1973 Starcraft Chieftain 25'

[JDGambino]

Hello, my name is James. I picked up this '73 Chieftain last year. I did some minor engine work, got it running well after cleaning out tons of rust out of the exhaust manifold (still seems beefy)

This year will be focusing on structure. I noticed some rot beginning at the top of the transom. Any and all help with replacing this massive transom would be appreciated.

Next is the shifting; I thought I had it figured out, until I put it into reverse while docking, thrusting me FORWARD into a rock. What a tough hull, barely a dent, no leaks. Phew!

 

[JDGambino]

Hello, my name is James. I picked up this '73 Chieftain last year. I did some minor engine work, got it running well after cleaning out tons of rust out of the exhaust manifold (still seems beefy)

This year will be focusing on structure. I noticed some rot beginning at the top of the transom. Any and all help with replacing this massive transom would be appreciated.

Next is the shifting; I thought I had it figured out, until I put it into reverse while docking, thrusting me FORWARD into a rock. What a tough hull, barely a dent, no leaks. PheView attachment 337465w! View attachment 337466View attachment 337467View attachment 337468

It still overheats a slight amount at wide open throttle, then quickly cools back down. The shifting seems wonky, someone emptied the hydraulic trailer brake reservoir because it was sticking. Go e-brake?... bolt it solid without fluid? It's a bit big for my pickup, I know... also performance upgrades for 4.1l merc GM 250 I6

Areas I really need your collective expertise:
1. Transom replacement
2. Shifter replacement. (Pre-alpha)
3. Hydraulic trailer brakes

 

[matt167]

That brings back some memories.. My dad had a '73 Chief 21' that we fished out of for years. Same console/ cabin wall and astro turf carpet. His was a golden yellow inside and out. He restored it.

You can find replacement shifters online. You can also use a Mercury outboard shifter, but the wiring inside will do nothing

 

[JDGambino]

It still overheats a slight amount at wide open throttle, then quickly cools back down. The shifting seems wonky, someone emptied the hydraulic trailer brake reservoir because it was sticking. Go e-brake?... bolt it solid without fluid? It's a bit big for my pickup, I know... also performance upgrades for 4.1l merc GM 250 I6

Areas I really need your collective expertise:
1. Transom replacement
2. Shifter replacement. (Pre-alpha)
3.

That brings back some memories.. My dad had a '73 Chief 21' that we fished out of for years. Same console/ cabin wall and astro turf carpet. His was a golden yellow inside and out. He restored it.

You can find replacement shifters online. You can also use a Mercury outboard shifter, but the wiring inside will do nothing

Thanks for the info. Any specifics on the merc outboard shifter? The problem seems to be with the connection to the throttle at the motor...

 

[matt167]

Mercury actually used a gutted ( no electrical components ) outboard shifter on some models late 60's early 70's. I have a '71 Offshore V18 set up that way . Any recent shifter will do since they use the same cables today

As far as the adjustment being out at the back of the boat, there are like 4 adjustments.

I think a Uflex 2 lever control can be adapted as well. This gives you full F-N-R control on one stick and then the throttle on the other.

My dad had the original control apart more than once, it worked, but there is better