1966 starcraft (starchef) how big of an outboard

[JIMMYHOUSTON1977]

Hi maybe you guys can help ,im looking to buy this boat its a starcraft starchief 18ft aluminum has the cuddy and has a 180hp evinrude motor on it from what i gather on the internet these boats were rated up to 120hp i could be wrong it was hard finding any info on this year of the starcheif,you think it will be ok with the 180 hp motor i dont have much info on the motor year i know its later then the year of the boat however.the boat is in awesome condition and the motor is spotless my concern is the weight of the motor on the transom and is it overkill thanks for any help.

 

[64osby]

Re: 1966 starcraft (starchef) how big of an outboard

I think being overpowered by 50% speaks for itself.

If the boat is rated for 120hp get a 120

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1966 starcraft (starchef) how big of an outboard

There is no such thing as a 180HP Evinrude. Find out what it really is and report back. The largest motor I would hang on that hull is a 140HP 4 cylinder.

 

[JIMMYHOUSTON1977]

Re: 1966 starcraft (starchef) how big of an outboard

Yeah i thought something isnt right i cant find anything on a 180 hp evinrude outboard back then i just contacted the person .thanks for the responses.i will let you know.

 

[JIMMYHOUSTON1977]

Re: 1966 starcraft (starchef) how big of an outboard

Its an 85 hp evinrude .

 

[dozerII]

Re: 1966 starcraft (starchef) how big of an outboard

Welcome Jimmy, the boat won't be a screamer with the 85hp , but would plane and cruise pretty good.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: 1966 starcraft (starchef) how big of an outboard

And a running motor is a good motor....
So if it runs, it's of value, and can be used or sold to fund the boat resto or larger hp motor hunt...

Get a serial # or a year, and you can look the 85hp up. Even if it's an electric shift, if it runs, run it.

 

[Gibbles]

Re: 1966 starcraft (starchef) how big of an outboard

^

That's the great part about an outboard, run what you have and upgrade later.

In my starchief it will be a 65hp unless I get that 80hp running before I'm ready to splash it...

 

[laurentide]

Re: 1966 starcraft (starchef) how big of an outboard

I'll be running a 70. It's a strong running engine, and I've been told by those with similar rigs that it'll plane and cruise in the mid 20s (I'll have to finish my project to verify that :watermelon

I'm far from an expert on anything engine related, but the power to weight ratio of any engine is something to consider. If I were to upgrade, I'd probably look for a 90 hp Yamaha, which is still a triple, but it's lighter than any four cylinder...and I can't afford an E-Tec :grumpy:. Anyway, I reckon that 85 will move you along no problem...take my advice for what it's worth, though (not that much).

 

[JIMMYHOUSTON1977]

Re: 1966 starcraft (starchef) how big of an outboard

Hopefully next saturday ill have it I have to drive far to buy it ,this forum/thread is kool I enjoyed looking at all you're guys pics of you're boats .lots of character these older boats have I wouldn't want to buy nothing else .hopefully I get the boat and ill post some pics I need some ideas about interior set up .thanks