1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 MK IV

[Huron Angler]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 MK IV

Chieftain25 I agree that these old rigs are some gems There are a couple guys on this site that have been searching for a 25' Starcraft cuddy.

They turn up once in a blue moon here in Michigan.

 

[horsecapades]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 MK IV

OK, so I have not posted with any progress. There has been little made. I have been waiting to get the boat out to the engine repair shop to have the drive and engine examined and repaired if necessary.
Before I could do that, I had to address the trailer issue's. I replaced 2 rims and 3 tires. Apparently people do not realize the importance of having 13 rims or 14" rims all the way around. When you have a 13", 2 - 14" and a 15", things do not go well.
The boat had apparently been stored outside without a tarp or cover for 3 years. The boat had filled with water and lots of it. It had actually collected to a point that the front cabin floor was submerged and it was lapping at the galley cabinets. Fortunately it had been left tongue down so that the water was concentrated in the front end and did not collect over the engine compartment. The good thing is, I know it doesnt leak from the inside out. Now when you apply three times that amount of pressure when the boat is in the water, it may leak from stretched rivets. You all know what that means, rivet checks and a new coat of sealant on the inside of the hull. With all of that added weight, the gears in the trailer jack had split and the parts were unavailable from the manufacturer. I was able to find a repair kit for the jack but it was more than the cost of a new jack. That means that I replaced it with a new one. In the grand scheme of things, it really wasn't a bad investment.
The trailer lights, while newer, were non functioning as well. Instead of going through all the wires and finding the broken wires or connections, I stripped it all out and rewired the entire lighting harness, as well as the brake control wire. This also wasn't all that bad an investment and I know it will work.
With this being done, I loaded the boat on the truck and myself and the two dogs drove around the block, up and down hills around curves and finally home. All in all it was about 10 miles. It was a good first trip
It was also an eye opener and a clear realization as to just how big this boat is. It made my truck look small. I am happy that part is out of the way and hope to get it out to the shop this week.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 MK IV

I can't believe that thing sat tongue down with no where for the water to go

I also can't believe that a fella would just throw on various sizes of wheels/tires, that is just plain silly.

Your rig is in super shape considering! It will be great piece of mind knowing the condition of your drive line, one way or the other, eh!

Cheers!

 

[Triton II]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 MK IV

Good job on getting the trailer up and running. Good luck with the motor and drive... let us know how you go. I've got a definite case of size envy!

TII

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 MK IV

What an amazing beast she is!
From your tone..It seems that if the motor/drive isnt perfect your resto will end?
Maybe I mis read & I hope I did..That 165 straight 6 is a great motor to work on, and if push comes to shove, iboats has brand NEW outdrives for around 1,300 bucks with a huge warranty...

I am also amazed she was out in the rain bow down, such a huge no no!
Always bow high, plug out to drain...

Best of luck, and inspect the safety chains

 

[HopeSheFloats]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 MK IV

Wow, now that would be sweet to own, I'd go ahead and let the Mrs put me out to the dog house...I could live on that and be relatively quite happy

 

[horsecapades]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 MK IV

Additionally, I purchased the wheel bearings and the 3 batteries it requires. The batteries are required for the marine engine tech to get her going, obviously. I am confident that the engine is fine but having been sitting for 2 1/2 years, I don't simply want to turn it over without someone ( a professional) going through it.
The gentleman I purchased-swapped the boat from was not the original owner. I am not sure what his plans were other than to let it sit idle for the last 2 1/2 years.
I did some research and tracked down the original owner. He explained to me that the engine had been serviced for winter when it was purchased from him. The engine ran without so much as a hiccup other than the fact it needed the exhaust bellows replaced. This had been done but was not secured with the proper clamps. Ideally, when someone Seafoam's or stabilizes gas, it is generally meant for a season but this boat has been sitting for 2 1/2 years. I am hopeful that the fuel stabilizing means that the 2 1/2 year old gas is better than if it had not been stabilized at all
He explained to me, that when the boat was picked up, it had 4 matching rims but some flat tires. When the gentleman I purchased it from, picked up the boat, he swapped out the rims for what he had at the time that had air in the tires. Go figure, unless he had no intention of keeping the boat
The original owner also stated that he purchased the trailer that the boat now sits on, brand new, in late 1999. This makes sense to me as other than the tires, the non working lights and the jack that was stressed from a thousand gallons of water sitting in it, the trailer is in excellent condition and when cleaned up could look like new. As a matter of fact, there isn't one rusted bolt or nut on the entire thing, not a scratch or a dent.
Considering what I have read from many of your restoration pages, this makes me happy as it would seem you all loathe having to work on trailers. I feel fortunate that this trailer is in such nice shape and need little other than minor repairs.
I should also note that I went over the entire exterior hull and other than some deep paint scratches, I could not find 1 dent, not one. Anyway, I will report back when its back from the engine shop.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 MK IV

All the stuff you are saying sounds really great to me man! Super good stuff! I have high hopes for your rig, she is a beauty!

 

[Triton II]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 MK IV

As a matter of fact, there isn't one rusted bolt or nut on the entire thing, not a scratch or a dent. I feel fortunate that this trailer is in such nice shape and need little other than minor repairs.
I should also note that I went over the entire exterior hull and other than some deep paint scratches, I could not find 1 dent, not one. Anyway, I will report back when its back from the engine shop.

Wow, you lucky thing! Can't wait to see what you do with Big Bertha!!!

TII

 

[snowman48047]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 MK IV

Wellcome to the cu...club. Nice project!

