74 180 SS OB/Open Bow

[Starman8]

Well, after lots of searching across the USA, I found an 18' right in my backyard. She was maybe in the water 20 times the past 25 seasons. In other words, in great shape.

First order of business is removing 4 year old gas from the tank, then do a look-see on all the mechanical stuff.

The 1974 had 2 colors used on the gunwale tops, splashwell and inside walls, either light blue or a seafoam greenish. Mine has the green and I plan on painting it a neutral shade of tan.

Can you folks chime in on choice of paint and application methods for a non-pro painter? Can this be done with a foam brush and an enamel based semi-gloss from Rustoleum? The original paint is in great shape and the brochure(thanks to you folks) states it was originally primed acid etch. Should it be roughed up and primed once again?

This model also came with the vinyl floor. This SS has seen the light of day about 1/1000 time since its assembly and the floor and transom are solid. I am considering snap-in carpet so fish/ski options and originality can remain.

What will be interesting is having the tech analyze and tune a 30 year old Merc 115 with less than 100 hours on it!!

Pics to follow once she arrives.

 

[mj05]

Re: 74 180 SS OB/Open Bow

Congratulations!! What a find!! Check out starcrafter65's restoration thread. He's done both spray and brush.... says he got the brush job to come out as good as a sprayed one!! I'm interested in that myself. I'm excited for you bud!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 74 180 SS OB/Open Bow

Considering starcrafter's paint fell off (as did mine) I don't think his thread or mine is a real good paint reference! I don't think he'd disagree with me.

 

[Starman8]

Re: 74 180 SS OB/Open Bow

The boat is white and the hull is tan and I plan on minimal accenting(third color), just don't care much for the light green. Maybe I'll mess around with the splashwell initially and see how the Rusto looks with and without primer on a small area.

The option of hard vinyl on the top gunwales is there and the inside wall sections can be carpeted with 20oz. Just thinking out loud.

Since the fuel tank is a permanent install(new) in the rear storage, I plan on a raised casting platform with built in storage and hatches(homemade) for a cooler, a battery box, and general storage while maintaining access to the fuel tank. No livewells to be added. Fishing for meat requires a cooler, fishing for sport means release.

Going to also modify the bow with the floor plate insert method common on the newer STX and SFM models. Considering other storage options also. If(when) I add the Gator Mount on the bow, gonna have to deal with the full rail.

 

[chuckndiscs]

Re: 74 180 SS OB/Open Bow

Awesome! CANNOT wait to see pics! Welcome to the Starcraft armada and to the 18' ss division! Sounds like an excellent boat! I just picked up my ss less than a month ago and LOVE it! Although mine is on the other end of the use spectrum (is in good shape but has been a fishing BEAST for awhile now!).

ChuckNDiscs

 

[barato]

Re: 74 180 SS OB/Open Bow

allow me to echo the welcome to this tin walled asylum........get the pix up before the mob gets ugly

 

[mj05]

Re: 74 180 SS OB/Open Bow

Oh no! Sorry to hear that! Was that the one He painted with the gun or brush? Both of you did such a great job on your boats too!

 

[Starman8]

Re: 74 180 SS OB/Open Bow

Owner never made it to the appointment to show, pulled over to take a quick look and the exterior has a few more warts than expected.

Looks like bargain time or move on if no budge in price.

Anyways, I have owned later model Starfire and SFM's, so even if this acquisition goes awry, still a former Star owner.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 74 180 SS OB/Open Bow

Did ya get it???

Welcome!

 

[Starman8]

Re: 74 180 SS OB/Open Bow

No.........spoke with owner who didn't show up because he chose to fish instead. He then said he couldn't find the VHF included, then I said the vessel requires a total exterior sand, etch and redo.

I only take this one for a $600 concession on the asking price. That means $1300 TOPS, and that's because it includes bow cover, cockpit cover, and full enclosed cabin(Bimini/side/aft) covers rarely used.

Sound fair for a 36 year old boat?

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 74 180 SS OB/Open Bow

$1300, Hmmmmm, I think we'd need to see some photos to make a reasonable call on that one.

If the Merc is good to go I that that would be a fine deal. If not, maybe.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 74 180 SS OB/Open Bow

Man you guys are cheap. Heck yes I'd get it for $1300. I paid $1000 for mine with no accessories whatsoever.

 

[Starman8]

Re: 74 180 SS OB/Open Bow

I threw him a take it or leave it offer DELIVERED!

If he can tow it 60 miles without a wheel falling off from a bad bearing, then OK

By the way, there is a 18' I/O that just popped on CL where the guy is ready to donate it. Has a tandem axle, but it has sat for 15 years, so what, about $500 in tires and bearings just to move her?

Bet that boat can go for $100

http://harrisburg.craigslist.org/boa/1981974830.html

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 74 180 SS OB/Open Bow

I threw him a take it or leave it offer DELIVERED!

If he can tow it 60 miles without a wheel falling off from a bad bearing, then OK

By the way, there is a 18' I/O that just popped on CL where the guy is ready to donate it. Has a tandem axle, but it has sat for 15 years, so what, about $500 in tires and bearings just to move her?

Bet that boat can go for $100

http://harrisburg.craigslist.org/boa/1981974830.html

Cool, keep us in the loop!

I really like that 18 footer! The trailer and hull look to be in pretty good shape (save tires). The power plant would probably make a wooshing noise as it blows through your wallet. Might be worth a phone call to him!

Have fun!

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: 74 180 SS OB/Open Bow

Cool, keep us in the loop!

I really like that 18 footer! The trailer and hull look to be in pretty good shape (save tires). The power plant would probably make a wooshing noise as it blows through your wallet. Might be worth a phone call to him!

Have fun!

I agree..Thats a decent Holiday....nice platform for a resto..although I am a bit biased on blue Holidays...lol