1972 Starcraft Super Sport 16' Conversion to Center Console

[jacobmeyers]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Super Sport 16' Conversion to Center Console

Today we started working (and finished) the center console. It's basic, but serves it's purpose. We used a Kreg jig to screw to an oak corner (2"x2") so we can route a radius on the console for a better look when we bondo and paint it. I ran into a problem today, where I planned to place my steering wheel (on the 45 degree angle) the cable won't reach, so I had to mount the steering wheel on the flat lower panel. It still works great for standing up, it actually may be better given the existing angle already on the steering wheel mount. it will be tough squeezing the cable housing in this tight area, but I think we can make it work.

Here are a few images of the console

 

[jacobmeyers]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Super Sport 16' Conversion to Center Console

Here are a few shots of the console in the boat for sizing and also to cut through the floor where we'll run the conduit.

 

[jacobmeyers]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Super Sport 16' Conversion to Center Console

I had to drill a hole through my aluminum rail in order for the steering cable to run through to the center of the boat, eventually coming up in side the console. I am still not sure about this. I worry about the housing wearing out on the sharp edges. I may stay on the outside of the rail and run the housing up on the outside of the console and just paint it. I am not sure what to do here.

 

[dozerII]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Super Sport 16' Conversion to Center Console

Great looking project you have, You could enlarge the hole though the stringer and use a 3 or 4 inch length of 3/4" poly hose as an insulator so the steering cable will not come in contact with the aluminum, just split the poly hose length wise on one side then tape it in the proper position on the steering cable.

 

[jacobmeyers]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Super Sport 16' Conversion to Center Console

Beautiful day in Cleveland today!!! We went to Home Depot to finish the floor, got that cut out and placed into the boat to check the fit. From there we figured where we'd cut a hole in the floor (3 locations under console and stern under splashwell) for the controls,steering, and wiring to run in conduit. Once that was complete, we hooked up the steerin to make sure it worked, and it did!!!

I'll tell you, taking a part that steering gear box is a B****. After that was done, we pulled everything out, gave it a quick vaccum, then sealed the edges of the plywood with some type of varnish sealer. We'll add another layer of this thick latex varnish to the bottom and edges. ONce that drys, it' time paint the top with whatever type paint we were thinking of using.

The project is coming along nicely.

My next project on this boat is to develop some type of lean post.

 

[jacobmeyers]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Super Sport 16' Conversion to Center Console

We had a 70 degree day in Cleveland today. We were able to put some varnish sealant on the bottom and edges of the floor pieces leaving the top unfinished to paint and texture after we fasten everything. Today we were able to get 3/4 of the floor temporarily fastened to the rails. In the aluminum rails under the floor we reinforced them with some solid oak to have some thing solid to screw the floor into.

We ran the conduit for steering, controls, and electric under the floor then tried to fill in the best we could with the existing foam which we re-used. I couldn't pack as much in there as there was before, but I think it should be ok.

We cut out the console for the tach and tilt controls and routed the edges. The console had to be increased a touch in height, so we fastened on 2 inch strips of Birch to the bottom, we drilled vertically in those strips which will bolt straight through the floor. Considering we'll have a T-Top that connects to the console, we have to make sure this thing is secure.

Next weekend I am going to try to get the floor all painted, as well as the console. After that we'll get everything connected and fastened and can start planning the lean post and bow seating. I can't believe how much this boat has come along since day one when I randomly started tearing it apart.

Below are some pictures of the conduit, console in the boat, and a random shot from the top of my neighbors garage as I was trying to clean up some branches for them after Sandy rolled through.

 

[jacobmeyers]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Super Sport 16' Conversion to Center Console

A few more pictures from today

 

[jacobmeyers]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Super Sport 16' Conversion to Center Console

Is there any specific way the foam needs to be laid back into the boat? Is it ok if it isnt the way it was when removed? I have two conduit lines running up the middle that take up space and I am not able to put all the foam back in that area.

 

[Pmccraney]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Super Sport 16' Conversion to Center Console

I wouldn't sweat not having in foam in the middle where your conduit runs... In fact, a lot of folks try to keep that area open to allow a free drainage channel back to the bilge...

Remind me: What type of foam are you going with - 2-part pour in or sheets? If you go the pour in route, just use ply or cardboard as a blocker to keep the middle channel open. If you are using the sheets, just cut/shape them to accommodate your sub-deck infrastructure.

