FishMaster

[BoatSuperior]

Hey all,

I am new here so a little about myself:

First and only boat was a pontoon I owned for 10 years
I was and am a very meticulous owner
I am a transient that has taken the toon to many northern Michigan destinations
Married and have two dogs that enjoy the boating as much as I
( edit: Wife does too )

Why I am looking at a Starcraft:

It is metal, so less weight
I really like the Holiday series looks
I really like the Islander series looks
I can fix this boat based on the support found in this forum
Its cost

What I have found is a FishMaster which isn't my first choice but is large enough to accommodate us , the dogs, and handle Superior. My question is regarding 'stress cracks'. This boat has a hole in the metal keel where the port and starboard metal meet at the bow. It is about three inches below the top rail so far from water line. No matter, this boat took a hell of hit or was purposefully punctured with something. What I think maybe a stress crack is found just behind where the bow rise begins at the keel. It is a line that goes from side to side of the boat but isn't jagged. If it were a stress crack wouldn't it be? The 'line' doesn't run to rivets and is 24" in length.

I am taking the Wife to look this over tomorrow ( dogs don't have a vote ) and will get some pics to post. If you all have anything to contribute, I will be much appreciative.

The boat is a 2000 and a 196 with a 2001 Merc 125 Saltwater. Has a 2001 Merc 9.9 kicker.

Thanks

 

[KellyC]

Re: FishMaster

Hello there BoatSuperior and welcome to the iboats forum. The first thing everyone is going to tell you is that we need to have some pics to be able to really help you out. Cannot give advice on something that cannot be seen. Good luck and maybe you should ask the dogs if they like it as well, you never know if may not like it

 

[BoatSuperior]

Re: FishMaster

Thanks, KellyC. Will do the pics the best I can and will hope the sun is out so they show. Enjoy the water this weekend.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: FishMaster

Welcome to iboats!

Yah, a photo or two would definitely be helpful.

Hey, I really like your avatar there. I have spent a whole lot of time sea kayakiing, backpacking and ice climbing all along that shoreline. Love it up there! Some day I hope to float a Starcraft in those waters too.

Cheers!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: FishMaster

maybe you should ask the dogs if they like it as well

I think you should ask them if they know how to weld

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: FishMaster

Sounds like a bad place to have a crack. Probably best to look for a good hull, depending on how bad the damage is.

I personally love the Islanders, and there are a bunch of good ones available

 

[paparoof]

Re: FishMaster

Sounds like a bad place to have a crack. Probably best to look for a good hull, depending on how bad the damage is.

I agree with this. The picture I have in my head is pretty scary. I spent a good portion of this weekend crammed up into the bow of my Islander (applying Gluvit) and thinking what a ton of stress that whole section must take. If the hole you mentioned was caused by some sort of trauma that also caused the crack you mentioned, there may be other cracks you haven't noticed.

Let's see pictures though - maybe reality isn't as scary as the insides of my head.

Here's a link that shows what I think is a pretty bulletproof repair. Though doing this at the bow is a whole 'nuther ball of wax. Still, you might find it helpful.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=350280