196? Newbie Restore

[Clayjunky]

Hey Folks,

I've really enjoyed perusing this forum the last week, and have been in awe by some of the restorations taking place. I just traded a nice 30.06 for a 1971 Starcraft with a 100% aluminum hull and a 1975 70HP Evinrude. All dates are speculative until I can verify. Motor is fantastic and boat is solid. I do need some advice on a few things I want to take care of this season. I really love the classic look of this boat and can see it being a beauty when finished, one day....


Painting fiberglass? The bow has a fiberglass cover that runs down along the gunnel/gunwhale. It's a nasty green color with remnants of white paint. I really would like to remove all the hardware, sand it down a bit and give a fresh coat of white. My question is, just a light sand and an epoxy based paint using the roller/brush method? I am looking for the most aesthetically pleasing for the buck.

Hull stripping? As you can see by the photos, there is some residual junk on the hull. What do you suggest I clean it with,something that won't melt my lungs please?

Cheap Floor? The floor is a nasty color gray and has about a 12" soft spot. I don't want to get into glassing this year, ultimately I THINK that's the way I want to go. However, I would like to have a nice new floor. What about vinyl pebble board? The junk ya line a tub install with? I thought I could slap some down, caulk the edges or seal with polyurethane, and have a nice floor covering for the season. Thoughts?

I also would love to paint the engine. Would marine spray paint suffice? I really want an all white, very classic look.

I need new seats too, but I found some cheapos at Walmart to get me through the season.

Thank you, and all advice/info on this boat is welcomed.

Clay

 

[elkhunter338]

Re: Newbie In Need

Re: Newbie In Need

I am not sure about the fiberglass. I would just do some research on how to paint fiberglass and follow those instructions. I would either brush it or use multiple coats from a good quality spay can.
The floor for just a temporary fix I would probably install a layer of the roofing sheeting from homedepot that they sell for about $7 a sheet, screw it down to your existing floor and maybe give it a coat of primer and non skid deck coating. Should cost you about $50 for a temp fix. I would probably caulk all the seams. I would plan on tearing out this temp fix at the end of the season.
You could double up the thickness where you mount the seats to by glueing and screwing another thickness of something (3/4 plywood) to mount your seats to.
Just my quick thoughts.
For a permanent floor I would go with marine plywood and there are some great tips on how to finish the floor on this site. I think some use cps, glass the floor. I used exterior primer and non skid deck coating which is working good, but I think I would have used the cps first as a initial primer if I had to redo my floor. I would stick with the non skid deck coating because I like the floor not having carpet but yet has some traction to it.

 

[Isaacm1986]

Re: Newbie In Need

Re: Newbie In Need

Welcome to Iboats, there are a lot of people here who can help out.

As far as the deck goes (not the floor), I would take the time to fix it. A weekend of work, and a 18 pack of beer and the job is done. However if you are just going to do a cheap fix, just get some 3/4" plywood, slap it down with some deck screws and throw some carpet over it until you can actually replace the whole thing.

The fiberglass painting. Give it a good sanding with some 60 or 80 grit, and then go over it again with some 400 or higher. pickup a gallon of the rustoleum professional oil based paint and use the roll and tip method. The paint really comes out nice and works really well. below is a picture of the one we just painted.

I don't have any advise for you on the hull stripping. I have not worked with many aluminum boats before.

I hope the boat serves you well this summer!

 

[Clayjunky]

Re: Newbie In Need

Re: Newbie In Need

Thanks for the advice guys, and correcting me on the proper vocab. The paint on your fiberglass looks amazing! Was that several coats or a just one?

Any advice on restoring some of the stainless steel hardware?

Below the pic of the Starcraft logo on my post above, there is a strip of molding that must act as a bumper. It has since turned green (white originally I believe) and I would like to replace this. I have googled my brains out trying to find the name but unsuccessful.

Thanks again, I know I'm really going to enjoy this project and this site.

Clay

 

[Clayjunky]

Re: Newbie In Need

Re: Newbie In Need

One more quick question. What is the easiest method for getting the deck dimensions? I have seen people using butcher paper and scrolling. It's currently in three sections and for a seasonal fix, I do just want to 'slap down' a piece on top. Thanks !

