Starcraft center console

seakingbob

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 10, 2008
Messages
170
Does anyone have any information on this boat.What do you think about buying a 1985 MR180 Starcraft Aluminum Center Console with 1993 70hp Johnson Outboard. Is this a good boat to buy.Please give me your intake.
Thanks
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: Starcraft center console

it is a good boat, and motor combo. but a good buy, i have no idea, without pictures, and the price. depends on condition, fresh or salt water use, maintainance.

Buying a boat

1st you need to decide what you want to use it for, fishing, cruising, or water sports.

2nd how many people adults, children you want on board of the average outing.

3rd outboard, inboard-outboard, or inboard power plant.

4th Budget, what you want to pay, and what you are willing to pay, when you find
Exactly what you want.

You can hire a marine surveyor, to inspect the boat, or you can do it yourself.

You are mainly looking for soft spots in the deck, transom, cracks, all signs of a rotten, under frame. You walk all over the deck, that a mallot, or hammer with wooden handle, using handle, tap all over the transom, a shape rap is good solid base, a thud, is questionable base.

The motor should be clean, no spots where the paint is discolored, or pealing from heat, having run hot. (This part for outboard motors Compression should be atleast 100psi, and within 10% of each other,)
Spark on all cylinders, good pee stream, check lower unit for water in oil.

The overall condition of the boat will tell you a lot, as to how it has been maintained.
boat motor combo, A 30 year old may be in better condition, than a 3 year old.
 

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
Staff member
Joined
May 19, 2001
Messages
26,082
Re: Starcraft center console

If that boat is local to you I imagine it spent it's time in the Hudson or on a lake. The only word of advice is to check out that Starcraft real carefully. The older Starcrafts had rot problems with the stringers, transom and deck. Look for soft spots around the floor and check for wet spots.

Browse through the restoration section here. Just as was stated above check the compression (buy a gauge because if you own a boat you will use it)..... ask about the impellar (water pump).

Best bet is to have someone with experianced eyes help you check out the boat.

My friend had a 19' Starcraft with a 85 hp that was a nice boat...... just keep an eye on the early ones. If it has been taken care of you will have a nice boat..... if not you will have a project on your hands.
 
Top