Hope this helps

 

[jacobmeyers]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Super Sport 16' Conversion to Center Console

I wouldn't sweat not having in foam in the middle where your conduit runs... In fact, a lot of folks try to keep that area open to allow a free drainage channel back to the bilge...

Remind me: What type of foam are you going with - 2-part pour in or sheets? If you go the pour in route, just use ply or cardboard as a blocker to keep the middle channel open. If you are using the sheets, just cut/shape them to accommodate your sub-deck infrastructure.

Hope this helps

I am just re-using what was in there. Most of the foam was like new, will buy a sheet from Home Depot to fill in where I threw some of the foam out.

Thanks for the advice!!!

 

[a1964rn]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Super Sport 16' Conversion to Center Console

Looking good there. I may want to try something like this...after I finish my old Tidecraft that is.

 

[jacobmeyers]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Super Sport 16' Conversion to Center Console

I got to work on the boat a lot this weekend, the weather was nice in Cleveland and the Browns suck, so that allows me extra time in the Aluminum Falcon. It started Saturday night, 1:30am coming home from a night out in Ohio City, we walked home from Great Lakes Brewery and decided it was time to prime the console. Maybe not in the best shape to start painting, especially on old vintage hardwood floors....whoops.

 

[jacobmeyers]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Super Sport 16' Conversion to Center Console

We thought a TON about how to connect the console to the floor so it would be solid enough to hold a T Top eventually. Keeping in mind that we reinforced the aluminum stringers with solid oak in places, we anchored the floor into that oak which made it solid. We pre-drilled the floor through the console and added oak strips under the floor as well to bolt through. This console is going nowhere.

 

[jacobmeyers]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Super Sport 16' Conversion to Center Console

I ran into a problem today I'd love some help with. I primed the floor where the console will go, as well as the console, so I could hook it all up and start running things under the floor. I wanted to get the steering hooked up as well. After hooking up the steering, I noticed it was very tight, much more than before. It still functions, but I am not comfortable with the tension on the wheel and worry about the plywood breaking eventually.

To solve the issue of the plywood, I was going to buy a small piece of aluminum to reinforce the back of the dash where the steering connects. Keeping in mind, the old set up was attached to particle board, which is much weaker.

Now for the steering issue. I am afraid my bend at the console is too extreme. I was thinking of off setting the holes to the steering bracket to the right about an inch, dropping the gearbox in the back down to a less extreme angle. The wheel is at a slight angle due to a bend in the bracket so I'd have to be careful not to offset it too much because then the wheel will be at a left to right angle instead of the natural up and down.

Any advice here as to why my steering is so stiff now???

 

[jacobmeyers]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Super Sport 16' Conversion to Center Console

Whoops.... didn't mean to post a picture of my dog.

 

[jacobmeyers]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Super Sport 16' Conversion to Center Console

Here are a couple more pictures of the progress thus far. Once I figure out the steering, I want to get the stern floor painted, re-connect the trim pump, re-assemble the stern doors under the splashwell, and frame in the bow seats. Finishing it all up with a nice paint job.

 

[jacobmeyers]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Super Sport 16' Conversion to Center Console

Does anyone know of a good floor surface that isn't super expensive? I am not going carpet again, but think painted plywood isn't the answer. I have a dog with nails who will mess up a nice surface, I need something that is tough.

 

[Streetgang]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Super Sport 16' Conversion to Center Console

. It started Saturday night, 1:30am coming home from a night out in Ohio City, we walked home from Great Lakes Brewery and decided it was time to prime the console. Maybe not in the best shape to start painting, especially on old vintage hardwood floors....whoops.


Local guy here, westlake, also starting a resto but you move pretty fast man. You didnt get into the Xmas ale did you ?

 

[jacobmeyers]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Super Sport 16' Conversion to Center Console

Looking good there. I may want to try something like this...after I finish my old Tidecraft that is.

What's the word on the Tidecraft? I am not familiar with that type of boat. Lucky being in Texas, I'd sure get a lot more done if I was down there. Winter sucks.

 

[Streetgang]

Re: 1972 Starcraft Super Sport 16' Conversion to Center Console

To solve the issue of the plywood, I was going to buy a small piece of aluminum to reinforce the back of the dash where the steering connects.

Local guy again:

If it helps I can probably get you some alum for backing plate. We fab it and it would be 1/8". Let me know if of interest and what size you need.