24' aluminum project boat, worth checking out?

[fishdog4449]

hey guys,
I've been watchin a certain craigslist ad that may have potential for a summer project. It's a 24' 1966 lonestar/chrysler aluminum cuddy cabin with a 350 mercruiser. I haven't seen it in person, but the owner claims that the engine was rebuilt 4 years ago and runs strong and the rest of the boat needs alot of cosmetic TLC(obvious from pictures), but is mechanically sound. It looks kinda like a old starcraft which i know were built pretty well, but anyone know anythin about these? I'm just wondering if it'd be worth lookin at when im home next weekend. He wants offers for it so if so..whats it worth assuming it's everythin he says?

 

[mphy98]

Re: 24' aluminum project boat, worth checking out?

Looks like a great project. If the motor and drive works ok I would offer $500.00 to $1000.00. It will need a lot of work to bring her back, and lots of $$$$$. Good luck.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 24' aluminum project boat, worth checking out?

Awesome boat! Where else you gonna find an inexpensive boat that big that doesn't have wooden stringers to worry about? Go for it!

 

[John_Michael]

Re: 24' aluminum project boat, worth checking out?

I like the boat. The layout looks like it gives you the ability to fish off the back and get out of the sun in the cabin. The project just depends on how much work you can do yourself vs. what you'd have to pay others to do. Assuming you can do a lot of the cosmetic stuff yourself (and no major hull, transom, etc damage) you may have yourself a find.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: 24' aluminum project boat, worth checking out?

great find- if you poke around on the classic Glastron website you should be able to find a link to the LoneStar site.

I have a 1957 LoneStar Eldorado that has a 1994 115 hp Evinrude that is a blast.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: 24' aluminum project boat, worth checking out?

well if it really is everything he says it is I'd say it is worth the $2500 he is asking for it...... the trailer SHOULD be worth $500 or more.... alum ex manifolds aren't cheap.... alpha drive several hundred.... I'd say jump on it if it turns out to be in good shape and you like the boat.

 

[fishdog4449]

Re: 24' aluminum project boat, worth checking out?

I do like it but it will depend on what condition the transom and hull are in, I don't want to be doing much major work. From the waterline in the picture it looks like it's a tad transom-heavy, but that may be normal if the bow is light because the engine and drive are probably fairly heavy. $2500 is a little too much for my pocketbook (although it may be worh thtat) but I won't be home for two more weeks anyway, so if it's still there I'll give him a call and offer!

 

[redeye1962]

Re: 24' aluminum project boat, worth checking out?

I am not sure of the setup of the Lone Star but the Texas Maid has aluminum stringers so the only wood that needs to be replaced is the deck and Transom. You will love Aluminum very lightweight and will last a long time.

 

[Land locked 1956]

Re: 24' aluminum project boat, worth checking out?

I am sure this boat is sold. I would love to find a boat just like it. My dad had one when I was a kid. I ran around the Straights of Mackinaw back in the early 70s on it. I loved that boat more than any boat I have had since. Maybe it was just the old memories. What ever it was, it was great. If anyone hears of another boat like this for sale please let me know. I am living in south Louisiana, but would drive a long way to pick one up.
Brian

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 24' aluminum project boat, worth checking out?

I am sure this boat is sold. I would love to find a boat just like it. My dad had one when I was a kid. I ran around the Straights of Mackinaw back in the early 70s on it. I loved that boat more than any boat I have had since. Maybe it was just the old memories. What ever it was, it was great. If anyone hears of another boat like this for sale please let me know. I am living in south Louisiana, but would drive a long way to pick one up.
Brian

Check out the Starcraft section of the forum. We have a running thread in there where we post aluminum Starcrafts found on Craigslist all over the country. Large cuddy cabins like 21'+ Chieftains do show up fairly regularly.

(this is assuming you weren't specifically looking for a Lone Star)

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: 24' aluminum project boat, worth checking out?

looks like it's sat swamped and i bet it's been in salt water; even the Potomac up there is brackish. Unless you really want to spend a lot of time and money on an old boat, to end up with an old boat, I's pass unless it was free--and I had a lot of time and money.

 

[Land locked 1956]

Re: 24' aluminum project boat, worth checking out?

Thanks I will look at it. Maybe it is nostalgia but I am really hooked on the Lone Star. My dad is in his 80s and I would love to show him a boat like that again. I guess it is a sign of getting old. This may be one of the only places, where everyone would understand.
Brian

 

[Comoxsam]

Re: 24' aluminum project boat, worth checking out?

I recently purchased one of these boats.

Mine has the cabin ripped off and has been converted to a center console. It came with a 115hp Mercury OB. I paid 1800 here in Canada. I thought that was pretty cheap for a big boat. At least compared to what else is out there around here.

I've since stripped out the rotten flooring and the guts of the boat seem very solid. Well built boat.