Is this deck boat really a StarCraft?

[dccordell]

I found a website that will take the HIN and figure out who the manufacturer is of a boat. Since I haven't gotten the papers yet for my boat, I don't know who made it. I put my HIN in and it says it was made by StarCraft.

The HIN is STRE15830878. According to several sites, the "STR" is StarCraft's brand.

After doing tons of searching online, I haven't seen any StarCraft boats that look like mine, or even a StarCraft deck boat from 1978. If it's not StarCraft, any ideas what it is?

Pics are prior to doing anything to the boat:

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Is this deck boat really a StarCraft?

Doubtful. I think it's a Viking.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Is this deck boat really a StarCraft?

STRE is the prefix for a Starcraft rig...they did make a variety of 'glass rigs back in the 70s.

It's likely they did have a limited run of production on deck boats, as they had many tri-hull designs to base them on.

 

[dccordell]

Re: Is this deck boat really a StarCraft?

YeH I had been thinking it was a Viking, but then the STRE threw me off. And I read, as Huron stated, that StarCraft may have made a low production deck boat way back then. I guess I'll just have to get the papers to find out for sure. I was hoping to find a picture of one with an interior similar to mine to help in the restoration.

So this boat is defintely a tri-hull design? I never was sure on that... It looks different from the others I've seen, but I suppose they are all different at least a little bit.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Is this deck boat really a StarCraft?

It may actually be more of a "cathedral" style, which means the middle V is deeper than the two outside Vs.

The deckboat design is a great platform for lounging, watersports, or fishing.

We would need a photo taken from the bow to see the actual hull design to tell.

Also are you aware that the 470 is somewhat "special" and may need some mods to keep it from overheating? Check out the I/O forum for more info on the 470.

They have "mixed" reviews to put it mildly. Some folks love them for their power and reasonable fuel-efficiency though.

 

[dccordell]

Re: Is this deck boat really a StarCraft?

Yeah I've read all of the good and bad reviews of the 470. While it wouldn't be my pick (if I had a pick), it's what I got. The only thing that people recommend about the 470 that I haven't done is putting an alternator on it. The factoy charging system still works on it so I'll leave it until it quits on me. Easy enough to put an alt on it any time. The thing starts right up and runs smooth out of the boat, so I'm hoping for the same when I put it back in the boat. We shall see...

I'll get a better pic of the hull when I get home this evening. Can't post pics from my iPhone.. I have reAd that tri hulls are pretty stable in calm water but don't go across waves very well. That sound right? The middle V is deeper than the others so you may be correct without a pic.

Pics to come...

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Is this deck boat really a StarCraft?

Sounds good, glad you are aware of the 470 issues. A heat exchanger larger than factory is also recommended from my limited knowledge, again to keep it from overheating.

The aluminum/steel mix causes the heads to blow apparently. Get some info from some of the guys that have been running these for a while, there are devotees to the 470 on iboats.

The cathedral hull is actually from the folks over at Boston Whaler originally, so it's a bit better than a true tri-hull in my opinion.

 

[86 century]

Re: Is this deck boat really a StarCraft?

It may be a starcraft though it looks just like my '77 viking who ever made it they are roomy and move quite well with smaller eng.

 

[dccordell]

Re: Is this deck boat really a StarCraft?

Ok I was able to get a quick pic.. Maybe you can see the hull enough. I couldnt take a pic of the whole thing because of my tarps being in the way. The other side obviously looks the sane way lol.. Don't mind the mess.. Things sure got messy doing the deck. Just finished it so cleaning up now..

 

[sschefer]

Re: Is this deck boat really a StarCraft?

You are correct about the HIN.. Starcraft is the manufacturer. It could either be a Starcraft or a MonArk but if you send Starcraft an email, they will respond and tell you exactly what you have. The original family bought their company back from Brunswick a couple of years ago and they're really working hard to turn it around. Just go to their website and the email address should be in the "Contact" info. It might take a day to get back to you but they will.

That said, if the boat came out of Brunswick with the STR manufacturers id in the HIN it should follow the rules but sometimes tax games get played and it may actually be a Viking.

 

[dccordell]

Re: Is this deck boat really a StarCraft?

That's some good info sschefer... clears up how all the different companies got involved with StarCraft. I'm going to look up their email address tonight and shoot them an email to see what they can tell me about the boat. Maybe they can help...

Century... I think that's why I liked the boat so much at first, because it has so much room to move around, especially since it is a center console. I think there is seating for around 12 people, not that I would ever have that many people aboard. How does your Viking seem to do when pulling tubes/skiers? The guy I bought the boat from said he could go all day on a tank of gas and still have a good bit leftover, due to the 4 cylinder.

Huron... it actually does have the larger heat exchanger already, so no worries there. I think I might put a high temp alarm on the motor anyways to to be on the safe side because from what I've read it only takes a slight overheat to cause problems.

On the tri-hull bit, here is a different photo that may help figure out what kind of hull this boat is. It was taken when I first got the boat. Not exactly a front shot, but maybe between this pic and the last one I posted somebody can tell what it is.

 

[proshadetree]

Re: Is this deck boat really a StarCraft?

Might not be worth fixing. I just come haul it away for ya Great looking boat man very versatile rides. I hope you post more pics of your progress soon

 

[dccordell]

Re: Is this deck boat really a StarCraft?

Haha thanks pro... I think it has potential, just needs lots of work! Just finished replacing stringers/deck yesterday, so it's looking better already. I'll be posting more pics of the progress...

I emailed StarCraft, so we'll see where that leads.

 

[86 century]

Re: Is this deck boat really a StarCraft?

I haven't tried to pull anything with it yet. I got here for my parents. Mine will run in the high 30's with a 140 so you should be good with the 470.

I have worked on four or five 470's over the last year the only problems i have seen is over heating and not charging correctly. I have a prototype open or fresh water cooling system on one that has worked so far but I want to test it more before i post anything about it.