HELP! Im looking at 1979 Starcraft SuperSport

[CSWERTH]

What are the key questions i should ask seller to make sure im not getting a lemon?

Its a 1979 Starcraft Supersport. 18ft Alum. In/Out board 120 mercrusier which seller claims runs fine. I have not purchased a boat before and Im definately interested in learning more. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!

CW

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: HELP! Im looking at 1979 Starcraft SuperSport

Top 3 things to do when buying a used boat

1: Take on a test run for at least 30 mins.

2: See #1

3: See #2 and #1

Then see how much water is in the boat after.
If the owner wont take it out, Offer him 1/2 or less that what he wants, If no, Walk away...

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: HELP! Im looking at 1979 Starcraft SuperSport

Welcome to iboats.

Wow that's a loaded question. I will try to help and also move this into our starcraft area.

Is this your first boat?

I would take along an experienced boater to look at it.

Water testing is just about mandatory but it is only a fraction of what needs to be looked at and inspected.

Many of these items are also mandated by the seller's asking price.

Compression ....is it even in all 4 cylinder's?
Has the impellar been changed? When? MUST be done at least every 2 years.
Any outdrive bellows leaks (hard to see) and the bellows should be examined.
Tilt and trim system...working properly?
Gauges? Working?
Running lights?

Any soft spots in the deck? Check the rear corners.

Bilge pump working?

What is the general condition of the hull? Look for damage and loose/missing rivets.

Trailer? Tires? Lights?

 

[bananaboater]

Re: HELP! Im looking at 1979 Starcraft SuperSport

Inspect beyond the superficial looks. Crawl under the boat and check hull for dents, damage or repairs. Try to determine if any major changes were made like adding a casting deck or different seating. How many owners? The idea to take along a boater is a good one.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: HELP! Im looking at 1979 Starcraft SuperSport

Hull integrity is #1 as mentioned. No dents, holes or backyard repairs is what you want to see on an old aluminum boat.

Next would be the transom/deck. Soft spots? Any signs of rot or wetness means a total replacement with new sealed plywood.

After that since I/O's aren't easily swapped is to get the motor checked out. If it runs on the water for 30 minutes then it has probably been decently maintained. Compression check is always a good idea to make sure it's worth investing in.

Good luck to ya! We love these old Starcrafts and this site can help out with the Merc if you have questions once you get it.

 

[elkhunter338]

Re: HELP! Im looking at 1979 Starcraft SuperSport

I would take a large sewing needle, but a piece of dowel on one end for a handle and take the sharp point and poke around the floor, transmon (edges especially), and all the wood pieces you can. You will find out if the wood is bad.
All of the above that was mentioned.
Also if the water pump was replaced there is not guartee it was done right, I bought one with a new water pump but it was installed wrong and put water in the outdrive.

If you cannot take it for a test run, make sure you run it for 15min or so on the garden hose, rev it up let it idle make sure it comes up to temp. Look for water/oil leaks. I would check the outdrive oil also.
See what the oil pressure gauge reads, see if it runs smooth and such.
I bought a I/O and did not run it and got burned, the guy seemed honest but either had no clue of the problems or was taking me for a ride.
I think the guy had no clue because he had most repairs done at a repair shop.
The boat also had a 1971 140 in a 1986 boat and I was never told about it.
If I ever buy another boat I will check the serial #'s on the engine/outdrive to make sure the year of the boat and engine match up.

Take a volt meter with you to check battery voltage while engin is running to verify charging system is working voltage should be in the 13.8-14.5 range.
Good luck.