1983 Blue Fin 16’ Resto

83bluefin

Recruit
Joined
Apr 9, 2026
Messages
3
Picked up a definite project boat off Faceplant Marketplace. Boat, 50HP Johnson, and Calkins trailer package. Probably one of the sketchiest things I’ve done and that’s saying alot. Wife and kids along for the ride and 2 hr ride home with unknown trailer. Kids have a memory at least!

Haven’t looked up the motor info as of yet. From the hood decals appears to be 70’s vintage, manual trim. My experience with other outboards is that you should be able to spin the prop in neutral….yeah can’t do that. I was told it was running last season and judging by moving the manual choke on the motor and smelling gas it’s probably correct.

Boat is a total project. Previous owner ripped up the floor and replaced it with what he termed “plastic” screwed down. I’m not impressed as it’s slippery, can’t anchor the pedestal seats that the boys want to it, and being honest I didn’t do it so questionable as to what is underneath. That and I want to do a coat or two of Coat-It or Fasco epoxy…still in the air on that…looking for a cost savings over Gluvit.

Beauty panels are ripped out to unknown locations and electrical is a mess.

Will post pics soon.
 

83bluefin

Recruit
Joined
Apr 9, 2026
Messages
3
Started the other night on the trailer. Redneck heaven I swear. Connections with wire nuts, duct tape, and spade connections. It’s a wonder the tail lights worked…I had brought a Harbor Freight wiring harness with me on pickup just in case.

Ran wiring down the drivers side rail of the trailer and added brackets for marker lights. Going full LED with home runs to ground on each light. Not trusting a bolted trailer to give me good grounds.

Going to have to replace the tires as they’re unknown vintage.
 

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,884
Congrats on the new adventure.

That hull was made by StarCraft- sylvan-smokercraft. It should be a good one.

16’ or 18’ - ???

ALSO—- Go to the StarCraft forum for detailed information on your project.

 

MikeSchinlaub

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 14, 2025
Messages
706
From your description of the floor, I would guess it rotted out and that was his "fix". I would first plan on a total floor and transom replacement. Lucky for you it's an aluminum hull, so no wood stringers.
 
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