Hey Ya'll ; newbie 24' Starcraft just started working on it

wilieha

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Oct 25, 2011
Messages
30
Hello Everone,
I am new here and new to pontoons but learning fast.
I recently pulled a 1987 Starcraft 24' pontoon boat with 90 horse Yamaha from a barn. It was last in the water 2006 Mud, dust, dirt dobbers scum and mold everywhere. Vinal is fair preasure washed first layers off. Decking is solid, Aluminum top supports are bent a little Awaiting shipment of JJVS Aluminum cleaner/restorer.
First job was to remove boat from trailer. NOT FUN!! for sure: but it is done: will begin cutting old bunk bolts this afternoon. Blocked boat at aft welds and bow welds with stablelizers in center of both pontoons.
OH yeah they are just 2x6 layed flat on single axel homemade trailer, (Major redo of trailer to begin today).
I guess that is enough introduction. I will add pictures as soon as I figure out how to do it or when some kind soul sends me directions.
Wilieha aka. Bill
 

lncoop

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 18, 2010
Messages
5,147
Re: Hey Ya'll ; newbie 24' Starcraft just started working on it

Welcome aboard willie. Zop beat me to it. Will you be converting the trailer to dual axle? Looking forward to seeing your progress.:cool:
 

The Rooster

Ensign
Joined
Apr 28, 2011
Messages
936
Re: Hey Ya'll ; newbie 24' Starcraft just started working on it

Welcome Bill, there is excellent advice and tips in the restoration section of the forum, and we're always here for moral support !!! Good luck.
 

EGlideRider

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Dec 14, 2008
Messages
1,000
Re: Hey Ya'll ; newbie 24' Starcraft just started working on it

Welcome to the forum. Looking forward to forthcoming pictures.
 

wilieha

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Oct 25, 2011
Messages
30
Re: Hey Ya'll ; newbie 24' Starcraft just started working on it

Most definitely already have second axel it too is junk destined to be turned into "gold" intention is to replace house trailer spindles and tires with those low tires to help in launching. But first will take motor and boat to local dealer for full diagnostics. cost around $100. but I feel it worth it-have ordered shop manual for motor. This is most likely the last time the pros see it-At least I hope it is.. lot of work on trailer first- not to mention getting boat back on it. Will cross that bridge when we get there. Plan is to have in water by mid April.
 

zopperman

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 22, 2011
Messages
1,551
Re: Hey Ya'll ; newbie 24' Starcraft just started working on it

I wouldn't even waste that 100. You can do it with the help of the manual.

Some newer motors require computer/electronic diagnostics... You can just run a compression test ETC
 

MinUph

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 5, 2011
Messages
466
Re: Hey Ya'll ; newbie 24' Starcraft just started working on it

Welcome aboard Bill,
I'm sure your finding pontoons a much simpler form of boat. Not much to do except when you first get it. You will be happy you did the work as you will know what was done and how well it was done. There are many here to help so don't be shy.
 

Bamaman1

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
May 15, 2011
Messages
1,895
Re: Hey Ya'll ; newbie 24' Starcraft just started working on it

I have the same boat with a 115 hp Yamaha. Are you saying you have the OEM hard top?

All I've done in 26 years is replace plywood on each side of motor and plywood on sundeck, replace carpet once and aluminum skin on the hardtop. My boat is kept in a boathouse, but I do get some rain blowing in the rear door.

Keep'em out of sun and keep'em dry for a long, long life. Pontoons are a long term investment--and great values.
 

washburn2010

Cadet
Joined
Sep 26, 2011
Messages
15
Re: Hey Ya'll ; newbie 24' Starcraft just started working on it

Dang, glad to see I'm not the only crazy one trying to rebuild a toon. I just picked up a Sundancer 240D back in August. I got her gutted all the way down to the deck. Going carpet shopping this weekend. I've gone this far, I'm spending the money on some good carpet! Also, all of my seats, as well as the console were rotten. However, when I pulled the carpet off the deck, it was in great shape. I am finding it a little difficult to find carpet in 8 foot width. Most are 6 foot. I'm still up in the air whether I build the new seats, or just buy them.
 

wilieha

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Oct 25, 2011
Messages
30
Re: Hey Ya'll ; newbie 24' Starcraft just started working on it

hey Capt.
There are many places for carpet on the net just "Google" pontoon boat parts. I am not listing any because I don't have them listed and my priority has been working on fixing trailer---long story--- but have made the hump this week and will tell with pictures soon.
 

