Good Project Boat?

[Sneak]

I currently own a 1971 (or is it a '72) 16' Starcraft Supersport (aluminum boat with dual console, 85 outboard). The boat seam to be in good shape (no popped rivets, have all the original vinyl tops, no rips, etc). Question is, is this boat candidate for a make-over project similiar to the project boat by Djohns (see post)? Or, is this hull not worthy of this type of project?<br /><br />Thanks for any information or advice!

 

[davecharles]

Re: Good Project Boat?

I havn't seen your boat but Starcraft boats are a well made, solid boat. I have rebuilt several of them. Be creative, decide what you want in a boat then built it. The hull will last for a long time. The interior may be worn, the plywood floor or transom may be soft but they are replacable with tools that the average carpenter has available. Good luck have fun and keep us posted.

 

[MoRambler]

Re: Good Project Boat?

I'd go for it. My Dad just sold his old 14' Starcraft aluminum boat that he bought in 1959!! And it still didn't have a rivet leak. They are great old boats.

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Good Project Boat?

Starcrafts are well-known, very good boats. If it's worth the effort to you, then I say go for it. The results and satisfaction are worth the effort.

 

[Seaboo2]

Re: Good Project Boat?

The boat (generally) is a solid great boat. You just need to examine it a little closer and figure out if the repairs needed on yours are within your skill (?) level and budget (and don't listen to ANYONE on the matter of "that boat isn't worth spending that much $ on". It is all in the enjoyment you get from it (before, durring, and after) the "make over".

 

[DJ]

Re: Good Project Boat?

Sneak,<br /><br />I am VERY familiar with that boat. It was a good one and a real performer with an 85.<br /><br />I'd say go for it. It can't be in any worse shape than my Sea Nymph was.<br /><br />Even if the transom is bad, as mine was, it's a lot easier to deal with than a glass boat.<br /><br />We can help you if you decide to go ahead.

 

[Sneak]

Re: Good Project Boat?

Thanks Djohns. Your right, the boat has some getty-up with the 85.<br /><br />I'm the second owner of the boat. First owner gave it up after the 70hp johnson roasted a cylinder. I put a late 70's Evinrude on it.<br /><br />From first glance, the transome looks to be in pretty decent shape. The floor feels a little soft in a couple of areas.<br /><br />The motor needs a little TLC. I believe the compression is good. Just needs some carb work.

 

[DJ]

Re: Good Project Boat?

Sneak,<br /><br />The floor isn't that hard to repair. You can do it in sections. Once you clear the area to lift out the bad section(s). It's simple.

 

[gewf631]

Re: Good Project Boat?

Sneak<br /> I know EXACTLY what you're talking about. I've got an 18' Supersport that I just started pulling the floor out-of. When you mentioned that... "The floor feels a little soft in a couple of areas" I think this is due to the material used (looks to be 1/2" plywood). With 2 supports running from the transom to the consoles, and a 2" piece of (thin) aluminum strap running side to side wherever the plywood sheets are mated, I think this is why the floor feels soft. I've only found 2 spots where my floor is 'bad', but I've decided to just replace the whole thing with 3/4" pressure treated plywood (the new stuff isn't as nasty).<br />I'm re-doing the bow seats (there's plenty of room for storage, but those goofy little holes don't make it easy to use), thinking I'll build a simple frame out of PT wood, and hinge the seats on top to use that storage. Even though most of the vinyl trim is in decent shape, it's dated, so I'll either recover with vinyl or carpet (price is about the same).<br />As with anything, you never know what you've got until you start opening things up!

• <br />
• The seats are in great shape, but they were fastened with LOTS (9-12) of regular screws, so they have to be drilled. <br />
• I don't know if this is the way it was built, but the foam is just some big blocks/sheets laid-in under the floor. <br />
• Mixture of regular, stainless, and pop-rivet fasteners <br />

<br />And this is only after a couple hours work!<br />I'll take pictures as I go, so let me know if you have any questions.<br />Ed

 

[DJ]

Re: Good Project Boat?

Ed F,<br /><br />My parents had an 18' Super Sport. Bought it new in '76'.<br /><br />You're absolutely right about those front storage areas in the bow section. We ended up removing the seat cushions and making them easily removable for storage.<br /><br />Laying in blocks of foam was quite common in those days. Some still do it today. It is effective.

 

[Sneak]

Re: Good Project Boat?

I agree that the front storage area is less then desirable. One of the reasons I am thinking about making this project boat is the lack of storage, and lockable storage. I would like to redo the bow area for a little better storage and redo the stern, again, for a little better storage (maybe a livewell).<br /><br />Generally speaking, a would like to upgrade this boat to a fish and ski, similiar to the newer Alumacrafts, Lunds, Crestliners, etc..<br /><br />Here's a question...is their any way to put storage into the bottom of the boat (ski locker type)?<br /><br />Ed F, I would like to see pictures of your boat as the project moves along.<br /><br />Thanks.

 

[DJ]

Re: Good Project Boat?

Sneak,<br /><br />That depends on how the cross members are laid out. You won't know until you get the floor up.

 

[gewf631]

Re: Good Project Boat?

The cross members (really, length members) run from the transom to the consoles, about 18" apart. I've only removed the triangular bow piece, so I don't know if there's other supports under the floor, but if there are, they're only on the sides, as the foam under the center runs the length of the boat.<br /><br />I'll certainly post pictures as they become meaningful!

 

[DJ]

Re: Good Project Boat?

Ed,<br /><br />If that is the case, that's an excellent place for an in floor fuel tank.

 

[gewf631]

Re: Good Project Boat?

I'd LOVE to go this route, seeing that my 18 gal aluminum tank has several holes, so now I'm looking to purchase a new tank.<br /><br />KVESURPLUS.COM has a 23 gallon one that's 80" long x 14" wide x 6" tall for $40 -sure beats the $100 for a 'standard' replacement!<br /><br />It scares me a little, putting all that fuel UNDER my floor, and what do I do with the foam? Obviously, tanks are regularly placed under the floor, but is there anything special I should worry about - prep work, special mounting, access hatches, etc?<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[DJ]

Re: Good Project Boat?

ED,<br /><br />Quite often the tanks are set on foam blocks, or seated in spray in foam. You know, the kind you can buy at Home Depot. "Great Stuff" is the brand I've used before.<br /><br />Under floor tanks are more the norm today than above deck tanks. You will have to run fill/vent hoses to the gunwale though-not a hard task.<br /><br />I wouldn't worry too much about displacing that amount of foam. A little foam sprayed here and there will make up for the bouyancy difference.

 

[gewf631]

Re: Good Project Boat?

That's pretty much what I thought, but it's great to hear from someone with experience.<br /><br />Thought about using the spray foam to secure the blocks, and/or spraying it into garbage bags (like shippers do) to fill the other voids.<br /><br />Thanks again for the quick and informative response. Supposed-to rain a lot, so I probably won't get back to it for a few days, but will certainly take pictures as I go.<br /><br />Ed

 

[johndoe]

Re: Good Project Boat?

Ed F.<br />I am rebuilding my old seats, where is a good place to get vinyl? I have seen it from 10.00 to 25.00 a yard... Any one know a cheaper source?<br /><br />Thanks

 

[gewf631]

Re: Good Project Boat?

A similar discussion was over on "Boat Questions"<br /> here's the link.... Any of the sites listed there should be OK.<br /><br />Having said that, you'll also find some decent prices at American Trim and Upholstery, although their site isn't the easiest to surf-through.<br /><br />Finally, Cabella's or Bass Pro Shops also have decent prices.<br /><br />I'll warn you, that depending on how much you purchase, the shipping can get pricey. Here's a good upholstery forum. Poke around there if you have any questions...

 

[Sneak]

Re: Good Project Boat?

It sounds as though we could put an underfloor fuel tank or ski/storage locker. My 16' has a 2-stroke outboard engine. I currently use a couple of the portable metal 6 gallon tanks in the back of the boat. Not sure that a underfloor tank will work real well (2-stroke, not oil injected). Is it a problem to dump oil into the underfloor tank, then wash it down with the appropriate amount of gas?