1963 Starcraft Starchief OR 1975 Starcraft Islander?

[ATLFire20]

So... I started hunting an aluminum boat, found one, then found iboats and a whole bunch of Starcraft "nuts" (who knew?).
Anyway, your restoration forums on these boats helped me to identify what I had, got me all excited and tuned up to start my project, and then I find ANOTHER one not 30 miles from my house.

That being said, here's what I am working with:

1963 Starchief, 1963 Evinrude Starflite OB 75HP Manual shift (everything is there,wiring and cables are rotten), trailer (decent, but not great; also tilts)



1975 Islander, 120 HP Mercruiser I/O (everything looks to be there, controls/gauges/trim tabs), trailer (great shape Southern Draw)




I paid the same price for both of them and can get my money back in scrap aluminum from either (hopefully it doesnt come to that) if I need to. My question is which do I restore and which do I "sell"?
My thought is to commit to one and put the other on Ebay.

There isn't a dry piece of wood in either and all of that needs to be done. The Starchief has been gutted out and is ready for the pressure washer/paint stripper. The Islander was just brought home yesterday and needs to get gutted and prepped.
Both hulls are good, I would say the Islander is in better shape (as far as dents/scratches/dings) and I am leaning toward it only bc of the size and configuration. I am not totally commited to either and have nothing but time in them other than the purchase.

Both were bought for a song and I really like both - just wondering what ppl have to say about which one and why. Also, when it comes time to sell one, what would you value them at as a gutted aluminum (with all the trim/useful stuff) boat, motor, and trailer?

Any help is appreciated, also "both" is not an option. I dont have a lot of space, and my wife's patience with the "boat" thinned out with the arrival of number 2. It's also important to note that the wife wants me to keep the Islander.

 

[NoSkillz]

Re: 1963 Starcraft Starchief OR 1975 Starcraft Islander?

Id love that StarChief but if I bring something else home I will become homeless. =/

 

[clemsparks]

Re: 1963 Starcraft Starchief OR 1975 Starcraft Islander?

Howdy!

I, personally, would prefer the inboard/outboard powered one. But I realize that a lot of folks would rather have an outboard.

On another note...I am VERY curious to know how much difference in hull design there is between the two back where it matters (stringers, transom, any related supports, etc). If you get a chance to look around and/or take some pictures, I'd appreciate if you could tell me the difference(s). I'd like an in/out Starcraft, but typically see outboard ones. I'd like to know if a swap is feasible.

Thanks,
Clem

 

[kjdunne]

Re: 1963 Starcraft Starchief OR 1975 Starcraft Islander?

"wife wants me to keep the Islander", in my world the decision is made, happy wife = happy life.
Power wash the Cheiftan and sell it to another project hunter. As for value, check your local ads, craigslist, etc. If you got it for a song, anything more than what you paid is a start on the (chronically insufficient) rebuild fund.

 

[ATLFire20]

Re: 1963 Starcraft Starchief OR 1975 Starcraft Islander?

The transoms are very different. I don't think outboard to I/O would be easy, but the other way around I would think could be quick. Just my .02, I am by no means an expert. It may take me a few days, but I will do my best to post some pictures.

 

[clemsparks]

Re: 1963 Starcraft Starchief OR 1975 Starcraft Islander?

Cool...thanks!

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1963 Starcraft Starchief OR 1975 Starcraft Islander?

I'm partial to OB's so you know what my choice would be.

 

[Pmccraney]

Re: 1963 Starcraft Starchief OR 1975 Starcraft Islander?

Since both are rotted-out projects and similar size (layout) think your choices basically comes down to a combination of 3 things: (1) trailer (which may be irrelevant if you can swap the better trailer between boats); (2) exterior hull condition (no dents, dock rash, no corrosion, etc..), and (3) what type of power you want.

Many people like I/Os for their power, sound and the clean look of the transom (from the outside)... However, the downside is that there are a lot of moving parts, they can be maintenance intensive (gimbal bearings, bellows replacements, etc...) and and they take up a bunch of room in the back of the boat....

Personally, I tend to find more negatives than positives with an i/o setup...

EDIT: I missed the very last sentence about the admiral wanting the Islander, so scrap everything I just said: your decision comes down to 1 thing! Boat projects require a lot of time and money so having your wife's blessing is not only mandatory, but beneficial.

 

[GWPSR]

Re: 1963 Starcraft Starchief OR 1975 Starcraft Islander?

I think your wife's opinion is worthy of consideration, and not just for the obvious reasons. That Islander is probably a somewhat better investment overall, sounds like the trailer is better, and you won't be mixing oil and gas. Pull up to the pump and go.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: 1963 Starcraft Starchief OR 1975 Starcraft Islander?

The Admiral has chosen the Islander, so that decision's already been made.

Rig & swap the better trailer for it, but it sounds like it's already on the better trailer.

Spend some time, maybe a couple bucks (but as little as possible) & get the OB running on the Starchief, pressure wash the hull, scrub it good in & out and SELL it. Anyway you can: CL, ebay, however you found them, etc. If the windows are hazy but not crazed (super fine internal cracking) maybe try to polish them clear again. It currently looks a lot like boats on CL that haven't been given any attention in years before a 'for sale' ad pix is snapped. A clean boat will sell sooner & for more $ then 1 that isn't.

