I'm thinking about buying a 1976 Starcraft SS; advice needed

[Tom55]

I've been smitten by a beautiful 1976 Starcraft Super Sport 18' I/O open bow. It's nearly immaculate, owned by an older gentleman who says he's just getting too old to take her out any more. The 120 horse motor seems to run great, the outdrive shifts flawlessly and the tilt/trim works great. The whole thing is very clean, the floor and transom are solid, original interior seats in great condition. He's done a little custom painting on the hull (changed the orange stripe to brown) and changed out the carpet. It's sitting on a nice Teenee tandem tilt trailer with working surge brakes. He wants $2800 for it and he's not budging off the price (says his wife won't let him). I've never owned an aluminimum hull or and I/O before and wondered if anyody could help me be sure I'm asking the right questions. Thanks.

 

[dozerII]

Re: I'm thinking about buying a 1976 Starcraft SS; advice needed

That is a great boat, I have the same thing only it is a 1972 ( my Avatar). They are very economical to run, anf fairly inexpensive to maintain. Check closely for rust stains on the block and manifold, as these could indicate cracks. With the outdrive all the way up look at the bellows for cracks or dry rot. Check the oil make sure it is clear and not milky looking. And most important take it for a sea trial if possible.
Glen

 

[Tom55]

Re: I'm thinking about buying a 1976 Starcraft SS; advice needed

That is a great boat, I have the same thing only it is a 1972 ( my Avatar). They are very economical to run, anf fairly inexpensive to maintain. Check closely for rust stains on the block and manifold, as these could indicate cracks. With the outdrive all the way up look at the bellows for cracks or dry rot. Check the oil make sure it is clear and not milky looking. And most important take it for a sea trial if possible.
Glen

Thanks Glen. I'm going back day after tomorrow for another look and possibly putting it in the water. I'll check these things out and try to post some pictures afterward.

 

[1973Chieftain]

Re: I'm thinking about buying a 1976 Starcraft SS; advice needed

Welcome aboard Tom!!

 

[86 century]

Re: I'm thinking about buying a 1976 Starcraft SS; advice needed

Dont see you going wrong with that combo.

Fairly light hull that you haft to try to mess it up.

The 120merc will out live you is you treat it right.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: I'm thinking about buying a 1976 Starcraft SS; advice needed

Hi Tom and welcome!

Well, if the boat is as good as you say it is, turn key, ready to run, just add fuel, drop in the water after doing exactly nothing...

I'd say that price is probably fair.

However, at 34 years of age it would be quite rare to pick up a rig in that kind of condition.

If you found it, cool!

Along with what Glen mentioned I'd be asking about the routine maintenance that was completed. Just getting caught up on that stuff can be kinda pricy.

Anyhow, have fun

 

[ezmobee]

Re: I'm thinking about buying a 1976 Starcraft SS; advice needed

The points I was going to make have been hit by dozer and jasoutside (what to check and preventative maintenance). You won't find a boat easier to own, tow, launch, and enjoy than a Starcraft SS. That 120 will just sip gas too. It's usually worth it to pay a little more for a boat in exceptional condition.

 

[bunker108]

Re: I'm thinking about buying a 1976 Starcraft SS; advice needed

I love my 18' SS although mine is an outboard model. Mine was far from immacualte when I got it, but was clean with solid transom and floors. I paid $1700. So if that boat is an nice as you say it is I would jump on it. Good luck and they are really great boats.

 

[Tom55]

Re: I'm thinking about buying a 1976 Starcraft SS; advice needed

I love my 18' SS although mine is an outboard model. Mine was far from immacualte when I got it, but was clean with solid transom and floors. I paid $1700. So if that boat is an nice as you say it is I would jump on it. Good luck and they are really great boats.

Thanks, I really appreciate all the advice. The PO did show me service records which looked immaculate. Last year he put $650 into a new impellar, plugs, points, condensor, tune up, and a couple of other things I can't remember right now, all done by a reputable local marina. I think this one might be "the one." He also said it pulls like it's not even there -- especially on the Teenee tandem. I'm going up tomorrow to seal the deal and bring her home.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: I'm thinking about buying a 1976 Starcraft SS; advice needed

Nice..Have you ever owned an I/O before?

 

[jasoutside]

Re: I'm thinking about buying a 1976 Starcraft SS; advice needed

The PO did show me service records which looked immaculate. Last year he put $650 into a new impellar, plugs, points, condensor, tune up, and a couple of other things

That ^^^ is great news right there

 

[dozerII]

Re: I'm thinking about buying a 1976 Starcraft SS; advice needed

Way to go, but you only have 36 hours after hauling her home to post pictures, or the mob will start forming!! lol
Glen

 

[Tom55]

Re: I'm thinking about buying a 1976 Starcraft SS; advice needed

CheapboatKev, No, this will be my first I/O, I have owned two outboards previously. Any advice? Thanks.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: I'm thinking about buying a 1976 Starcraft SS; advice needed

Any advice? Thanks.

RUN! LOL, just kidding. Seriously though, just don't let Cheapboatkev wrench on yours and you should be OK.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: I'm thinking about buying a 1976 Starcraft SS; advice needed

Well, by the sounds of it you are off to a great start with all the general maintenance up to date, that is really great!

CheapboatKev, No, this will be my first I/O, I have owned two outboards previously. Any advice? Thanks.

Here's my advice:

Subscribe to this forum...

http://forums.iboats.com/forumdisplay.php?f=21

And, read, read, read, read, read....

I dare say anything that you would ever want to know about Mercruiser IO's is entirely housed right there on that forum.

Enjoy

(Edit: I knew EZ would pop by here, HA! I'd venture to say both pieces of his advice are sound)

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: I'm thinking about buying a 1976 Starcraft SS; advice needed

RUN! LOL, just kidding. Seriously though, just don't let Cheapboatkev wrench on yours and you should be OK.

Really?
My advice..get an original manual.
when I am back in my laptop I will send you a link to what you need.

 

[Tom55]

Re: I'm thinking about buying a 1976 Starcraft SS; advice needed

Really?
My advice..get an original manual.
when I am back in my laptop I will send you a link to what you need.

The boat actually came with a couple of original pamphlet type manuals (amazing thst they survived). But I'd love to see you thread to see if there's more. Thanks.

 

[Tom55]

Re: I'm thinking about buying a 1976 Starcraft SS; advice needed

I did it! Sitting in my garage (with the tongue sticking out about a foot) is a beautiful 1976 Starcraft SuperSport 18 I/O. I'm pretty sure I'm in love. Hope my wife of 39 years has room in her heart for a polygamist. I have to go to work in a minute but I'll try to post some pictures later. So what do you have to do to join the Starmada? Is there an initiation or at least a secret handshake to learn?

 

[jasoutside]

Re: I'm thinking about buying a 1976 Starcraft SS; advice needed

So what do you have to do to join the Starmada?

Post some photos and you are in!

(Cigars and cookies on Thursday nights, we usually meet at the "Starcraft Hanger")

 

[InMotion]

Re: I'm thinking about buying a 1976 Starcraft SS; advice needed

I did it! Sitting in my garage (with the tongue sticking out about a foot) is a beautiful 1976 Starcraft SuperSport 18 I/O. I'm pretty sure I'm in love. Hope my wife of 39 years has room in her heart for a polygamist. I have to go to work in a minute but I'll try to post some pictures later. So what do you have to do to join the Starmada? Is there an initiation or at least a secret handshake to learn?

Congrats Tom!!! And welcome to your new homes --- here and your garage! Jas forgot to mention the obligatory naps at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm... we are all getting older.

Looking forward to some pics and your thread...