1986 Starcraft Islander 221 Rebuild Budget Crossroads

[Bald Eagle Jones]

Thanks for the input everyone - much appreciated. I think before I give up on the project, I will take some time and investigate doner boats and some used parts to see where things fall.

While I think the Islanders are cool, well built boats and different from everything else out there, I don't think this will end up being my last boat. Therefore, it is important that I have an exit strategy.....probably not a very good strategy trying to sell a $35K 1986 aluminum boat....

Again, if anyone has any more input on my estimate amounts (high or low) or missed items, I welcome them.

There is just something neat about an aluminum boat. Maybe the craftsmanship that goes into making them. Was really looking forward to the project.

 

[jbcurt00]

Read thru Rob's Chieftain topic, he doesn't have anywhere near $35K in his and it turned out great! Won the coveted Starcraft Splash of the Year 2014

He almost lost his near the beginning of the refit to a tornado like event.

If you WANT brand new, not like new, then perhaps a 1986 Islander shouldn't be your 1st choice. Just like if you want a brand new $15K outboard, it's going to cost you $15K. Can a 150hp outboard be found for less, yep, will it be tomorrow, next week or at the end of the next season, IDK, but if you look, I'll bet you can find one.

Lets start w/ your list:

1986 Starcraft Islander - Rebuild Budget
Item Cost
Cost of boat $1,200, TOO high w/out a salvageable motor, IMO, offer $500, hope to drag it away for $800+/-
Misc demo items $100
Hull repair aluminum $200
Hull repair welding $200
Hull repair misc (tools and supplies) $100
Wood - flooring, transom, seat boxes, etc? $500
Epoxy/Resin - coating materials $200
Paint stripping/soda blasting $500, WHY? If the paint is well stuck, sand, prep, primer and paint, DONT strip it unless you want it bare
Primer, paint and supplies $500 See above, blast or paint, not both
Gas tank rebuild (hoses, cap, vent, etc?) $150
Battery mounts $100
Flotation foam $300
Vinyl floor covering and adhesive $700
Sealants, etc? $100
Misc aluminum (edge trim, etc?) $200
Rub-rail $100 Why does it need to be replaced?
Misc S.S. nuts, bolts, washers, screws, etc? $150
Full flotation bracket $1,800, Why the swap to an OB, if it's setup for an I/O? For $15,000 I think I could live w/ an I/O and doghouse....
Transom bracket braces - fabricated aluminum $250
Three (3) batteries - 1 starting, 2 house $300
Battery switch $75
Battery cable $75
Battery charger $100
Hydraulic steering $1,000 Why hydraulic?
Gauges $175
Switches $100
Wiring $200
Bilge pumps w/ switches $200
Thru-hull fittings, hoses, clamps, etc? $100
Lights $100
Radio $200
Horn $100
Two (2) captain seats $600
Rear bench seat $1,000
Bolsters $200 If you spend time looking around, you might find seats and upholstery for less $1800 total
Two (2) cooler seats w/ mounts $350
Anchor $100
Rope $50
Bumpers $50
Bimini top $500
Boat cover $500
Trailer $3,500, isn't it on a trailer? If the seller is asking $1200, not running, it better come on a towable trailer...
Motor rigging $3,000, To hang an outboard and run the remote and steering connections? If I buy a new $15K motor, I'd think it'd come installed. I might be wrong
150hp outboard $15,000 If you want a new OB, then yeah, maybe. But a used OB or a new to you I/O would be less, much much less
(blank)

Sub-Total $34,925

See my comments in red

If you find a donor boat, the items I bolded could be harvested and used on your islander. Obviously some parts may not be salvageable, and others may not be a good fit or work w/ your islander.

I get the impression from a few of the items on your list, that you aren't doing much if any of the substantial amount of work required. If so, that also makes it a much more expensive process. The expense for welding and fab work, plus rigging the OB is why I asked about you not doing some of the work.

 

[Bald Eagle Jones]

Thx for the review jbcurt00. Agreed, Rob's project is partly why I am considering this project. His turned out very nice! I think I will spend some time looking for potential donor boats and used parts in general. Maybe that route will get me where I want to be with my project.

With regards to the work, I plan to do all the work with the exception of welding/hull repair (I do not have access to a welder that can weld aluminum) and the rigging of a new motor (assuming that is the route I go) as most dealers will not provide a warranty if they do not install/rig (as I understand).

 

[Bald Eagle Jones]

You can't do this. Sorry, BEJ