1969 18ft Starcraft Chieftain Slow Build/Restore. (First Boat)

[Catfishcabin]

So I picked up my very first boat two weeks ago for $1700. In the long run I would love to restore it but that is going to take a lot of time because I'm going to use it very often. After a little bit of work I got the motor running fairly well the only issue is the trim is not functional and needs new lines at the very least. I am an avid cat fisherman in Arizona and often spend many days in a row out at the lake which is why the cabin was ideal for me. I wanted aluminum because of my tow vehicle and my ability to beach the boat. I think I may have overpaid but I'm happy with the boat. It made its maiden voyage this weekend with very little problems. Any advice is more than welcome as I am not familiar with boats at all. Thank you for looking.

 

[Catfishcabin]

So after doing a bit of research on the Forum it looks as if this is a StarChief not a Chieftain? What are the main differences?

 

[kcassells]

I'm getting real tired of those great looking tin boats. Good luck w/the rebuild just make sure it's safe. Alot of nice tinnys in this forum will chime in.
Welcome aboard.

 

[Catfishcabin]

I'm getting real tired of those great looking tin boats. Good luck w/the rebuild just make sure it's safe. Alot of nice tinnys in this forum will chime in.
Welcome aboard.

I will be sure to keep it safe. And make sure the boat is as safe can be and thank you for the warm welcome. When I bought this boat I was just looking to buy a boat to use not even knowing what it was now after finding this forum and seeing a lot of restorations I am so glad I bought this because I am in love with some of the Restorations of this boat

 

[ezmobee]

As far as I know the Starchief was just the 18' Chieftain. Welcome aboard, glad to see about SC getting fixed up.

 

[Catfishcabin]

As far as I know the Starchief was just the 18' Chieftain. Welcome aboard, glad to see about SC getting fixed up.

well that would make sense why I wasn't seeing much of a difference between the chieftain and the StarChief. I'm happy to have the boat when I was looking for a boat all I knew was that I wanted and 18 foot aluminum deep V and this is what I ended up with. Surprisingly the floor is in good shape one soft spot, the transom looks to be in good shape but has a slight bow to it and the only wood that is in dire need of replacing are the two panels on the back of the cabin the entire console and the door to the cabin.

 

[Otrjames]

Welcome and good luck with your project.

 

[Catfishcabin]

Should be a fun learning experience. Thank you for the warm welcome