1976 Starcraft Supersport 16'

[850Merc]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Supersport 16'

I have a quick question about seats, I'm getting pretty close to purchasing a set.

First question, I originally thought I would purchase the back to back style seats (like the ones that came stock), but now I am thinking about pedestal seats for a more fishing friendly setup (that will still be comfortable for pulling a tube around the lake). The question is: Did I need to do anything below deck that would make it more difficult to install pedestals at this point?

Second question, What is an economical setup that will be comfortable and last for a minimum of five years (with proper care)?

I'm kind of leaning toward the Wise products (cuz I'm cheap). What pedestal rating do I need to look for when it comes to helm seats and are passenger seats the same? I intend on putting 4 pedestal seats behind the windshield assuming I can still swing it without pulling my deck.

It seems that Wally World has the same Wise gear that I have been looking at on other sites for quite a bit cheaper (with free shipping to the store).

It looks like Walmart has a pretty good (and cheap) selection of Wise boat seats,

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Supersport 16'

What was your deck thickness again?

 

[850Merc]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Supersport 16'

What was your deck thickness again?

1/2" but its MDO and incredibly rigid and heavy. I thought about doubling up the deck from the topside around where the pedestals might land?

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Supersport 16'

I thought about doubling up the deck from the topside around where the pedestals might land?

Yah, that would be a good move if you are going to go with pedestals.

I might suggest you really think through the pedestals vs. the back to back.

For tubing in my Sea Nymph I don't have anybody sitting at the stern side. Getting the weight forward is good and keeping the view clear to see the tuber is good.

For fishing, standing and casting at the stern is a good thing. With your big ol splash well back there pedestals might be ok but I think I'd rather stand and cast. Or if you are trolling, sitting in a rear facing seat, chillen with a lemonade, watching the rod tips, very nice!

Wise Deluxe Lounge Seat - Walmart.com

For the Sea Nymph I already had pedestal seats from a glasser I put out of it's misery, otherwise I'd go with something like that ^^^^^. Seating for 4 @ under 200 bux is a pretty good deal, eh:thumb:

Edit: sorry, seating for 2 not 4, duh

 

[850Merc]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Supersport 16'

I guess this is still the cheapest way to go, you make a compelling argument about floor space in the rear. I wouldn't be casting from the behind the glass anyway. You can't really fish in a boat this size with more than 3 people (1 in front and 2 in the rear). I was thinking that pedestals would allow me to open up the floor when I'm not hauling the family around.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Supersport 16'

The pedestals no doubt make the boat feel a little bigger. But, if you have 4 pedestal seats set up in the main cockpit, it'll be kinda crowded anyway. Back to backs at least leave the stern deck open for tubers climbing in the boat and generally moving around ya know.

 

[850Merc]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Supersport 16'

It's hard to argue with your logic, I'm going to trust your opinion on this one. You have the same sized boat and want to be able to do the same things (fish/ski/goof off).

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Supersport 16'

Yah, I tend to think the original design is a good one for these 16 footers.

No, not this one.....
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i101/jeffnewcomb/1976 Starcraft SS 16/IMG_0443.jpg

This one....
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww312/Lac_Huron/Brochures/1978 Starcraft brochure/7813.jpg]

:becky:

 

[850Merc]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Supersport 16'

Thanks for the reminder, it definitely allows for better access to the Battery/Fuel/Bilge, etc... Nothing to keep me from getting to the important stuff. I'm sold, but its more like $350 ($167 X 2 + Tax) for the seating (still not bad).

Funny to see that pic from last fall, she was beaut when I got her!!

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Supersport 16'

850 - I don't remember your plans (cruise/fish/tube/etc.) for her, but here is another idea. A passenger back to back lounge seat like Jason linked so the Admiral can soak up some sun, a spinning pedestal type seat on a lidded box (storage) for the helm and a removable pedestal behind the helm. The removable can be moved to the bow for fishing or when you want a little extra room in the cockpit. Thinking out loud here.

It's hard to configure a boat for multi-purpose, but it can be set up to meet about 95% of your needs. Or get a fishing boat, a cruiser and ski boat - Let MBS loose.

EDIT - aren't most of these originally equipped like Jason's first pic? Mine was.

 

[850Merc]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Supersport 16'

EDIT - aren't most of these originally equipped like Jason's first pic? Mine was.

OE was 2 empty buckets, 1 spare tire rim, and several planks of wood. The hole in the middle (I'm told) was designed for easy bailing :help:

I like the seating ideas, but I'm also a little OCD so I have to have the left match the right.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Supersport 16'

OE was 2 empty buckets, 1 spare tire rim, and several planks of wood. The hole in the middle (I'm told) was designed for easy bailing :help:

I like the seating ideas, but I'm also a little OCD so I have to have the left match the right.

I had old trailer tires, a bunch of rusty steel tubing (???), some way past usable life jackets and enough pine needles to mulch all my shrubs. For some reason, the PO didn't think of a "bailing hole". You had a pessimistic PO. :lol:

I'm also a little OCD so I have to have the left match the right.

You aren't going to have two steering wheels and controls, are ya? Symmetry is out the window. Pulling your chain, 850.

 

[850Merc]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Supersport 16'

hmmm.. backup steering you say?!?! I'm in the IT world so redundancy is second nature to me. Maybe I'll just put the second steering on the left for the kicker?

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Supersport 16'

hmmm.. backup steering you say?!?! I'm in the IT world so redundancy is second nature to me. Maybe I'll just put the second steering on the left for the kicker?

Somewhere in here I saw one like that. Only the kicker wheel was mounted on the side wall aft of the helm. I would have used a stick-steer set-up myself.

 

[Pmccraney]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Supersport 16'

OE was 2 empty buckets, 1 spare tire rim, and several planks of wood. The hole in the middle (I'm told) was designed for easy bailing :help:

You forgot to mention the obligatory beer can(s) that come OE in most of our boats (for cockpits that aren't "self bailing" like yours was)...

 

[850Merc]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Supersport 16'

You forgot to mention the obligatory beer can(s) that come OE in most of our boats (for cockpits that aren't "self bailing" like yours was)...

Ah yes, it was an option you had to pay for back then. nowadays they expect you to buy a 12 pack and empty them yourself.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Supersport 16'

Ah yes, it was an option you had to pay for back then. nowadays they expect you to buy a 12 pack and empty them yourself.

Maybe the PO didn't tell you the "real" reason for the bailing hole.

 

[850Merc]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Supersport 16'

Been real busy, but I was able to get the boat in the garage over the weekend and get the control cables hooked up to the motor. It required us remembering how we took it apart, eventually it came to us. I did drop a nut inside while trying to figure it out, but the lower panel (4 screws) was easy to take off and the nut was right there. I'm hoping to get the new water pump impeller done next weekend, but not hurry at this point.

 

[850Merc]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Supersport 16'

Asking Santa for some new seats this year. Merry Christmas and happy new year.

We had a deep freeze here last week, but I'll be working on this thing sooner or later. Still need to bleed and power the TnT, get the batteries installed and hook up a fuel line (and of course seats). She'll be floating in 2014 for sure!!

 

[dozerII]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Supersport 16'

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year back at ya 850.