14.5' Starcraft project

[Chip500]

I recently purchased this Starcraft with the intention of rebuilding it to use as a lake boat. I plan on building an open floor, replacing the transom, and powering it with a tiller steer motor. The boat is 14.5 feet in length and has plate style Starcraft emblem versus the decal style logo.

I'm looking for some information about what model starcraft this is, and what size motor would be sufficient to power this boat.

Thank you

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 14.5' Starcraft project

Hi chip.wleomce to iboats. Cool project you found. It looks to be a 60s era Starcraft Mariner or Super sport. It doesn't matter much. All aluminum boats follow the same few rules; never use pressure treated wood, instead use non-pt and seal it with spar urethane or epoxy. You can then mount it to the hull using aluminum rivets and/or stainless steel hardware. That's really about it. You can get everything you need at Lowes/HD, except for the epoxy which you may have to order should you choose to use it. As for the motor, anything up to about 40-50 hp should work nicely. However, I wouldn't go much lower than 25hp. A lot of us here love old vintage motors, but you can use a modern engine as well. This link may help give a bit more info on the boat itself.

Starcraft - Classic Boat Library

 

[SigSaurP229]

Re: 14.5' Starcraft project

Nope to small to be a Mariner or SuperSport, and no splashwell either.

I am thinking 25-35hp should be about right on that boat.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 14.5' Starcraft project

14 1/2' you say? Hmmmm, yah, that seems just a smidge small for a Mariner but that what I was thinking it was.

That'll be a great boat for fishing and I'd think a 35 tiller would be perfect for it.

Welcome to iboats and the Starcraft brotherhood!:joyous:

 

[barato2]

Re: 14.5' Starcraft project

not much to add except welcome. oh, and the tandem trailer might be a bit of overkill for that boat....

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: 14.5' Starcraft project

I don't know fella's, 1967 SC Mariner was 14' 4", no splashwell, w/ a bench just forward of the transom:

Looks like it might even be the right color green.... If so, up to a 40hp..........

Welcome to the Starmada

 

[Chip500]

Re: 14.5' Starcraft project

Thank you for all of the input! I picked up a trailer for it and have stripped it of the old floor and the wood from the transom. This boat is built like a tank compared to the newer aluminum boats I've had.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: 14.5' Starcraft project

Further evidence of the Mariner possibility, gunwale 'patch' & holes at former helm station @starboard side:

 

[64osby]

Re: 14.5' Starcraft project

Chip nice project. I would say jb has pegged it as a Mariner.

There is another one on the site I just saw that had the rear bench and console, link ???. That one also needs a complete tear down.

Love the Mariners. I'll be watching.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: 14.5' Starcraft project

Hi chip.wleomce to iboats. Cool project you found. It looks to be a 60s era Starcraft Mariner or Super sport. It doesn't matter much.

Actually, 64, kfa nailed it originally...

 

[64osby]

Re: 14.5' Starcraft project

kfa had supposition, you had pictorial evidence.:watermelon:

Chip - what's the plan?

 

[classiccat]

Re: 14.5' Starcraft project

Welcome! :welcome:

you've got yourself a sweet lil tinnie right there! :thumb:

I think a tiller will be a nice setup for that guy.

 

[barato2]

Re: 14.5' Starcraft project

a mini-Mariner? cool boat! like the tiller idea.....if you add one of the U-jointed tiller extensions, you'll almost never miss a wheel since you can steer/operate throttle from amidships and without stressing your shoulder

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 14.5' Starcraft project

+1. I love tiller set ups too. Cheaper, more reliable and it should free up lots of space in the cockpit as well. Here are some pics of the fancy tiller skiffs that folks like to run down here in FL. They cost more than I'll make in a lifetime, but they're a great source of ideas, especially for tiller boats. Good luck on the project!



Sea Foam Green Tiller Caimen - YouTube
Grey and White TiIler Caimen with Etec 60 - YouTube (This!!!!! Nom-nom-nom-nom, drool-drool-drool)

 

[Chip500]

Re: 14.5' Starcraft project

My plan is to install a floor, add a back bench, and paint the boat in an olive drab color. The boat primarily will be used to duck hunt and fish in the lakes around the triangle area of NC. Right now I'm trying to find a long shaft tiller motor that will be sufficient to push this boat. I'm looking for at least a 25 as others have suggested but would prefer a 35. Realistically I only need enough motor to push two guys, a dog, and whatever gear we will have.

I have cut and fit the new transom and will be moving on to the floor next. I'm thinking about using 1x10s and counterboring the holes. I plan on riveting the floor in place and plugging the counterbored holes. Has anyone tried this instead of plywood?

 

[barato2]

Re: 14.5' Starcraft project

how much do you and your buddies weigh? if you mean pine 1x10s, i don't think it will be strong enough. and once you counterbore the hole 1/4" below the surface, your rivets are only holding on 1/2" of pine.

 

[Chip500]

Re: 14.5' Starcraft project

Yeah that's the same concern that I'm having. I'm 140 lbs but my buddy is probably 200-210. There is about a 24" span between center support and the fastening location on the ribs. I'm worried about the possibility of the wood flexing too much and sheering the rivets.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 14.5' Starcraft project

Some folks even use diamond plate or aluminum for the floor in their duck boats. I used 3/4" plywood for my decks and it's super strong, but I probably could've saved a bit of weight and used 1/2" instead. You could even go with a semi-removable slotted floor of some sort using 1" x 4" similar to the pics below.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: 14.5' Starcraft project

I'd go 5/8" ply before 1X anything

Although it'd look nice, running 1X4's that direction would require an entire new support system perpendicular to the stringers.

Unless you tongue & groove the 1X's they will expand & contract, opening gaps along their length. Not ideal for fishing lures/hooks, hunting ammo or dog's nails....

Ply's much more stable & stronger in a given thickness.............

It won't be significantly more weight, or expense to use 3/4" and there's nothing to be adjusted to allow for 3/4" instead of 1/2" like original, windshields/consoles, etc................

 

[Chip500]

Re: 14.5' Starcraft project

With 3/4 ply would you still suggest riveting to the floor without counterbore?