1959 Jupiter....restore or sell? I need advice

[Jim77465]

I need advice?help me decide whether to go forward with this project or sell out.

I have a 1959 Jupiter hull. It?s in very good condition?no dents or scratches to deal with; not original paint, but same design as original paint job. The transom is in good condition. Interior has original front seats, original steering wheel but no steering cable or pulleys. It has original windshield in good shape, top and side curtains also. It has the original Michigan brand trailer. It?s registered in Texas now but came from Ohio and has only been in freshwater.

I bought it intending to restore the boat and repower it (thinking of a 40 to 60 hp 4-stroke) but that would cost big $$$. It would be a unique craft, but now I can?t decide whether to put that much money and time into it or pass it on to someone else and get a boat that?s ready to use. Would you put the time and $$$ into restoration? Or would you try to sell it? And what would be a reasonable price? I?m on the upper Texas coast and don?t know what the market would be for this boat in this area. What would YOU do with it?
Here?s some pictures?thanks for your thoughts!
Jim

 

[freedon]

Re: 1959 Jupiter....restore or sell? I need advice

I'd throw whatever motor on it I could find and go fishing!

Looks like a real nice boat, best of luck whatever you decision!

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: 1959 Jupiter....restore or sell? I need advice

Go for it, that boat is in good shape and aluminum rigs are not too costly to restore.

I bought my 16' SS for 1k and only have about another 1k into it so far.

Good luck to ya, welcome to the site.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1959 Jupiter....restore or sell? I need advice

Would you put the time and $$$ into restoration?

Click here and you will have your answer!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1959 Jupiter....restore or sell? I need advice

That's one of the oldest we've seen here and certainly in cherry shape. I'd fix it up.

 

[freedon]

Re: 1959 Jupiter....restore or sell? I need advice

Just curious, is there any reason you have limited yourself to Restore or Sell? When I hear restore I think full blown tear down and rebuild. Any reason you can't use it as is? It sure looks nice!

 

[Jim77465]

Re: 1959 Jupiter....restore or sell? I need advice

Just curious, is there any reason you have limited yourself to Restore or Sell? When I hear restore I think full blown tear down and rebuild. Any reason you can't use it as is? It sure looks nice!

Well, I bought it with a complete restoration in mind....I guess I don't like to inflict more wear and tear on it if someone else would be able to restore it to what it could be. And budget has become an issue since my wife retired this year. I may not have the $$$ to give it the restoration job it deserves.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1959 Jupiter....restore or sell? I need advice

That boat looks pretty useable as-is. Looks like you could do a slow resto on it without really taking it out of commission for long stretches. Here's a complete steering system for $110http://www.lowcostboatingstore.com/Uflex-Rotary-Steering-Package-9-ft-to-20-ft-with-STEERING-WHEEL_p_19.html A suitable older but still reliable 60+ HP 2 stroke outboard can be had for around $700-900. You don't have to go full blown 50 year resto on it either. Exterior plywood painted with porch paint will get the job done.

The first "phase" of my Jupiter restore was basically just a $600-700 order from BassPro for seats, carpet, and carpet glue and plus some exterior ply from Lowes.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/ezmobee/Boat Project/F0004.jpg
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/ezmobee/Boat Project/F0007.jpg
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/ezmobee/Boat Project/F0010.jpg

 

[freedon]

Re: 1959 Jupiter....restore or sell? I need advice

Well, I bought it with a complete restoration in mind....I guess I don't like to inflict more wear and tear on it if someone else would be able to restore it to what it could be. And budget has become an issue since my wife retired this year. I may not have the $$$ to give it the restoration job it deserves.

I understand your point...it could really be something but like ezmobee mentioned you could do it in bits and pieces and enjoy it at the same time.

My thinking, as in your original question, if I had this boat there is no way I'd sell it

 

[mccurtis]

Re: 1959 Jupiter....restore or sell? I need advice

Great looking boat I would put an engine on it and use it.

 

[heyyou325]

Re: 1959 Jupiter....restore or sell? I need advice

I agree with the others. I think the old boats are best. Also, do you want it to use, or for resale later. Not usually much money in resale of old boats. But I'd run it a season, and fix what needs it this winter, or decide then. Probably be better to put something other than cables and pullys for steering I'm told. And if you're gonna put a 4 cycle on it, remember they are heavier, and have a little more torque than a 2. My older 16 ft boat will only take an 85 horse, and I'm told about 75 horse 4 cycle. Should be a little plate on the back end to tell you what's max.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1959 Jupiter....restore or sell? I need advice

And if you're gonna put a 4 cycle on it, remember they are heavier, and have a little more torque than a 2.

? I believe 2 strokes typically outperform 4 strokes.

 

[dozerII]

Re: 1959 Jupiter....restore or sell? I need advice

Welcome Jim, that is a real nice looking old Starcraft, I agree with the others, it doesn't look like it needs a lot of work to make it usable.
Glen

 

[TheWrks]

Re: 1959 Jupiter....restore or sell? I need advice

Welcome Jim have fun with the Jup, put her in the water and enjoy...

 

[rockb]

Re: 1959 Jupiter....restore or sell? I need advice

I'd say put on old 2 stroke on it and enjoy.

 

[Bighoss]

Re: 1959 Jupiter....restore or sell? I need advice

I would never sell it. Use it. If you wanted to restore it, put a couple hundred into whenever you're able to.

 

[emoney]

Re: 1959 Jupiter....restore or sell? I need advice

I don't think too many people like those old Starcrafts anyway. Might as well make a lawn ornament out of it. They make great planters I've heard. Get a good boat; get a fiberglass.

 

[Pugetsound]

Re: 1959 Jupiter....restore or sell? I need advice

WHAT???????????????????????? be nice now. Pugetsound in the OTHER OCEAN Pacific n.w.

 

[Jim77465]

Re: 1959 Jupiter....restore or sell? I need advice

I appreciate the suggestions....but to be realistic about what I can do money-wise and all my other projects, I probably will put it up for sale. Just need to figure out where to list it...I doubt that there's much market in or around my small town but maybe there's someone who wants a project!! Jim

 

[dogbert58]

Jim,
Just joined and came across your old post about the 1959 Starcraft Jupiter. Do you still have this boat? If not any idea what happened to it?