1973 Starcraft

[Celtichawk]

So I came across a posting online showing a 1973 Starcraft for sale. Turns out the guy is getting rid of the boat due to his grandfathers passing. Price of the boat seems realtively cheap, now given that it is a 1973 and hope the boat is in great shape like the guy says it is I would like to ask if you guys approve this is a good deal and worth checking into plus a possible restore if needed? Here is the link to the ad, and don't anyone try to steal it on me yet lol!!!

The guy mentions a few things in the ad refering to some work that needs done. The motor was torn down for a head/valve job and it currently has a Volvo 4cyl I/O, with Penta outdrive. It appears to be a 20' but that is going off what he says. The boat has not been in the water for almost 3 years and is claiming the deck is very solid and boat in great shape. Check it out and let me know what I should be looking for on this particular model. I would like to go out and look at it tomorrow so hopefully I can get some quality advice before I make that stop.

I currently own a 1976 Seaswirl with a OMC, so this is my first take on a Starcraft however, I have been reading some postings on iboats with some overhauls and restores and seems like a popular boat. Will wait everyones take on this.

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/boa/3054008730.html

 

[BonairII]

Re: 1973 Starcraft

I would run out and take a look before it's gone. Looks like it's been very well kept.

 

[Celtichawk]

Re: 1973 Starcraft

I have a time frame slotted with the owner tomorrow. Hoping he does not sell and the pictures do show that it has been taken care of. I asked him by text, if the boat was garaged and/or covered all the time but never responded to that question. Sure looks that way though. To me it seemed like a sweet deal and worth that price. Even if it did require a restore which I'm sure it will soon, a boat of that size and age, for that price seems like a steal.

I'm curious though what things to look for so I'm reaching out to those who own Starcrafts and if there are any specifics to look for. Or if anyone is able to tell me anything to look for specifically on a Volvo 4cyl. Mechinically incline so I know what to look for when it comes to maintenance on a motor but just want to make sure I'm not missing anything out.

 

[BonairII]

Re: 1973 Starcraft

Even if it did require a restore which I'm sure it will soon, a boat of that size and age, for that price seems like a steal.

If floor is soft or transom has any flex....run away. Fiberglass restos are expensive and time consuming.

 

[Celtichawk]

Re: 1973 Starcraft

Okay great thanks for the advice, so where in New York State? Originally from upstate here between Buffalo and Rochester. Just happen to be out in military orders in California for the next 4 years.

 

[BonairII]

Re: 1973 Starcraft

Syracuse area

 

[1973Chieftain]

Re: 1973 Starcraft

If it has been well taken care of which it looks like, the stringers and transom might still be ok... but I agree with Bonair, ANY sign of being soft or flexing RUN!! A full glass restore is a huge undertaking and probably not worth it on a trihull.

 

[Celtichawk]

Re: 1973 Starcraft

(1973Chieftain) Cool thanks for advice, guess looking for that is my best bet. I may even have the owner taked down lower due to the specifics as to why he wanted to get rid of it sounds urgent and therefore leaving me either with a good deal, or after full inspec someone trying to pawn it off due to major work. I will keep you all posted if I become the owner or if I do not. Thanks for your advice.

 

[Celtichawk]

Re: 1973 Starcraft

Anyone have any advice on the Volvo 4cyl/Penta drive? Good motor or bad?

 

[southkogs]

Re: 1973 Starcraft

I don't know specifically about the Volvo in that boat, but the drive has a decent reputation. The nice part is that they are still in business so a re-power is completely within reach.

As a guy who bought a $500 boat, I'll tell ya' that with something of that price the gate can swing either way. That boat might put together real cheap and easy and for less than $1,000 you'll be out on the lake having a great time. At the same time, it might mean new engine, new drive, new ____, new ______, ... (the list is endless). Treat it like a project boat and set limits for yourself and know when to throw the towel in. 3 years later mine is running and doing pretty well on the overall for less than $4K including gas!

Thanks for your service!

 

[Celtichawk]

Re: 1973 Starcraft

Well either the PO is flaking me or he is telling the truth time will tell. Turns out I had a.time slot to go look at this boat and when that time came I text the owner to verify all good he responded with someone in his family came up ill. So he has to fly to Denver and will get back with me when he returns. At first I said okay no problem ill be here when you get back and sorry to hear the news go take care if whats important. Sat for about a hour then replied once more reinterating that I wanted the boat and if your planning to sell it off to someone else just let me know. No hard feelings but as always dealing with purchases over internet can be shaky. Well no reaponse so either he is telling truth and I wait to hear from him or someone bought it. Funny thing is when I asked if others were interested he said yes like five others wanted to look at it asap. Well I went to sleep because of night shift work and woke up to finding this out. Anyways not rulling it out yet so we will see and keep you guys posted. In meantime I will focus my attention back to my 1976 Seaswirl and get her ready for a water test in two weeks.

 

[BonairII]

Re: 1973 Starcraft

I'm betting that he's pitting all buyers against each other. He probably figures that with that many potential buyers....he can get MORE than his asking price. Chances that a family member fell ill is slim IMO.....he's just stalling.

If it were me (and the seller was local), it would be difficult for me NOT to drive by the guy's house to find out if his story was BS.

 

[Celtichawk]

Re: 1973 Starcraft

Thats a great idea and he is 30 mins away so I just might do that. He gave me address already so its worth that. It might be in a garage or barn like the pictures but I bet I might catch him home perhaps. Wonder how surprised he would be if I just show up. Maybe he would be pissed maybe not and excuse will come up. Either way ill have my explanation for this run around.

 

[BonairII]

Re: 1973 Starcraft

If you drop in and he gets mad.......too bad for him! He shouldn't be stringing you along.

 

[acarter92]

Re: 1973 Starcraft

Well, the ad has been deleted on craigslist.

 

[Celtichawk]

Re: 1973 Starcraft

And so I got a text response, apparently his brother died and he removed the ad so he wouldn't get any phone calls because he dont have time to deal with the sale right now. Not sure what to think but I said very sorry for your loss and when your ready to sell the boat and find yourself through this troubled times you know my number. In meantime take care of yourself and look forward to hearing from you soon.

So maybe its true and I will never know. I might still take a ride just to see if still there who knows. Or loose no sleep and just brush it off as a loss and things happen.