Early 70s Jupiter-V

[AKA_CJ]

Hello. I've got my eye on an early 70s Starcraft aluminum runabout. It has a running 25hp evinrude (1977). Are there any specific things I should be looking for when seeing this boat in person?

Thanks!
CJ

 

[Bwana Don]

Re: Early 70s Jupiter-V

Does the motor turn over? If it does it's not froze and that's good.

Is the floor solid?
Is the transom solid?

None of these are a deal breaker but will affect the price.

More of the Starmada will chime in.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Early 70s Jupiter-V

Welcome aboard CJ. I'm looking too. In addition to what Don said, are you looking for water ready craft or a project? If water ready, is the trailer and interior seating usable? And take a water ride if possible, at a minimum run the motor on muffs it the seller says it runs. For a project it depends on what your plans are. A restoration or just bring it back to safe, utilitarian condition? If you haven't looked, take a gander at some of the resto threads to get an idea what some of the Starmada started with. And don't forget to post pictures to show off your new baby. The Mob likes pics and will give plenty of help and advice. Good luck!

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Early 70s Jupiter-V

Two things I am wondering...

1. Asking price?

2. Where are you located?

The bigger the price tag the less things you should have to rebuild. And, where you are located sure seems to have an impact on the bottom line.

Have fun!

 

[AKA_CJ]

Re: Early 70s Jupiter-V

I'm in the Pacific Northwest. I'll be spending less than $2k on the boat and don't plan on going right into a restoration. I'd like it to be functional instantly so I can crab this season around te coastal bays.

Thanks!
CJ

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Early 70s Jupiter-V

In that case...

I'd do a through check on that OB and make sure everything is absolutely good to go. Maybe even take it to your local dealer for them to give it a stamp of approval.

Second, check the transom. Really get in there and see if you can find soft wood and/or rot. You are looking at a 40 year old boat, if the transom hasn't been rebuilt yet it's likely due to be.

For around the $2K mark I'd want these two items to be set. If not, you aren't fishing, and that would be a bummer.

A solid deck all around (in the corners too) would be nice.

 

[Bwana Don]

Re: Early 70s Jupiter-V

For a ready to use boat Jason's right the motor must be fully funtional. Compression testing and a lake run would be a miniumum for me. A marine mechanic's opinion would be great if you have a trusted place to go.

Solid transom is a must also and for $2k the floor would need to be fairly rigid. Those are the biggies, now how about electronics. I'd need a depth finder and maybe a gps to seal the deal. Boats seem to be cheaper out in Michigan so you'll need to apply your own exchange rate AKA.

Good luck post a few pictures and you'll get some more feedback.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Early 70s Jupiter-V

A 25 sounds really underpowered to me. My Jupiter was a 16' and I had an 85 on it. I'm thinking a 50 would be minimum. 25 would push it fine but I don't see it planing you and a buddy.

 

[Pugetsound]

Re: Early 70s Jupiter-V

Where in the Pacific N.W.?? thats a big area, and even then location cost will Be different.

 

[AKA_CJ]

Re: Early 70s Jupiter-V

I am concerned about the size of the motor and will probably have to upgrade in the next year or two. I've got a buddy who has already offered to help me paint it too. Always fun when you can get your buddies excited about a new toy! I live in Portland and am just getting into salmon and steelhead fishing but grew up boating.

 

[N1265]

Re: Early 70s Jupiter-V

Even if the boat was in great shape the motor would be a deal breaker for me, It is two small for the boat to make me happy and the fact it is a 1977 means that you would be way upside down in the project when you go to put something bigger on it. It will work, But I would not spent 2K on something that would not make me happy, and I would not take on a project where I could never break ( somewhat ) even if I had to sell it.

I have a 1964 Jupiter with a 40 HP on it. It does great if I am the only person in the boat. But as soon as you start adding weight it becomes a dog.

Now if the motor was a 2007 I would jump on the deal

 

[Bwana Don]

Re: Early 70s Jupiter-V

My general rule for motor size on a boat is minimum 75% of rated horsepower. Your on the Ocean I'm on the Great Lakes, we need all the ponies we can get. If the weather comes up on you it's nice to be able to run for cover.

 

[AKA_CJ]

Re: Early 70s Jupiter-V

How would an Electric Minn-Kota motor work for trolling a boat this size? It would also be nice to have as a backup since you can't exactly row a boat around this size. I don't necessarily want to be fully reliant on a 1977 outboard motor.

Hoping to take a look at the boat sometime this week.

Thanks to all.

CJ

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Early 70s Jupiter-V

I had a transom mount 12V (not sure the thrust) troller on my Jupiter and now have a 12V bow mount troller (again not sure the thrust) on my SS and both move the boats very well. Electric motors will most likely get you to shore but not necessarily back to the ramp if it's any kinda distance.

 

[AKA_CJ]

Re: Early 70s Jupiter-V

What about the hull integrity? After 40+ years do u need to look to do any bracing with restoration? Is it pretty much a given that I'll be dealing with loose and leaky rivets while owning a boat this old?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Early 70s Jupiter-V

Fixing leaky rivets is not a big deal and a nice coat of Gluvit is great insurance against future leaks. As for hull integrity, I would not expect any issues. I think the worse we've seen has been corrosion caused by water trapped against the hull by rotted wood (transoms) or poured foam (newer boats than the one in consideration here).

 

[AKA_CJ]

Re: Early 70s Jupiter-V

That's good to know. While reading up online about these boats I came across someone calling out the 70s hulls specifically. Going to see the Jupiter tomorrow AM.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Early 70s Jupiter-V

What about the hull integrity? After 40+ years do u need to look to do any bracing with restoration? Is it pretty much a given that I'll be dealing with loose and leaky rivets while owning a boat this old?

Since you are near the salt make sure that Jupiter doesn't have too bad of corrosion, especially on the stern. Dents/cracks would be a possible dealbreaker too.

Leaky rivets are normal for a tin boat that old, no big deal to fix those.

A '77 outboard can be just as reliable as a newer one, it all depends on maintenance.

Good luck to ya!

 

[AKA_CJ]

Re: Early 70s Jupiter-V

Just spoke with the mechanics that are servicing the Evinrude and they said they're working on the water pump/impellor. Not going to be able to fire up the motor today but can get a good look at the general condition of the boat. Will post some pictures later.

CJ

 

[AKA_CJ]

Re: Early 70s Jupiter-V

The Jupiter is in pretty rough shape and plus it's only 25hp so the search continues. Those closed bows sure aren't very sturdy! There happened to be an SS at the mechanic also and I really liked the open bow design. So much that it might be a must have with whatever boat I end up getting. There are quite a few of these older Starcrafts for sale right now in my area and I've already spotted a 1974 16' SS with a 96 75HP Merc.