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  1. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    I agree, I would prefer to have an Alpha generation as well but I still have so much plywood and paint and whatnot to buy that I need to service and repair everything as cheaply as possible to stay on course to make this happen this season. The outdrive is old but at least it was fresh water...
  2. IslandExplorer

    1973 ISLANDER REFIT

    Nice Islander! I love the sleek lines of those boats. You are indeed making some long runs! I too like to be out as long as I possibly can be and have gone through loads of fuel at times and once barely made it and I had used up 3 6-gallon external kicker motor tanks in addition to the 38...
  3. IslandExplorer

    1974 starcraft chieftain wiring

    The outboard boat consoles on these boats always seem to have a lot less gauges than the I/O's. My Starchief 18 was very similar to yours. I hate glass fuses too and installed a blade fuse box in cabin on the wall on starboard side. I also cut out a square access panel hole using a plunge cutter...
  4. IslandExplorer

    Mercury 40 not starting

    Hello, I have a few ideas for ya: Check man overboard kill switch. (Usually red lanyard hanging near controls somewhere, connects to kill button) These tend to kill ignition circuit randomly sometimes when they get wet if they are cracked/failing. Check engine wiring harness for obvious frays or...
  5. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    So far unable to remove this little shifter cable thing. Any tips on this? I modified a wrench that now can fit in that area but it still won't budge. Wrench started to slip under the torque. Not seeing a way to remove it without cutting cable to get a socket on there. Is this cable something...
  6. IslandExplorer

    Post a pic of your starcraft!

    Nice craft! A 115 on that 18 must plane quick!! My 18' Starchief felt very healthy with an 85 and I always had a lot of gear onboard. What's your top speed in ideal conditions?
  7. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Today's progress. Transom is finally fully out!
  8. IslandExplorer

    MBD

    I don't know yet, likely not, at least for time being. Luckily I am only about 15 minutes from the ocean taking back roads so for now I will just be driving it to the ramp nice and easy. I have the original trailer axles that have hydraulic brakes but the spindle shafts need to be replaced. Sure...
  9. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Thanks, I'm loving the crane, should've built one a long time ago. Restoration intent is a mix. I love the original look of the boat but I want to push it a bit and increase its capacity in a few ways. Keeping galley and expanding upon it by putting in a gimbaled propane 2 burner stove with oven...
  10. IslandExplorer

    MBD

    Yes, I added a big ass trans cooler from a F350 Super Duty pickup in addition to a new rad. Added Monroe air shocks and a small compressor with dash gauge and control. Towed the boat great despite trailer not having brakes. 😎
  11. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Thanks Airshot, you are right, it is a Lot of work but I just can't ever seem to take on easy, rational projects. 😁 I sure love my retro classics. She's going to be a head turner I'm sure (for better or worse 😅). People always asked about the Starchief. These old Starcrafts really stand out...
  12. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    The V8 sits right on two boxed beams, open only at rear, with nice reinforcement plates that extend down between the ribs. I have discovered that this is not the only structure however and there is a wood piece about 4x4x36 (estimated) secured underneath the aluminum beam, located in place by 2...
  13. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Thanks Shoestring, I was hoping this thread would encourage more to restore these cool old boats! If you truly believe in it- that's half the work.
  14. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Transom mush removal. Pretty much just pulled it apart by hand, was at about a burly 0% structural integrity I estimated. The last of the 6 legged stowaways perished in the soapy bilge mulch swill. Still need to unbolt outdrive collar? portal? (not sure what it is called) so last of wood can be...
  15. IslandExplorer

    1974 Chieftain 25 "Adventurer" Restoration

    Update: Replacement crane boom completed. This one is 12' instead of the Catalina's 10' 6", and solid, 7018 welded, steel. 😎 Lifted and moved Mercruiser no problem so should be safer than the last one that nearly failed. Great success lol
  16. IslandExplorer

    1968? Mercury 350 2 stroke.

    Didn't know Durabak was Navy grade! That's very reassuring and looks like it came out great, sound deadening is definitely a plus. Is that stuff expensive compared to other options? I need to affordably seal a bunch of plywood decking soon.
  17. IslandExplorer

    Son's 1984 Evinrude 4 hp 2 cylinder fires might run or not

    That's a good idea, check those coils! On my 4hp they were pretty crusty because that motor has a pretty open cowl at bottom and can get splashes all the way up to flywheel. I wire brushed and greased mine and saved em just in time. That rust can definitely screw things up!
  18. IslandExplorer

    1976 35hp Evinrude cranks up and dies out

    A few more ideas: If fuel pump just rebuilt may be worth checking it for flow, I like to put a clear fuel filter on right after pump to "see" it working consistently at various rpm ranges. If a check valve in diaphragm pump is stuck or not sealing well it may only pump at higher speeds. This...
  19. IslandExplorer

    1968? Mercury 350 2 stroke.

    Oh wow, she does look nice and clean under the cover! Love finding old engines that were actually cared for. Personally, I like my cheaper older engines that I can fix and take care of myself. Nothing wrong with that! A little care getting her ready for the season and you should be good! And...
  20. IslandExplorer

    1976 35hp Evinrude cranks up and dies out

    I'm no expert but that sounds like maybe dirty reed valves to me. Maybe some dirt got in when working on it? With carb off might want to try blasting the reeds with carb cleaner, ether, or some other thing that dissolves varnish/gunk. Was it running normally anytime recently? Do you have...
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