starcraft: should I buy it?

[pfeffer]

I am looking at a 1971 starcraft that seems to be very mint in condition. I am new to motorboating and need this forums advice about what i should look for when visiting this boat. I think i might have found a gem but this will be the first used boat that I have ever looked at. I wish it was the 5th or 6th boat so I would have a good point of comparison.

The boat is priced at 1,725 and comes with a 60 hp -- the owner says it has not been in the water for 20 years and has been stored in a garage. If he cant get the motor running should I walk away or is this thing in such good condition that it does not matter. Please let me know what type of questons to ask and what to look for in terms of possible "problem areas".

Thanks!

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: starcraft: should I buy it?

Pfeffer,
Welcome aboard!
This is a very personal decision..I believe that is a supersport...nice boat, in a garage is a PLUS!, there is very little that can be really bad, especially with an OB on it.
Even if the transom (wood area) where the motor is mounted to is bad or rotted, it is easily removed and replaced.
Make sure the deck is sound, no soft or rotted spots, but again an easy fix. I am doing the decking now on my 68 Starcraft now from what I have learned here from these great guys..

The motor may run, definitly will need new rubber, hoses ectera..

If you love the boat and she calls to you......why not? Its a much easier restore if needed than an old rotten fiberglass boat, (like I used to own)

 

[pfeffer]

Re: starcraft: should I buy it?

I will try and post a photo or two of the boat interior in the A.M.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: starcraft: should I buy it?

open the pic with a photo editor program and resize and save as...

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: starcraft: should I buy it?

photo's http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=285637

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: starcraft: should I buy it?

I will only echo some of the comments previously made.

My concerns would be for all the seals, hoses and wiring that may have suffered from age. Since it was in a garage ....they might be fine.

For that asking price I would guess there is a working trailer with servicable tires too.

Being stored for 20 years is a plus. There are many Starcrafts out there and some great deals to be had.

If any of the rubber parts are deteriated, wires cracked I would go down to $995 if the boat has any soft spots too ....... it would be a hard decision but I think I would walk away.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: starcraft: should I buy it?

You can't go wrong with an aluminum Starcraft. However that price is the price of a turn key boat. Any problems you find should lower the price. They are great boats.

 

[pfeffer]

Re: starcraft: should I buy it?

The boat does come with a trailer -- tire quality is unknown and I would have about a 4 hour tow so I suspect that I should look at the tires very carefully. The trailer is a "little buddy" and I could not see very much of it from the photos the owner sent me.

Are there any ratios I should be conserned with when evaluating the trailer -- size of trailer overall vs. 16 foot boat. Any guidance you guys can provide would be great. I plan on posting more photos. Soon.

 

[pfeffer]

Re: starcraft: should I buy it?

photo's http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=285637

Tashasdaddy - thanks for the info on how to post pictures.

I would greatly appreciate it if this forum could give me their opinion about this boat I've stumbled accross. Again this will be the first boat I have ever visited (with the intent to purchase).

Here is a link to the photos of the boat I am considering. Everyone's comments and observations are greatly appreciated.

http://s710.photobucket.com/albums/ww110/pfeffer_photos/

tell me what you think...

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: starcraft: should I buy it?

What do you want to use the boat for?
How much more $$ are you willing to put into her?
How skilled are you mechanically?

These are all questions you need to ask yourself..Nobody can make this decision for you...

For sure you will need the motor serviced, carbs, hoses and such..If you are looking for a "splash-n-gas" boat, this aint it..but could be with some effort on your part..

 

[ezmobee]

Re: starcraft: should I buy it?

Looked at the pics....my thoughts:

Boat: looks fantastic and definitely all original. A real classic. Based on how well everything seems to be preserved I would be surprised if the deck or transom were rotted. Looks very solid.

Motor: If it's original to the boat (probably is) then it's around a '71 johnson and I THINK that's an electric shift model. The motors were fine when running but I believe some crucial parts in the lower unit (solenoids) are no longer available if you need them. Also beware you have to use a special oil in the lower on electric shift models. Not a problem but definitely something you should be aware of.

Trailer: Has tiny tires and I'd be concerned towing it really far.

I'm no expert those are just my observations.

 

[pfeffer]

Re: starcraft: should I buy it?

Looked at the pics....my thoughts:

ezmobe -- your comments are greatly appreciated!

I think the boat has great lines and the pictures represent what I hope is a special and well cared for boat.


Your comments about the engine are something I will have to look into deeper. The owner said the engine has not run in 20 years -- he took out all the gas and cleaned the carbs before storing the boat but can't promise that he can get it up and running when I arive to look over the boat. I am not afraid to put some money into the engine but your hint about making sure parts are available is very much appreciated.

What things should I ask the ower to do or show me in order to become comfortable about the engine? I beleive some people run outboards in a trashcan full of water to show the buyer that it works. Can this be done with a 60 hp?

When people talk about compression and sparks, what does that mean and how can i judge?


Someone asked what I intend to use the boat for. Esentialy, I like the idea of having something older that looks cool.

http://s710.photobucket.com/albums/ww110/pfeffer_photos/


I wanted something alumnium for the longevity and lighter towing. I have three younger kids and a wife, we live 8 blocks from Lake Michigan but will likely two the boat to smaller lakes for exploring tubing and waterskiing.

Thanks for all of the comments and ideas, keep them coming because the education you all are providing me will be very helpful when i review the boat and negotiate a price.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: starcraft: should I buy it?

Here's what you do.....start a new thread over in the Evinrude/Johnson forum asking for information about a 1971 Johnson 60 you're thinking of buying. Those guys will have plenty of information and opinions for you. Also take a look at the "awakening a sleeping outboard" sticky thread. Very useful information there. I would not expect to be able to just hook a gas tank and battery up to it and get it running without some work.

When I bought my boat which is very similar to yours with a '73 Johnson (also sitting unused for many years) we were able to fire it up and get it running at least a little bit. I then took it to a mechanic and we did drop a good bit a coin on it replacing a lot of the electrical components (coils, power pack), having the carbs rebuilt, water pump etc. It ended up making one trip back to the mechanic after that for a new fuel pump but since then we used it for 4 seasons without issue! So these old motors can still be reliable. The 3 cylinder Johnyrudes are great motors. Like I said my only concern on yours would be the lower unit shifting mechanisms.

I have this same boat and it will be great for want you want to use it for. We use ours for cruising, tubing, and fishing (not the best fishing boat but it works). It does have a fairly flat bottom so it does beat you pretty good in the chop. It is light (I even towed mine with a FWD Buick for a while) and gets up on plane quickly.

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: starcraft: should I buy it?

5 people in a 16' closed bow will be a bit crowded. I suspect it has seats for 4. How small are your kids?

I had (still have but the hulls bent, long story) an 18' closed bow Starcraft and have replaced it with an 18' open bow. All the 16 footers I looked at were a bit crowded for my use (mostly fishing) so I stuck with 18 when replacing.

As well, when I got my replacement boat, it had a 70hp on it. Pushed it along okay but I sold it and went with a 115. Not sure what the rating is on the 16 (it's 150 on the 18) but the 60 should be decent enough hp if you can get it running.

Tashdaddy has a good post that he keeps repeating on buying a boat and the points to consider. Maybe if you ask nice he can repeat it here.

I guess I'd be concerned that it is enough boat and motor for what you want to do.

Yes, the motor can be run in a bucket, but it is easier to run them on muffs. Cheap from Walmart or the like. Compression needs a tester etc., just like testing it on a car. Spark also needs a tester of sorts. If you know someone who is mechanically inclined to take with you, that would help.

How hard would it be to find a newer motor in your area? Can you drop the price by not taking it? A non-running motor can be a big headache. But those little 3 cylinders are nice, light motors and I would stick with one as oppossed to going to a V4.

