'79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

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Huron Angler

Admiral
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Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Wow I can't believe it's been a month almost since my last post. I apologize for the lack of updates.

The issues with tow vehicles has been resolved. We got a hitch put on our Ford Flex(tows like a dream, we love that vehicle) and since there's no short in the running lights all the lights on the trailer worked.:)

Apparently ALL the issues that I've had for the past few years with trailer lights all originated from a short in the Explorer.

So that was a huge shot in the arm for my electrical talents, since I had it all rigged up correctly all along.

We also scored a great deal on a '01 Ford Escape 3.0 V6 with 70k miles. Roslynn's grandmother sold it to us for 3k and it's the best purchase I've made since I bought the SS three years ago. I have not towed the boat with it yet but I'm sure it will work out well.

I got all the throttle issues worked out and the 70hp Johnson LOVES to run!.:D:D

It really does fire up on a twitch of the key like the seller told me, and runs super smooth in medium to high throttle ranges. The idle is rough, but if I want to go slow I can run the Minn Kota so no big deal really. All my anxiety about spending $1100 on this motor has been obliviated.:D

The performance is about what I expected, with three adults on board it shoots out of the hole and planes quickly. Top speed on GPS with three 200lb guys is 35mph, but that was on a 40-acre lake so it was Nascar style. Higher speed could probably be achieved on longer runs without turning.

I really need to get a tach rigged up to make sure it's all set, I have a feeling it's around 5000 and we might be able to get a bit more out or it, but that's speculation.

I need to get some videos up, it was dark when we first ran the motor so the vids didn't turn out well at all.

Hopefully we can get out on a nice day soon and get some quality footage.

Thanks to all for contributing to this thread, there's no way I could've gotten this far on my own so I really appreciate you folks helping out.:)
 

jasoutside

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2009
Messages
13,269
Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Great to see ya Mike!

So you ran the SS a bunch, no photos, no video:rolleyes:

Yah, we may tolerate this for a short period;)
 

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Glad to hear the Johnson is working out well for you. A SeaFoam treatment may smooth out the idle a bit.
 

Bwana Don

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Oct 20, 2009
Messages
1,951
Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Congrats Mike. Like EZ said, sea foam. If that doesn't do it then a carb kit probably will.

Still no video hmmm. After a warning more than 24 hours ago:eek:. I need a ruling from the mob on this. Is this acceptable???? When you post pictures give me a good one for the splash of the year ok.
 

Huron Angler

Admiral
Joined
Apr 7, 2009
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6,025
Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Great to see ya Mike!

So you ran the SS a bunch, no photos, no video.

Yah, we may tolerate this for a short period

Thanks Jason, sorry about the poor documentation. Good news is that we still have a bit of summer left, and I'm really looking forward to getting on some bigger water. Saginaw Bay and Lake St. Clair are high on my list of destinations.:D

I will give you a shout if we head over to Sanford or the bay in case you want to go for a boat ride.

I think we'll have to kick you out of the mob for being too soft Jas... HA, we NEED pix and vids!
TII

TII I will comply with your request ASAP:)

If I got Jason booted from our quasi-cult type of organization I honestly would feel bad.:D

Glad to hear the Johnson is working out well for you. A SeaFoam treatment may smooth out the idle a bit.

Thanks EZ, since I am $1100 into this motor I am thrilled with it and plan to keep it for a long time. I have not run any Seafoam yet, so hopefully that will do the trick, good advice.

Congrats Mike. Like EZ said, sea foam. If that doesn't do it then a carb kit probably will.

Still no video hmmm. After a warning more than 24 hours ago:eek:. I need a ruling from the mob on this. Is this acceptable???? When you post pictures give me a good one for the splash of the year ok.

Thanks Don, it's been a long time since we've had this boat planed out and it was a blast.:D

I will let you know if I'm planning on heading down your way with the boat so check your PM's.:)
 

jasoutside

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2009
Messages
13,269
Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

If I got kicked out I think I'd have to change my avatar to a fluffy bunny rabbit or something:eek:

Photos now! Or else!!!!:mad:


Cheers man:)
 

Bwana Don

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Oct 20, 2009
Messages
1,951
Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Coming to St. Clair? Sweet, I'll show you all I know about trophy smallmouth fishing, this is a 5 minute seminar.:p

Triton, this is jas as a fluffy bunny.
Killer_rabbit.JPG
 

Triton II

Commander
Joined
Nov 23, 2004
Messages
2,479
Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

I can almost hear the fluffisaurus carnivorous saying... "this guy's not all he's cracked up to be!" Thank goodness I'm 10,000 miles away from THAT! :p

TII
 

Deadwood

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 21, 2010
Messages
442
Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration


Tim: There he is!
King Arthur: Where?
Tim: There!
King Arthur: What? Behind the rabbit?
Tim: It *is* the rabbit!
King Arthur: You silly sod!
Tim: What?
King Arthur: You got us all worked up!
Tim: Well, that's no ordinary rabbit.
King Arthur: Ohh.
Tim: That's the most foul, cruel, and bad-tempered rodent you ever set eyes on!
Sir Robin: You %$#! I soiled my armor I was so scared!
Tim: Look, that rabbit's got a vicious streak a mile wide! It's a killer!
Sir Galahad: Get stuffed!
Tim: He'll do you up a treat, mate.


Sorry for the hi-jack Mike.........couldn't resist.:facepalm:
 

Lace13

Recruit
Joined
Apr 21, 2020
Messages
1
Sweet man. Just starting restoring my 1976 Starcraft trihull 15.5’. Motor is strong and running well. 55hp Evinrude.
Really interested in the addition of a auto trim tilt! Take any advice !
 
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