1986 Starcraft - Buy it or Not???

[rgbrez]

Hi All, an add for this boat caught my eye yesterday. Its a fair distance from me so I am not able to go see it straight away but, I know there is a strong starcraft following here on this forum so... I'd like the honest opinion of those with some experience with these boats. its an '86 16' Starcraft SL with a 70HP Yamaha. they're asking $5k
I have received the following condition report from the owner:
- no leaks
- all original and in great shape
- strong engine
- - despite the skeg needing some minor repair due to an encounter with a shoal 2 yrs ago - is this a big deal?
- At the bow when you tighten the strap to trailer, the aluminum has a few wrinkles - said to be cosmetic? is it?

and because we all love pics - here you are:


there is an open offer to water test or take to a mechanic so looks like nothing is being hidden.
let me know your thoughts. thanks for all your help!

 

[spoilsofwar]

Re: 1986 Starcraft - Buy it or Not???

The price is about $1k high for the US market, but you're in Canada, so I dont know. Other then that, I dont see any issues; looks like a nice boat. Worthly of a close look and a sea trial if its the sort of boat you're in the market for.

The skeg is not a big deal. Put a skeg guard on it if it bothers you, or you could have it welded.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: 1986 Starcraft - Buy it or Not???

$5K should get you a newer boat of that size!

 

[dozerII]

Re: 1986 Starcraft - Buy it or Not???

That there is an awesome boat, the little, little sister to mine. The hull is designed for rough water and built strong. It looks to be in great shape. The paint is oxidized like mine was but can be brought back with a buffer and some One Step polish. I would beat him up on price a little, even if everything checks out. I paid 2500 for mine and it needed a complete rebuild, I won't say how much I have in it now but considerably more than 5000.

 

[brnschoneck]

Re: 1986 Starcraft - Buy it or Not???

y id say sounds like a lot to me for that what year is the motor ???if its a 86 def too much id offer em 3000 most 3500

 

[carey965]

Re: 1986 Starcraft - Buy it or Not???

its a nice boat but for an 86 5 grand seems high,
after recently buying something in that range i have noticed that most private sales in ontario are way to high, i paid 5000 for my 98 tahoe that was in comparable shape and that was at a dealer that gave me a full return if i wanted it

i would have to agree that it is a 3-3500$ boat

 

[rgbrez]

Re: 1986 Starcraft - Buy it or Not???

Thanks guys... to answer the motor question - its an '88.
Trailer is Shorelander but, no yr specified.

The $3000 - $3500 mark was what I was thinking as well. we'll see what they say.

Thanks for all of the feedback.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: 1986 Starcraft - Buy it or Not???

It is my understanding that "toys" are more expensive in Canada than down here in the lower 48. I now snowmobiles go for higher dollars too. I didn't book out the boat, but, this time of year you're going to pay top dollar. Especially if it's in great shape like this one appears to be. I would pay a little extra just for that reason. Check out similar boats around the area to see what they go for and compare the condition to the one you're looking at......