 

[bananaboater]

Re: Newbie In Need

Re: Newbie In Need

Welcome to the SC owners group.

"Painting fiberglass? The bow has a fiberglass cover that runs down along the gunnel/gunwhale. It's a nasty green color with remnants of white paint. I really would like to remove all the hardware, sand it down a bit and give a fresh coat of white. My question is, just a light sand and an epoxy based paint using the roller/brush method? I am looking for the most aesthetically pleasing for the buck. "

If you do indeed have glass there it is a retrofit by a POB. I would be very surprised if that is the case, more likely aluminum.

Than green lower rub rail may indeed be green in color to match the green decking. My Jet is from the same era and it is red through and through. There is no source for a perfect fit replacement vinyl for these older SCs. I am keeping mine and still experimenting on how to restore them to original color/condition.

This link will take you to a source for brochures http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=349830

Albert

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Newbie In Need

Re: Newbie In Need

As far as I can tell....there's no fiberglass on that boat.

I just painted mine with Petit Easypoxy and cannot say enough good things about it.

 

[GLG fishing]

Re: Newbie In Need

Re: Newbie In Need

X3 no fiberglass on that boat. Look at picture 2 the one with the seats. You can see the seam under the corner of the windshield. That?s where all the tin boats have their seam.
As for temp fix on the floor. Don?t just put a new floor over on old floor. If you go to the trouble of buying the wood and fitting it in you have done most of the hard work already.
Heck pulling the floor and using your it for a template is a lot easier than trying to trace on paper and transferring to wood. You might be better off cutting out the section of bad wood and putting a patch piece in its place. Use the piece you cut out as your template for the patch. Put some strips of plywood under the hole around the edges. That way you have something to screw and glue to. The plywood is probably 5/8 unless someone replaced it with 3/4. Nice boat well worth doing quality work to.

 

[Andy in NY]

Re: Newbie In Need

Re: Newbie In Need

clay, welcome to the starcraft club!

if you look at some of our resto threads, doing the deck is a pretty easy job and like someone else said, can be done in a weekend. better to do it right the first time.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Newbie In Need

Re: Newbie In Need

Nice old rig Clay, welcome to the starcraft club. We love working on old aluminum boats.

I have to agree that I don't see any 'glass on your rig. The gunwale is aluminum and can be painted over as mentioned.

Check out some of the starcraft restoration threads for best practices and ideas, there are quite a few of us

 

[Bwana Don]

Re: Newbie In Need

Re: Newbie In Need

Nice looking boat, well worth restoring. I don't think there is any fiberglass on it. Strictly aluminum, unless someone did some crazy modification to it.

Check out some of the restoration threads here. Northbeach did an old Sunchief that turned out pretty good. I'm not giving him full credit when I say pretty good, it's actually fantastic. That is probably the major reason I had to have a Starcraft, that restoration is off the hook. It is considered the "mark" by many here in these parts.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=286412

You will find most all of your questions have been answered by at least a few people here. Just look over the threads and you'll find great information on how to make your "Tinne" look great.

My opinion on the floor; don't add a floor over a semi rotten floor. Pull it up and put down a new one. Others have suggested this and I agree, but it's your call.

Welcome to the "club".

 

[Clayjunky]

Re: Newbie In Need

Re: Newbie In Need

Thanks everybody for the warm welcome. I feel like it's the opening day up at deer camp, I'm definitely getting a fever for these boats and this project.

So here's my situation. I traded a gun for this boat and am in no position to drop a lot of $ into it. I need to prioritize what to fix for this season to make it safe and reliable. I'm replacing the deck and will be painting the skirt around the bow and cockpit to make her presentable.

It has the old pulley system for steering and the previous owner suggested a new cable for the throttle. The pulley system has cracks throughout the outer coating and looks like it's gonna go. Any advice on replacing this? I'm hoping this is not a terribly long or difficult process, as Cobia are running in a few weeks.


I spent about an hour yesterday on her, tearing out the old seats. I'm debating what to do with the deck, I'm not a fan of carpet so if ya have any suggestions, please pass them on. I may follow one member's advice and paint it with non-skid deck paint. I bought some old seats out of a 67 Carver, the guy did a complete restore on her and the wood floor was awesome. Probably slippery, but what a looker.