If you think the boat will suit your family needs, it looks in real nice shape. Motor would be the big concern.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: starcraft: should I buy it?

His max HP rating should be 85. I agree with the 3 cyl being nice and light. Mine sits a bit stern heavy in the water with my V4.

I have had 5 adults in mine for a cruise once. Took little longer to get on plane but it went fine.

 

[sneekdog6]

Re: starcraft: should I buy it?

I have a similar vintage Starcraft 16' Supersport (open bow) with an 85 hp Evinrude. Some of my own thoughts....

1. Aluminum Starcrafts are good solid boats. They last and last...

2. Length...we have a family of 5 and it gets crowded quickly in a 16 footer. There is not alot of storage space. The boat is also fairly narrow.

3. Light, Light, Light. Aluminum boats are light and easy to move around...they also can "drift" easily. My 16 footer with 85 hp moves out and gets on plane quickly.

4. My 16' has a max rated hp of 85.

5. Ride...my boat rides a little rough when there is some chop on the water...tends to want to "plow" thru waves...even with the motor trimmed up.

I myself am at a crossroads...do I update the boat (motor and interior work) or "pony-up" to an 18 footer. Right now I'm leaning to an 18 footer....no matter what "update" work I do to the boat...I can't increase its length (unless I'm OPPS...read the thread...a facinating journey).

My 0.02 cents....and good luck.

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: starcraft: should I buy it?

I can't increase its length (unless I'm OPPS...read the thread...a facinating journey).

I keep thinking.

I've got two 18' hulls. Wouldn't take much to cut 3 feet out of one and add it to the other.

And oops! has this nice shop now.

 

[pfeffer]

Re: starcraft: should I buy it?

3 cycle vs. v4 discussion is interesting and one I don't understand. Are you guys saying that the boat I am looking at with a Johnson 60 from the early 70s is a V4 and that I might be better off looking to get a 3 cycle engine?

I need a bit of clarification on this topic. I have no problem offering a lower amount for the boat and not taking the engine. But when you guys reference 3 cycle adn v4 what are you talking about.

Thanks!

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: starcraft: should I buy it?

the 85hp Johnnyrude is a V-4. This is what ezmobee has on his.

The 60hp you are looking at is a 3 cylinder. They came in a 70 and 75hp versions as well.

In my situation, I was able to compare a 70 with a 115 and went with the 115 (I had to sell one of them).

Given a choice between an 85hp V4 and a 70hp 3 cylinder, I'd go with the 70. The V-4 is a fair bit heavier and is the smallest hp of the V-4's. Basically the same motor as the 140hp, with less hp.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: starcraft: should I buy it?

Looked at the pics....my thoughts:

ezmobe -- your comments are greatly appreciated!

I think the boat has great lines and the pictures represent what I hope is a special and well cared for boat.


Your comments about the engine are something I will have to look into deeper. The owner said the engine has not run in 20 years -- he took out all the gas and cleaned the carbs before storing the boat but can't promise that he can get it up and running when I arive to look over the boat. I am not afraid to put some money into the engine but your hint about making sure parts are available is very much appreciated.

What things should I ask the ower to do or show me in order to become comfortable about the engine? I beleive some people run outboards in a trashcan full of water to show the buyer that it works. Can this be done with a 60 hp?

When people talk about compression and sparks, what does that mean and how can i judge?


Someone asked what I intend to use the boat for. Esentialy, I like the idea of having something older that looks cool.

http://s710.photobucket.com/albums/ww110/pfeffer_photos/


I wanted something alumnium for the longevity and lighter towing. I have three younger kids and a wife, we live 8 blocks from Lake Michigan but will likely two the boat to smaller lakes for exploring tubing and waterskiing.

Thanks for all of the comments and ideas, keep them coming because the education you all are providing me will be very helpful when i review the boat and negotiate a price.

what am I chopped liver? LOL!!!!