1975 18' Starcraft i/o open bow - your thoughts needed on the purchase

[boatmaninc]

I've enjoyed observing this forum for 4 years now and have wrestled with jumping into the Starcraft Restoration Therapy Club for years.

I've come across a very nice boat and I am seeking your advice on what I should consider paying for and knowing about this boat before I make a purchase.

Also, any tips on restoration ideas would be great. Many thanks in advance

 

[theoldwizard1]

If that thing is a good as it looks pay the owner what he is asking (thing reason).

Restoration ? WHAT RESTORATION ! If the floor and the transom are solid, ENJOY IT !

 

[boatmaninc]

The owner is asking $3000 for this boat. The trolling motor is newer (Minnkota) w/ remote and the locator/gps is a Lowrance 332c. Yes, this boat is in great shape. $2500 w/o the trolling motor and locator/gps.

 

[jbcurt00]

The pix are from Feb, but otherwise if it's good as it appears, he won't have it long at $3K, depending on where you are.

A $3K boat located here in WV, where ever OldWizard is, or where you are could all 3 be drastically different boats...........

 

[boatmaninc]

Took the plunge...

Now a proud owner of what I believe to be a Starcraft SS. I was under the understanding that it was a Holiday, but the open bow confused me. There is nothing on the boat to speak of it as a "Holiday"

Any tips on the difference?

Any thoughts on what this boat is?

Whose boat looks closest to mine?

Taking her out tonight.

 

[1973Chieftain]

Congrats on the beautiful boat!! I'm guessing Super Sport, have you looked up the brochure for that year? Might have some more data on her

 

[Watermann]

Nice score :thumb: Yeap she's an IO SS, the Holiday has a closed bow. The IO's a lot of the time don't have a cap plate showing the data.

 

[classiccat]

Congrats and welcome to the fold! :welcome: Thats a '75 paint job...looks to be in excellent condition. :thumb:

 

[boatmaninc]

So, I'm trying to learn more about the Mercruser 120/140 on a 2.5 GM Iron Duke. Any tips on maintenance and upkeep.

 

[Watermann]

Where do I start on that question :lol: A very good place is to tap into the IO adults only section by Don S. Tons of helpful info and even Merc manuals in PDF for download.

I most often hear the old 120 referred to as the "cast iron lump". Dozer has one in his Holiday and can give you some advice on them. I repowered my IO Chief from the old MC120 to the Alpha One and a 4,3 LX V6 and got $60 in scrap price for a couple 120 blocks. :lol:

 

[Weep'n Willy]

Congrats on your boat as she is a good looker. As far as the 120/140's I love them. Easy to maintain and sip fuel. I have owned several of them and have a 140 in my Chief. They seem pretty indestructable. Just do your regular maintenance and it will treat you well.

 

[boatmaninc]

So, now that I have this Super Sport, I'd like to even do a few projects on it? It's in great shape and the previous owner did some really neat things to it. I'm taking all suggestions and ideas for improvements. I need to get a battery for the trolling motor, any thoughts? The boat needs a name too.

Thanks in advance

 

[dozerII]

Welcome BM, :welcome: Awesome boat you found there. I have had the same boat and loved it, I now have the closed bow Holiday and it is great. The Mercruiser 120 is a great motor very simple to work on, winterize and tune. You will want to check all the bellows, shift, drive and exhaust. Make sure your drive oil is clean and topped up. I only use premium fuel in mine so I don't get any ethanol, they burn so little gas it is worth the extra cost.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Start saving and shopping for a 4.3L

 

[wilkboater]

Love the boat. 18' Supersport will be my next boat.

 

[Watermann]

Start saving and shopping for a 4.3L

If he goes that route I can sure help with the conversion. :thumb: