1972 Starcraft Chieftain restoration

[MichaelP]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Chieftain restoration

I put a slight bow in my transom because I put on so much weight that it flexed the bench under it. Doh!! Now I wish I had posted that tidbit earlier. OK note to everyone watching..Always layup your new transoms on something flat and strong like the garage floor. As Woodonglass pointed out to me, too much weight can starve the joint by squeezing all your adhesive out.

Good to see your progress.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Chieftain restoration

The best clamp for a transom is the garage floor, some plastic, some 2x4s and your truck parked on top overnight.

 

[73 Dolphin]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Chieftain restoration

Hey boatnut 74. Nice job ! I have a '74 chieftain that was converted to a center console some time back by the previous owner. I can see from the picture on page 3 that the floor height was at the level of the paint about 3 " boards" up. Mine is right down to the bottom point of the hull. It's nice because I stand a lot lower in the boat. I just had to replace the gimbal assembly and at the time the transom seemed good enough but now I see that it needs replacing ( didn't really look too hard first time around ! ). Did you pull yours on the trailer and if so did you have to brace the hull or no ?

The way mine is set up is a lowered floor, center console, gunnels wrapped in stainless.The front cap and hatch are still there and there is enough room to store lifejackets etc but is tight. You could not sit in it.The gas tanks are covered in plywood and act as seats in the front of the boat in the open part of the hull.

Can't wait to see your next posts !

 

[boatnut74]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Chieftain restoration

73 Dolphin, I actually had my "cap" pulled off when I removed the transom. It's not necessary though. I did add some braces on the inside of the hull.

 

[boatnut74]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Chieftain restoration

We had some pretty strong storms roll through the area last night. I have my cap sitting on the trailer and the wind picked it up and moved it. I now have a crease on each side of the windshield and a crack by the hatch. Not sure what I'm going to do yet. I'll post some pics here shortly.

 

[boatnut74]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Chieftain restoration

This is where it cresed, not sure if I can work it out or not.

This cracked where PO welded it up

 

[MichaelP]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Chieftain restoration

Sorry to see that damage but it's all repairable. Having it rewelded should be a snap and if you bring it to a fab shop all cleaned they may not even charge you for such a small job, just be sure to mention what your restoring.

 

[boatnut74]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Chieftain restoration

Im not sure what Im going to do yet. The project is on hold right now due to lack of time and money. Time will tell.

 

[yooperangler]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Chieftain restoration

Sorry to see the storm damage. I guess worse case You could always go topless.It looks like its fixable from here. I know the feeling with the time and money situation still hoping to get mine in the water this year but looking doubtful.

 

[ErikF]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Chieftain restoration

Boatnut,

Too bad about the damage, I'm not a bodyman but it does look like the creases will be possible to work out, maybe not perfect unless you want to invest a lot of time, and/or money but probably well enough for a 10' boat.

I'll be watching this thread with interest as I recently bought a 1971 21' Chieftain nearly identical to the one you're working on restoring.

I don't believe the weld is from the PO, mine is like that too and I'm betting it was factory that way.

Nice looking boat!

Erik

 

[MichaelP]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Chieftain restoration

^^^^^X2 on the weld...Mine is the same.

 

[boatnut74]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Chieftain restoration

That's interesting on the weld.

 

[boatnut74]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Chieftain restoration

Due to a lack of time and funds I decided to sell the Chieftain. A gentleman has been asking about it for awhile so I gave him a call and he came and got it. All he got was the bare hull. I still have the motor, drive, trailer and all the hardware. I admit it was hard to do but my fiance said we can get another Starcraft when time and money allow.

 

[yooperangler]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Chieftain restoration

Sorry to hear You needed to sell her best of luck finding the next project though

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Chieftain restoration

Oh man Andrew, what a bummer

Did ya tell him about us? Maybe we can keep an eye on it?

 

[MichaelP]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Chieftain restoration

That's too bad you had to get rid of it but let us know when your ready and we'll help you find another one.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Chieftain restoration

I admire your responsibility, fiscal discipline and honesty.

There are plenty around for sale, so when you are ready to get after it again we'll be here.

 

[boatnut74]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Chieftain restoration

It was hard to do but I think it was for the best. I mentioned iboats to him but he didn't seem to care. I've been doing some work for a guy I work with over the last year and a half and he's giving me a 24' boat in exchange for my work. I'm just gonna get it running and freshen up the cabin in use it. It does have one issue......an OMC stringer. The drive still works so I'll use it for now. Till then I'm gonna keep my eye out for a 18-22 Holiday. I think it would scream with that 4.3 .

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Chieftain restoration

Yah Bro, whta those guys said^^^.

We got your back!

 

[Bwana Don]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Chieftain restoration

As I get a minute I'm trying to catch up on everyone's progress. Just found out you sold her. You'll get another when the time is right. I can defiantly relate to the time and money thing.

Best of luck to you.