purchase price of $500 for either boat is reasonable considering the condition of either boat.

Again...I must express my appreciation to each of you for your valuable input. You fellows are great! Thank you! Keep the discussion going. I will keep you apprised of what transpires.

Bill

 

[WeatherEye]

Ok then I was correct to say they are going to be the same amount of work. Don't get me wrong I like polished but consider the thought of a big mirror reflecting that sunrise/set into your face and you may reconsider polishing the topside. Either way paint will need to be stripped so I'd chock it up to the same amount of work and I might even add work for polishing over painting.

TruckDrivingFool, great point! I do wear sunglasses 100 per cent of the time I am outdoors but in the bright Texas sunlight you have a valid suggestion. I will likely paint the topside, even with sunglasses the reflection would be annoying.

 

[jbcurt00]

Dont under estimate the amount of work a trailer takes, and figure that into the price of negotiations to buy any boat.

I've bought nothing but projects, of various lengths, styles and ages, and only 1 was over $500.

Most in the $2-300 range, w motors and trailers, and towed them all home on their own trailers. Only 1 tire barely made it. I always find out what rims/tires and take at least 1 spare w me, no matter what age the seller claims the tires are.

Decide what they are worth to you, and make the sellers an offer.

Good luck, lots of great potential in them all

Please update us when you put hands on them and or nuy 1.

 

[64osby]

On the Medalllion look at redneckjoe's project he did replace the transom.

The interior of the boat was very simple. It had 2 back to back loungers.



You can gleen a little more information at fiberglassics library lonestar.

 

[WeatherEye]

No Title

Here is the latest update on my quest to find a Lone Star tin project.

I was suppose to "put my hands on" the 1955 Lone Star yesterday afternoon, did not hear anything until 7pm I finally received a call from the fellow who is selling the boat for the owner. He said he was "tied up" and apologized. Asked if either today or tomorrow would work, so nothing new to report, except the ad now has a couple of new photos added.

As you can see from the newly added photos, the speedometer is missing. I bet finding an old speedo for this boat is like finding frog hair! One of the other photos in my Lone Star Photobucket folder shows other missing items from the dash. Can anyone tell me if my suspicions are correct? I'm starting become a little disillusioned on this particular boat deal, We are still pretty far apart on the price. Seller has come down to $800...I am leaning toward only $200...maybe $300 tops!

I do have some additional news...but will save it for my next post.

 

[64osby]

.
Xbay is your friend when looking for old school parts. Bought the one above for use on my LS project for under $40.

 

[WeatherEye]

.
Xbay is your friend when looking for old school parts. Bought the one above for use on my LS project for under $40.

Thank you! Had not yet checked that spot...but it was on my list.

 

[WeatherEye]

No Title

Good morning!

1955 Lone Star Malibu
Still have not been able to lay my hands on this boat. Neither the owner or fellow who owns property where it is stored have contacted me about the boat. I'm not going to chase after the boat...too many other boats to take on.

New find 1960 Malibu
This boat also needs work...engine turns over and starts. (according to the owner) PO did not surrender trailer title...so owner is working on that issue. I would love to hear your thoughts, comments and observations.

Thanks in advance!
Bill