hello to all fellow starcraft owners

[olddawg]

Re: hello to all fellow starcraft owners

I'm looking for pictures or advise to figure out which model 1979 Starcraft I own.
I'm in the process of restoring her and hope to re-paint in the same fashion as original.
I'm replacing the windshield now and figure what I'm doing is not true to detail, but looks pretty good.

If I could only get the color pattern right, I'd be really happy!

Any help will be appreciated.

 

[Karen1]

Re: hello to all fellow starcraft owners

Hi everyone! I am thinking of purchasing a 1996 1700 Starcraft with a 120 Force outboard motor.... I am brand new at boating and boat ownership so open to all suggestions and help you can offer.... I am purchasing a boat so that I can thoroughly enjoy quality time with my grandkids. They range in age from 8 to 14 and we all live 10 - 15 miles from 2 popular boating lakes. While I understand from the seller (original owner) that their sons have been skiing behind this boat since they bought it in 97, I don't plan to tear out and buy skis right away. I'm thinking a float tube and just cruising around the lake is the most I would do for at least this year. Boat comes with it's trailer and towing will not be a problem as I have both Class A motorhome and Ford Ranger truck.... Your thoughts???

 

[ezmobee]

Re: hello to all fellow starcraft owners

Karen, you may want to avoid a boat with a Force outboard motor. They were discontinued over 10 years ago and have not been fully supported with parts. Some mechanics don't like to work on them for this reason.

The two most important things to check with buying an older fiberglass boat are one (as you've encountered): obsolete powerplants and two: rot in the wooden components of the hull. Boats that appear to have spent some time uncovered exposed to the elements have a STRONG chance of being rotted. This rot can be repaired but it's a major undertaking and the boat is not safe if it's rotted. ANY soft spots in the deck are usually an indication of more serious rot below in the stringers (floor joists in laymen's terms). The other place is the transom (rear most portion of the boat that supports the motor). You should be able to exert some serious force on the motor and not see ANY flexing.

The best thing you can do, you've already done, and that's post up and boats you're considering here. We'll point out any potential pitfalls.