 

[horsecapades]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 MK IV

I'm not sure if this is normal....... but I have been reading through hundreds of posts in the restoration threads, make that thousands by now and I see everyone's boat pictures. My mind envisions what the interior hull on my boat might look like if it were stripped and refurbished using your pics, what my transom and exterior hull would like and so on. Oh, a mind is a terrible thing to have sometimes. Cant wait to get started digging in to her.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 MK IV

Sounds normal to me...but I have a bad case of MBS(multiple boat syndrome) already and also a mean iboats addiction...so I'm not sure that I'm an objective source

Glad to hear you're doing your due diligence and research, it will pay off down the road.

 

[horsecapades]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 MK IV

Sounds normal to me...but I have a bad case of MBS(multiple boat syndrome) already and also a mean iboats addiction...so I'm not sure that I'm an objective source

Glad to hear you're doing your due diligence and research, it will pay off down the road.

Huron,
Did you get the link for the 76 Starcraft catalog on Photobucket. As I said, the book was in rough shape but still gives a great idea of what the line looked like in 76. Thanks, William

 

[horsecapades]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 MK IV

OK, I may have been premature in my last posting. The boat is finally ready to go to the engine repair shop. I forgot one critical item that the boat direly needed before I could take it. Just a small item.
I thought the boat was ready 4 days ago when I realized I needed batteries. I have been impatiently waiting for its voyage to the shop, and its return, so I could dig into the electrical system. Because I was unsure, and still am, as to how many of these ultra expensive batteries she needed, I simply purchased the biggest batteries I could find. There is one thing I am sure of, and that is, there are 3 places in the boat that are wired for batteries. Because I was unsure, I bought 1 battery for each spot. All 3 were deep cycle. One deep cycle/ starting battery w/ 200 minutes reserve capacity and 675 cold cranking amps w/ dual connectors, one deep cycle battery w/ 180 minutes reserve capacity with dual connectors and the bad boy of marine batteries, from my point of view anyway, one 205 minute reserve capacity with 1150 cold cranking amps, special coating for corrosion resistance and an anti vibration case. All in all, I spent $464.17 on these batteries and that was with all 3 on sale. When you add that to the tires and rims, the bearings and the trailer jack, I am almost $850.00 into this operation and I still don't know if it runs. If any of you can shed light as to why the boat needs 3 batteries, I would appreciate it. Also, because I don't know what the batteries are for, if you can suggest other battery options which might be more beneficial, please do so.
The most important thing in all of this is, my wife cant know about the cost of this boat so far. I believe in being honest but..........if she finds out, I'll be sleeping in my home/boat while I'm restoring her. I'll write again as I help the professional engine guy go through the drive and engine. I am hoping beyond all hope that any engine repair or parts, if needed, are relatively cheap.

 

[sprintst]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 MK IV

Hopefully you get off cheaply on the engine on the engine repairs to leave you more cash for the rest.

I over spent on a number of things but a year later it won't really matter as long as you can still make more money. I'm on to year two with the boat ready with the drivetrain, hull, paint done, etc. It's cosmetics on the interior and some light wiring now. It's still more cash but I'm planning on really enjoying this boat so I'm hoping it will pay off in the long run.

I'll float this thing yet this year even if I have to fish off a lawn chair

 

[horsecapades]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 MK IV

*** Note to those paying attention to my restoration drivel. I had previously posted about being ready to go to the engine repair shop and the purchase of new batteries. That was 4 days ago, approximately. Shortly thereafter and just before I was ready to deliver the boat, I was informed that the standard commercial duty batteries while nice, were not really suitable for a boat. Apparently I don't know as much as I thought I did
This morning I returned the batteries and purchased the best and biggest Diehard Marine batteries( I have always had good luck with the Diehard battery). The reason being, I guess, is you really shouldn't skimp on the one thing you need to start your boat when your 10 miles from shore. As I have said before, sometimes a mind is a terrible thing to have.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 MK IV

I don't know why you'd need 3 batteries. You only really NEED 1. And that's a marine starting battery. Optional would be a 2nd battery which would be a deep cycle to run your accessories and what not. I guess the third would just be an additional deep cycle for running your accessories for a long-*** time

I have also had very good luck with Die Hards.

 

[horsecapades]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 MK IV

I don't know why you'd need 3 batteries. You only really NEED 1. And that's a marine starting battery. Optional would be a 2nd battery which would be a deep cycle to run your accessories and what not. I guess the third would just be an additional deep cycle for running your accessories for a long-*** time

I have also had very good luck with Die Hards.

I believe I discovered what they are for. There seems to be 2 batteries for starting the boat and running the factory running lights, the horns and the movable search light. Attached to these 2 batteries is a helm mounted switch for switching between them. My guess is, whomever installed it, did not want to run out in the middle of a big lake either. The other is for the cabin lights, bathroom light, stereo, fish/ depth finder and the lighted compass. There may be other things hooked up to this battery as well, but have yet to be discovered.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 MK IV

I believe I discovered what they are for. There seems to be 2 batteries for starting the boat and running the factory running lights, the horns and the movable search light. Attached to these 2 batteries is a helm mounted switch for switching between them. My guess is, whomever installed it, did not want to run out in the middle of a big lake either. The other is for the cabin lights, bathroom light, stereo, fish/ depth finder and the lighted compass. There may be other things hooked up to this battery as well, but have yet to be discovered.

I think there is some good logic there...

One starting batt, one back up starting batt, one deep cycle for running all the "stuff". I think probably one more than what I might haul arround but there isn't anything wrong with having some extra back up, eh!

 

[horsecapades]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 MK IV

Boat Repair mechanic is on vacation. When he returns, I intend to get it right in. With a good result, I intend to tear into the boat with a fervor that would make Donald Trump happy. Otherwise the boat resto is on hold until next week. Hope you guys with your fully restored boats are enjoying your time on the lakes, kicking back, having a few beers and fishing.