18' Starcraft SS Restoration

[LonLB]

Re: 18' Starcraft SS Restoration

Still plugging along gents/ladies. First I will tell you all that I have had a lull in my posting due to my wife has had minor heart surgery. Thank God she will be fine but please understand this of me...when it comes to work-boat-anything actually, my family comes first. Having said that, Linda (wife) has been bit%^ing at me to go work on the boat. It must be my charismatic personality (or my cooking) that has forced me to the garage. Now my question for those who know. I am at the point to install the splashwell, and as I have read no-one likes the room it takes up. Now I have read on many, many post that someone has the answer but I have not yet seen it. I believe structural is one concern. Functionality the second. I have read and agree with EZ when it comes to 'jump seats' and that is what I am looking for. If ya'll force me to take the lead I will do so, but please let me know what you're thought are before I screw up.

I am going to lower mine approximately 4". This can be done either with heavy aluminum channel, or with a heavy gauge aluminum sheet bent in a brake, and fastened to the gunnell, and to the floor. Then the splash well attached to it.

Then I'm going to build a rear deck over a portion of it. And enclose some of it. I've got a drawing I'll scan and post. It will be higher than I'd like, but still better than losing all that room. And the deck won't be like a bass boat deck. Much shorter.

 

[LonLB]

Re: 18' Starcraft SS Restoration

Glad your wife is doing better!


BTW here is a picture of what I was talking about. Then back of the jump seat "doors" is actually the front of the original splash well. It would be all original and intact. Just lower, and with a deck built over it.

After the deck was On I figured it could be closed off on the sides (where the deck is) with either some aluminum bent in a brake, or with some thick ABS sheets I found locally.View attachment 80589

 

[fshngho]

Re: 18' Starcraft SS Restoration

Thanks Lon. The idea is to have easier access to board from the swim ladder, but also to gain greater room overall. I can't help but think a little reinforcement on the transom will allow this after I look at the newer boats. It's simply a matter of making sure the transom is supported. I am not an engineer nor do I understand the stress factors, but it sure would be nice to even gain a few inches. A lot of people have thought of this, but no-one has finished the idea. There just has to be a way for us novices to do this. I think I am going to try although I won't have specs to back me up. I can say safety is first.

 

[LonLB]

Re: 18' Starcraft SS Restoration

Thanks Lon. The idea is to have easier access to board from the swim ladder, but also to gain greater room overall. I can't help but think a little reinforcement on the transom will allow this after I look at the newer boats. It's simply a matter of making sure the transom is supported. I am not an engineer nor do I understand the stress factors, but it sure would be nice to even gain a few inches. A lot of people have thought of this, but no-one has finished the idea. There just has to be a way for us novices to do this. I think I am going to try although I won't have specs to back me up. I can say safety is first.

That was my plan too. I wanted a fishing platform, but without adding it, and having the splash well back there. That's why I would build over the top of it. Eventually down the road, I'd like to have some deck coushions built to snap or velcro onto there for the wife to sun on....

The carpeted deck would be much nicer to climb onto when entering a boat after swimming than that splash well. I can see that being a slippery, chin busting affair.:facepalm:
I want to add a ladder to the transom also. Then maybe add a grab handle on the gunnel facing up, back near the transom to grab onto when climbing the ladder/entering the boat.


One other thing I'll add. If you do reduce the size of the splash well, you will have issues with taking on water in really rough water. It depends on the water you plan to be in of course.
My last aluminum was an 06' Tracker with a small splash well, and a rear deck like what I want to build. It would get water splashed up onto the rear deck. This was in really rough conditions though. I was using a kicker to slip the boat, since the 65lb T/M wasn't even close to strong enough.


In that situation a set of splash guards would be a good idea.


One other thing.....
What you can't see in the newer boats is that they do still have structure tied into the gunnell/rear of the boat. It's just in the form of a small rear deck. Some of the smaller tiller boats do have a full width splash well that is MUCH shorter, but don't forget you do need to leave room to tilt your motor all the way up.

 

[fshngho]

Re: 18' Starcraft SS Restoration

Thanks Lon, I'm not new to this and what you pointed out are all good things to consider. I may be on the Bay...? Or just on a calm lake...but I don't want to be wishing " I should have done this..." That is my dilema. I am fully aware NO BOAT will fit all requirements, but I'm doing my best to fit my wants & needs. From bass fishing in shallow waters to fishing in the Bay. From being by myself to having a boatload of kids (grandchildren). From bringing in freckels, crappie, bass, pike, to stripers, 40# cats or whatever, as long as I am on the water and the people that join me are having a good time. Yeah, I can go tubing, cruising, fishing, or just taking it easy and maybe camping. (thats the best)
Will one boat do it all? Heck I don't know, but I gotta try since my resourses are limited . I do know I will do with what I have. Just like the guys I am learning from. Thanks so much for your information. Keep it coming Bro and thanks for stopping by,you are the reason I ask questions.

 

[LonLB]

Re: 18' Starcraft SS Restoration

Thanks Lon, I'm not new to this and what you pointed out are all good things to consider. I may be on the Bay...? Or just on a calm lake...but I don't want to be wishing " I should have done this..." That is my dilema. I am fully aware NO BOAT will fit all requirements, but I'm doing my best to fit my wants & needs. From bass fishing in shallow waters to fishing in the Bay. From being by myself to having a boatload of kids (grandchildren). From bringing in freckels, crappie, bass, pike, to stripers, 40# cats or whatever, as long as I am on the water and the people that join me are having a good time. Yeah, I can go tubing, cruising, fishing, or just taking it easy and maybe camping. (thats the best)
Will one boat do it all? Heck I don't know, but I gotta try since my resourses are limited . I do know I will do with what I have. Just like the guys I am learning from. Thanks so much for your information. Keep it coming Bro and thanks for stopping by,you are the reason I ask questions.