Since the boat & motor are the same year, I'd be inclined to try & sell all 3 at once to a guy looking for a '63 cuddy project. The motor's big & heavy, unless they're doing a pretty good resto & WANT a vintage motor, few people will be looking for a big ole '63 75hp OB.

The hull will be tougher to sell w/out the motor & even harder still w/out the trailer.

If you're feeling generous, you might swing by & leave it over at GA-boater's place. I hear his Admiral LOVES project in the driveway:watermelon:

Welcome to the Starmada, your membership has already been approved since you succumbed to MBS before posting the 1st rig. Your 1st year's dues have already been paid by Jasoutside.

Lots of good SC builds in here:
Starcraft Rebuilds and Restorations, they're all here!

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: 1963 Starcraft Starchief OR 1975 Starcraft Islander?

Welcome to the Starmada, neighbor. You jumped right into MBS with a vengeance.

JB - Hush yer mouf. :watermelon:

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: 1963 Starcraft Starchief OR 1975 Starcraft Islander?

JB - Hush yer mouf.

Apologies to you & your Admiral. Mine just made it ABUNDANTLY clear that my copy of the Starmada~V~Admiral dictionary is out of date & wildly inaccurate :facepalm:

Apologies again, & to the OP for littering up his thread:watermelon:

I passed this thread along to someone looking for an SC, not a cuddy, but ya just never know

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: 1963 Starcraft Starchief OR 1975 Starcraft Islander?

No apologies needed. Mums the word. If I don't take pics, it never happened. Right? :lol:

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: 1963 Starcraft Starchief OR 1975 Starcraft Islander?

Sure, & if asked under duress, I have NO IDEA whatever you're talking about :cool-new:

 

[SigSaurP229]

Re: 1963 Starcraft Starchief OR 1975 Starcraft Islander?

The Admiral has chosen the Islander, so that decision's already been made.

Rig & swap the better trailer for it, but it sounds like it's already on the better trailer.

Spend some time, maybe a couple bucks (but as little as possible) & get the OB running on the Starchief, pressure wash the hull, scrub it good in & out and SELL it. Anyway you can: CL, ebay, however you found them, etc. If the windows are hazy but not crazed (super fine internal cracking) maybe try to polish them clear again. It currently looks a lot like boats on CL that haven't been given any attention in years before a 'for sale' ad pix is snapped. A clean boat will sell sooner & for more $ then 1 that isn't.

Since the boat & motor are the same year, I'd be inclined to try & sell all 3 at once to a guy looking for a '63 cuddy project. The motor's big & heavy, unless they're doing a pretty good resto & WANT a vintage motor, few people will be looking for a big ole '63 75hp OB.

The hull will be tougher to sell w/out the motor & even harder still w/out the trailer.

If you're feeling generous, you might swing by & leave it over at GA-boater's place. I hear his Admiral LOVES project in the driveway:watermelon:

Welcome to the Starmada, your membership has already been approved since you succumbed to MBS before posting the 1st rig. Your 1st year's dues have already been paid by Jasoutside.

Lots of good SC builds in here:
Starcraft Rebuilds and Restorations, they're all here!

Just don't ask Jason where to put the battery in the boat.

 

[ATLFire20]

Re: 1963 Starcraft Starchief OR 1975 Starcraft Islander?

Thank you to those who have replied so far. I am happy to see both sides of the argument going through my mind manifest itself here from those who know. Seems I am on the right path. I am going to give it a couple more days to hear from others, too. Sounds like the Islander is where its at. I am much more of an automotive inclination and there is nothing about a GM product that makes me nervous. Especially something carbeurated with a cap and rotor. Spark and fuel is where its at.
GAboater, since you live so close, if there is any interest in cold beverages on a Saturday afternoon hanging around a gutted boat in a driveway under the GA sun, I am just a PM and 20 minutes away . (saw you are in Canton)

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: 1963 Starcraft Starchief OR 1975 Starcraft Islander?

A quick shot up GA 20 from Canton to C'ville. I launch at Red Top a lot, so I'm in the nearby area a lot. It would be nice to see an Islander up close.

I've done everything but paint to my tinny, so it's not new to me. I used to have a M/C 120 in a glasser (UGH) long ago. Easy to work on and the Islander has to have more working room than my old itcher. Unfortunately I gave the MercCruiser manuals to the buyer when I sold her.

We'll set up a day/time. Should be fun to meet an Islander.

 

[ATLFire20]

Re: 1963 Starcraft Starchief OR 1975 Starcraft Islander?

After much thought, and your input, the Islander is it. I spent a day cleaning up the Starchief and it actually came out pretty nice. It is now listed locally on Craigslist and we will see. Just have to be patient. Because I know everyone likes pictures, here is one of the Starchief all cleaned up:



Also, here is a WHOLE BUNCH of pictures of the boat from every-which way, just for your enjoyment...

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0BzV5nUQEm6b0ZEdFUFZHRl9EU00&usp=sharing

I will start a new thread in the next week or so as I get rolling on the Islander. Thanks to all!

 

[classiccat]

Re: 1963 Starcraft Starchief OR 1975 Starcraft Islander?

Nice job cleaning-up the chief! Has the Admiral seen the spit-shined version? maybe she'll change her mind!

I really dig the old Starchiefs...the hardtop reminds me of an old pick-up truck bed cap and the helms look like something designed by Shelby Stanga :lol: cool arse boats!