Thinking About a Used Star

[lncoop]

I'm thinking about buying one of these used from an outfitter in Pennsylvania for $600 plus shipping.
http://www.starinflatables.com/mods/prodView.asp?idproduct=15
I talked to someone at Star who knows the outfitter. He told me the guy is highly regarded and the rafts were meticulously maintained, with any work being done by a manufacturer's rep. This particular raft is used by a couple of outfitters in Arkansas, so I'm thinking it would meet my river running needs. I realize it's a bucket boat, but my expeditions will be confined to class I-II with more I than II, so I can't imagine that would really be an issue. Am I right that 12' would be large enough for two men, fishing gear, and a couple days' camping gear? I'd also want to add a frame in the near future. What do you guys think? Seems to make sense to me, but I don't want to end up with something that's not a good fit and be stuck with it.

 

[mudslinging79]

Re: Thinking About a Used Star

how big are the guys? hou much gear? ad says 6 ft wide, thats outside to outside. tubes take up bout a foot , for each tube.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Thinking About a Used Star

Guys are 6' 190ish. Raft would be loaded with 48 quart or so cooler and the usual camping gear for a 2-3 day trip: small stove, dutch oven, utensils, tent, lantern, sleeping bags and pads, etc.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Thinking About a Used Star

I like it, good find. The 12 footer should suit you well for a 2 or 3 day trip if you pack smartly. The frame will help organize your boat and make it more user friendly. Beware that commercial rafts like those take significant abuse as they get used A LOT and will likely have a number of repairs. However, a professional repair is nothing to be worried about.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Thinking About a Used Star

Okay, I'll proceed with the Star. Seems like a good way to get into rafting. I'd love to take down one of those Saturn 13' self bailers. As you said before, that's a lot of boat for the money. But, I think it will be wiser to get my feet wet (like that?) for 600 bucks and go from there. Do you have any thoughts on frames? Should I make my own or buy one? What should I look for? I'm thinking I'll just need a basic setup, but this is all new to me.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Thinking About a Used Star

Very cool. Well, if you're handy that way, I'd say go ahead and make your own frame. I don't think it would be that hard as there's not much to them. Some of the specialty pieces (like oar locks and seat swivels) you may need to buy but the frame itself is pretty much just aluminum round stock. If you can cut and weld it, that would be the cheapest way to go. Or you could buy the connectors and bolt it together, << best method.

In case you haven't seen it, look here for frame ideas and parts>>> www.nrsweb.com

 

[lncoop]

Re: Thinking About a Used Star

Okay. Thanks for the advice. I've found a place in Colorado that will make me a three bay modular frame with oarlock setup for $300. Shipping is $50 or less. I don't think I could make a comparable one for much less than that, so that's probably the way I'll go. Plus, I really like the folks. They've been very helpful.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Thinking About a Used Star

Yeah, that looks like a good deal. I was going to suggest that you would be hard pressed to make one for cheaper than you could buy one. Some people don't want to hear that so I didn't mention it.

You'll need to take pictures of your first trip!

 

[lncoop]

Re: Thinking About a Used Star

Like any other guy I enjoy tinkering, but I also enjoy being able to use my stuff. And, UNLIKE many guys, I know when something's better left to the experts. I've found some other options in that price range. I'm still playing with it but I will definitely throw up pics when I have something. Thanks again.

 

[James Baker]

Re: Thinking About a Used Star

What kind of warranty does Star offer? How many years have they been around? Some of these "fly by night" companies will sell you a $600 boat that will fall apart in a year's time. They then close the company and open under a new name, when the warranty repairs come in.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Thinking About a Used Star

What kind of warranty does Star offer? How many years have they been around? Some of these "fly by night" companies will sell you a $600 boat that will fall apart in a year's time. They then close the company and open under a new name, when the warranty repairs come in.

Star is a reputable company that sells relatively inexpensive boats to outfitters. However, that's irrelevant since I'm talking about a second hand boat from an outfitter. You didn't read my original post, did you? Shame shame shame. Thank you for the input though. That's why we're all here. Welcome to iboats.