I'm in the same boat as you.....This has to work for everything. If not for that I'd just build one big fishing deck, and be done.

One of the biggest uses with the family will be on the lake we have access too, and live across the road from. Driving out to the sandy sunken island, anchoring, and swimming, and having a picnic with the family. I too want to fish some bigger water though, including st claire and traverse bays.

I should stress the water splashing issue was in extreme conditions. I had considered adding a belt like used on tree stands when standing on the deck casting.

 

[fshngho]

Re: 18' Starcraft SS Restoration

Finished installing some 1/2" PVC pipe. I ran 2 pieces from aft to stern for the infill and drain.

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This is the pump I bought, I will need to drill a hole in the lower transom and install it.

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Then I took 3 sheets of the closed cell foam and used my carpet knife to cut them up. If you use one of these knives, remember they are double edged.

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And I ended up with a ton of strips.

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Its not rocket science. I tried to cut them roughly 1"-1 1/2" wide, but its not that critical.
More..

 

[fshngho]

Re: 18' Starcraft SS Restoration

Then I laid the foam strips in and around everything possible.

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The idea is to allow for better water drainage and for air flow to dry out under the deck. I think I can pack more in there too.

Sorry been so long gents, but I'm still working on her. Kinda panicked the other day when I realized there is less than 2 months before its time to get her wet.

Will someone call off the mob....for now?:facepalm:

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 18' Starcraft SS Restoration

That is some pretty good thinking there Dale. Looks like you were able to pack a whole bunch in there! Hey, progress buddy, forward motion, good stuff!!

 

[djpeters]

Re: 18' Starcraft SS Restoration

Fish...I like your foam, packed in there good. Any concerns about that foam rattling around under there? I should be doing that in a few weeks hopefully.....

 

[lakelover]

Re: 18' Starcraft SS Restoration

There's something I hadn't thought of, kind of similar to the "noodle" approach. Besides what I have under the floor, I'll be stuffing as many strips as I can up under my gunwales, and a big fabricated chunk under the bow.

 

[fshngho]

Re: 18' Starcraft SS Restoration

OK gentlemen, and specifically EZ, check this out:
http://richmond.craigslist.org/boa/2174052159.html
I need advice,what would be anyones thoughts on this motor. I have contacted the guy and I can get the motor and accessories for my 14' jon boat and trailer.
I am pointing you out EZ 'cause you have a motor like this (although upgraded)

On a separate note: I was/am thinking of taking my motor and stuff off my bass boat to finish the SC, Then last evening I had a visit from PeeWee. Yeah, thats his name. He is the guy that tows the trailer for B.A.S.S. and it turn out he live a block away from me. He stopped by because he had seen my bass boat and my project. I was invited into his club, and I took that as a compliment. Now I am looking at maybe saving the bass boat and getting a motor for the SC. :facepalm::facepalm::facepalm:

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 18' Starcraft SS Restoration

I'd buy that 115 in a HEARTBEAT. Do a compression check. Anything else is cheaply fixable. With the possible exception of a 140, that's an IDEAL motor for your SC. I can't tell if it has TnT though. Although survivable, not having TnT is a bit of a pain.

 

[djpeters]

Re: 18' Starcraft SS Restoration

There's something I hadn't thought of, kind of similar to the "noodle" approach. Besides what I have under the floor, I'll be stuffing as many strips as I can up under my gunwales, and a big fabricated chunk under the bow.

I am planning the exact same thing.

 

[fshngho]

Re: 18' Starcraft SS Restoration

OK Gents, I could just scream. Allow me to tell you about my day. If you have kept up on this thread you would know about an offer for a motor I was trying to get. Well,.. after talking to the young man he wanted a jon boat and trailer, I had what he wanted and I had not used either in a decade or so. Here is what I could offer him.

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He liked and wanted it.
I paid $100. for the trailer and $100. for the boat many, many years ago.
Here is what I got....

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But wait, take a look at this pic, I got the ladder too.

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But there is more. They cut the dash out and I got the instruments, cleats, steering,and controls. And they did the work.

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More....

 

[fshngho]

Re: 18' Starcraft SS Restoration

So everything is packed up in my truck and I headed home.

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After I got home this evening, I looked a little closer and notice a SS prop that is well worth $300.

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I am sorry that I did not or could not uphold the principles of the SC clan and allowed myself to take advantage of these poor young gentlemen.
I am sure I will find it hard to sleep tonight.:facepalm:
Oh, BTW EZ, it does have tilt and trim. They had changed the lower unit oil and winterized it. It ran great on the old boat. They said about 45 mph.
I am so ashamed

 

[samo_ott]

Re: 18' Starcraft SS Restoration

Excellent deal!

 

[wtrbuster]

Re: 18' Starcraft SS Restoration

I bought an 18ft. a mon. ago for 500 , mine is an 84 has no open bow ,the rail at the front does not come together, has walk-thru windshield, might try manufactures I.D. No. The center glass on my boat-windshield is square with the boat, the out-side or ends are angled a little-bit, hull and else looks same, good find.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 18' Starcraft SS Restoration

Good lord, what a steal. All that for a crummy, tippy, little jon.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 18' Starcraft SS Restoration

Nice horse tradin Dale!!