Jeff-in-PA

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Dec 27, 2008
Messages
402
Re: Hey Ya'll ; newbie 24' Starcraft just started working on it

I have a 1993 Starcraft 240 Starfisher. Powered by a 1993 Merc 115 hp with a 2001 9.9 four stroke kicker



Here's the pontoon with the old canvas ( just got brand new canvas for it )




Jeff
 

wilieha

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Oct 25, 2011
Messages
30
Re: Hey Ya'll ; newbie 24' Starcraft just started working on it

hey Chief;
I'm not sure where the hardtop came from, but it looks factory made. It is12' and attached to base rail and deck. Stablelizer bolts through top rail
 

wilieha

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Oct 25, 2011
Messages
30
Re: Hey Ya'll ; newbie 24' Starcraft just started working on it

Hello everyone hope ya'll up North are ok its been cold here (COLD= less than 40) but nothing like you folks- SNOW!!!!and stuff Yikes!!!! Sorry for not having put pictures up but I am still working on it- I am having to learn how to resize them-not to fear they will be posted. Question is when.
Work on trailer modification going smoothly have cut out over 500 lbs. from frame added second axel with tires and bunk mounts. All that is left for trailer is winch, winch post with bow stops and inside guides and paint. I will be replacing hubs and going to the 10 inch tires; but not right now. After spot priming welds on trailer will be moving on to cleaning the pontoons then back to trailer for complete repaint.
I have the JJVS Aluminium restorer and will use it after I rebuild the preasure washer pump. Also having to finish winterizing house before it really gets cold here. OH yeah had the wife in hospital this past week and home for recovery she will be back at work next week and I return to my "mushroom status" and can get my stuff done-know what I mean???
 

Blank-N-Ship

Seaman
Joined
Aug 24, 2011
Messages
60
Re: Hey Ya'll ; newbie 24' Starcraft just started working on it

Dang, glad to see I'm not the only crazy one trying to rebuild a toon. I just picked up a Sundancer 240D back in August. I got her gutted all the way down to the deck. Going carpet shopping this weekend. I've gone this far, I'm spending the money on some good carpet! Also, all of my seats, as well as the console were rotten. However, when I pulled the carpet off the deck, it was in great shape. I am finding it a little difficult to find carpet in 8 foot width. Most are 6 foot. I'm still up in the air whether I build the new seats, or just buy them.
Try leisurekraft.com and send us something on the Contact Us page. I can set you up with any color carpet you want, as long as it's gray. :laugh: Maybe there's some other colors back there...

Seriously though, give me an idea of the length (I'm assuming 24') and any questions you might have about it and the zipcode where you'd need it sent.
 

a1nowell

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 12, 2009
Messages
437
Re: Hey Ya'll ; newbie 24' Starcraft just started working on it

wilieha,
Welcome you will find lots of help on this forum. I totally rebuilt my '84 JC Tritoon and trailer in '08. I have a slide show in the rebuild section of this forum. Now a couple of items I'll mention:
1. Don't use the new pressure treated lumber when you rebuild the bunks of the trailer it is corrosive to your aluminum toons and will leach through carpet. This was my solution after I found out about the new treated wood. http://www.wholesalemarine.com/p/T-D-86164/Boat+Trailer+Bunk+Slick+Kit,+10+piece.html
2. here are a couple of sites you should become familiar with:
www.pontoonstuff.com www.everythingpontoon.com 3. Go to ...us posted on your rebuild and welcome aboard.
 

Silver Eagle

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 16, 2010
Messages
852
Re: Hey Ya'll ; newbie 24' Starcraft just started working on it

Wecome aboard Willie. I hope you get s much enjoyment out of your StarCraft as we do. Ours is an 2007 24ft limited with a 90 hp two stroke oil injected motor. 5Starr trailer duel Axle.
 
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