Thanks Again-

Clay

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Newbie In Need

Re: Newbie In Need

Your motor most likely has a steering tube to it could be retrofitted with a modern system http://www.iboats.com/Uflex-Rotec-R...50636957--**********.433554022--view_id.49379 I did this on my Jupiter and it was a great upgrade. I can understand you may not want to spend the money though. If all your pulleys are in good shape you can probably replace the cable. If you can still find coated clothesline cable that's certainly what it looks to be.

 

[Andy in NY]

Re: Newbie In Need

Re: Newbie In Need

Clay, If you haven't checked out my resto thread yet, do it now! Just kidding. Seriously though, I dropped about $900 into mine including cash towards a motor. Its pretty damn presentable with what I have into it. Check out the link in my signature.

I hate carpet. I glassed the top of the deck and painted it with porch paint, and it looks ok. I added some sand to the paint for traction, and its not too abrasaive.

 

[Clayjunky]

Re: 196? Newbie Restore

Day 15 of 19 straight work days, thankfully I was able to get out this afternoon, shoot to Lowes and begin the deck. I decided that with my luck, and the horrible condition of my deck, I better not risk the wood falling apart on me and losing the template. Thus, I bought two sheets of polywall for bathroom remodeling ($15 a 4'x8' sheet) and cut the floor templates. This stuff is fantastic, I may consider keeping it down on top of the new deck. It's highly waterproof, has a gloss side (which I would keep face down) and a rough non-slip side. I really am not a carpet fan, so I'm thinking of alternatives. At least now I have the templates and can bust out the deck w/out too much worry. My goal is getting the deck down after work this week so I can get her in the water this weekend. Shoot, I better get the seats cleaned up and installed too....or buy a few lawn chairs.

Thanks to everyone for the great ideas, I'm going to look into getting the steering system replaced with rack and pinion. I also need to buy Seatow, figure it's the price of a steering system and probably a little more important before taking her out. I did take the boat out with the previous owner and had a blast on her. Steering is really a pain, must need some lube. Thanks Bob and North Beach for the ID help, they pointed out my title is really off, by at least 6 years.


Clay

 

[wvmedic]

Re: 196? Newbie Restore

Looking good Clay, I would agree on the steering system. When you have the extra coin to switch it over, you wont be disappointed.

Jeff

 

[Clayjunky]

Re: 196? Newbie Restore

Well, I've come to a decision for this year. I'm giving the boat a lipstick job and will plan on doing a restore over the winter months. Between insurance, title fees, registration, SeaTow membership, and general junk to get her in the water, I'm well over my budget. I painted her white using a good enamel from Rustoleum and slapped in a new deck, kept the polywall sheets on and picked up some used lounge seats off Craigslist for $50.

I will put new steering in, although LOWES actually has the pulleys and line. I could redo it for $15 instead of $100+, so we shall see.

I love her, she looks so much better and I look forward to 'doing it right' if time and money allows. However, I'm looking MORE forward to getting her in the bay tomorrow and trying to come home with some Reds.

So, for a few hundred bucks not a bad transformation. As one member told me, it's just an old boat and not to sweat it.



Borderline Poverty Makeover!

BEFORE.....

AFTER....

Clay

 

[wvmedic]

Re: 196? Newbie Restore

Hey Clay, looking good man.

So, for a few hundred bucks not a bad transformation.
As one member told me, it's just an old boat and not to sweat it.

Borderline Poverty Makeover!
I totally agree with the above.

Let us know how you do on them reds, that is after all what it's about.

Jeff

 

[GLG fishing]

Re: 196? Newbie Restore

Clayjunky you will be on the water looking good.
I went out today fishing for salmon.
Not my boat, mine is still winterized.
Hit a few fish but they were all under size.
The whole idea is to get the heck out there.
I think I here those reds calling you.
The complete restore can wait.
Tight lines

 

[fshngho]

Re: 196? Newbie Restore

Clay, I know (and understand) the fishing bug done bit you, but in my opinion you would love a better steering system. I have had both, and the cable system cant hold a candle to the newer system. Have you tried any boat junk yards around you? You would be surprised as you may be able to pick up everything for less that 50 bucks. Good luck fishing, Dale