is this really a mirrocraft?

[Kroussin]

looking at getting a little bigger boat for the family to enjoy.

been talking with this guy on trading my 2007 suzuki drz 400E that was my wedding present for his boat.
upon looking for info regarding this boat or ones similar i cant seem to find much info on it. Not only that but judging by the stripes down the side it really looks like a 80's sea nymph to me but the curve is backwards. really dont want to get shafted and i cant really just go look at the boat as it is 3 hours away.

it seems to be just what i'm looking for. since i would like somthing that can serve dual purposes as a fishing boat and pleasure boat. will likely be used more for fishing but dont tell the wife or dog as i'm sure my son will be fine with that once he is old enough

Thanks for any help

 

[tpenfield]

Re: is this really a mirrocraft?

See if there is a Hull ID number (HIN) on the upper right (starboard) side of the transom. The first 4 letters are unique to the manufacturer. You can then cross-reference that to the USCG "MIC" database (online) to see who made the boat.

 

[Kroussin]

Re: is this really a mirrocraft?

problem is i just cant go see the boat as stated above. i'll email him and see if he can get me the HIN

 

[Part-time]

Re: is this really a mirrocraft?

I don't know where you are but around here older fiberglass boats with older motors like that sell for under $2,500.
I think you would be getting shafted big time!!! (that looks like it's definitely 80's)
I just picked up a 1987 15ft fiberglass bow rider with a 50hp Johnson of the same year with an ezloader trailer for $1,000 last Friday.

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: is this really a mirrocraft?

Its an aluminum boat and it looks a little bit like and older Mirro based on the motorwell design, the console design, and the aluminum extrusion around the inside of the bow area. The hull bottom at the transom looks mirrocraft-ish too Can you call the guy? The hull ID will start with MRR if it is a mirrocraft. If you emailed a picture to the company a guy there named Marvin could identify it for sure if its a Mirro.

 

[Part-time]

Re: is this really a mirrocraft?

Its an aluminum boat...

My bad. At a quick glance with a small screen it looked like a glass boat... but it's still an older set up.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: is this really a mirrocraft?

I don't remember the couple of years Merc wore the brown stripes. Don't know if powerhead or prop rated. I would definitely take a run in it before plunking down your money, regardless of what the trip costs you. The boat seems to be extremely well cared for. 75 ponies for a boat that size, even though alum, isn't a lot. I had a similar Starcraft 110 hp I/O that was weak on power when you put 3 or 4 folks in it and water toys......forget it.

HTH,
Mark

 

[roscoe]

Re: is this really a mirrocraft?

I was looking at this boat a couple weeks ago.
That boat is a 79 - 85 Starcraft 16 SS, or a Sylvan. (both are made in the same factory)
Definitely not a Mirrocraft.

Motor is likely an 84 or 85.

I thought it was a little overpriced, but I was only looking to buy it for the motor and sell the boat and trailer.
But with the lack of solid rigs on the market in this price range, it may be worth the 2 grand.

With that hull, under 700#, and 75 hp, it will do well. It will plane with a 40 hp.

 

[Kroussin]

Re: is this really a mirrocraft?

Really appreciate the quick response.

i definately want to take it for a test ride first. my brother in-law spent years working on small engines at a shop where they also serviced boat motors and about any other kind of powersport equipment. so i will definately be taking him with me. i can tell if the thing is BEAT but thats about it
i am trying to upgrade from my current 14' lowe with a 9.9 mariner (yamaha). but dont want to end up with a nice size lawn ornament. The boat seems to be VERY reasonably priced based on my past month of searching for boats. I have been trying to sell the bike outright and buy a boat but have had an overwhelming amount of tire kickers compared to the couple people that were serious. and unfortunately not many people want to trade their boat for a Dirt bike (evne tho its very clean and well taken care of) i was hoping to get around 2500 for the bike as it books (hate saying that) at 2800.

is there any areas that i should be checking other than his forwarnings of possiable motor(& controlls), electrical, hull and deck issues?

.

 

[Kroussin]

Re: is this really a mirrocraft?

should i be concerned if it is a sylvan or starcraft as i read somwhere on here that they were prone to stress cracks in the hull?

guess i also need to make sure the title matches the hull

 

[southkogs]

Re: is this really a mirrocraft?

should i be concerned if it is a sylvan or starcraft...

No. At that age look at the condition of the boat/hull/transom. If you're not familiar with judging how solid a hull is, it might be worthwhile to hire a marine tech to spend a half hour lookin' at it with you.

 

[Piece715]

Re: is this really a mirrocraft?

I agree with roscoe as well as throwing out that it could be an older Sea Nymph as well. The consoles, windshield, and paint job scream Sea Nymph to me. Looks exactly like mine when i first started restoring it just deeper. The ID plate on the transom should clear it up... believe the sea nymphs plate has SEA in the beginning

 

[roscoe]

Re: is this really a mirrocraft?

Starcraft, Smokercraft, Sylvan, all made in the same plant.
Tough as nails compared to most boats of that era.
Under the floor, no wood to rot.
Transom wood has lasted 40+ years on the 4 I have owned.
"Gullwing" concave hull is a dead give away to the manufacturer.
Same with the angled/stepped splash well, and the bow seating and trim.

They did sell some of their hulls to Blue Fin and Northport also.

Trim style and colors make me think it came from the Sylvan line.
The heavy white textures vinyl speaks of 1975.


'79 Starcraft 16 SS in Yellow.

The hull was virtually unchanged for about 15 years.

 

[Kroussin]

Re: is this really a mirrocraft?

well i finally called the guy. he assured me it is a mirrocraft (guess i'll have to wait and check the HIN) after further searching last night it seems to be one of the best bangs for the buck within 250 miles as long as everything checks out. I'm really debating biting the bullet and making the drive down to check it out or if I should pass and wait and see if somthing else pops up.

Turns out the guy is gettin his hip replaced on monday and is up there in years. what he wants with a dirtbike is beyond me but it has me a little nervous that there are some hidden issues with this boat and he is just trying to get out from under it.

 

[Kroussin]

Re: is this really a mirrocraft?

I'm so on the fence about this boat. i would really like to get a boat for the weekend following the holiday and it really seems to be one of the nicer boats in the price range i'm looking. but on the same note ide hate to trade and end up with a HUGE project. not that i dont expect to do any work but i really want to get out on it and not just work on it. any advice?

 

[Part-time]

Re: is this really a mirrocraft?

I thought your bike would have been worth more but if you figure $2,500 to $2,800... That boat would end up pretty close to that.
There's not much that can go wrong with an aluminum boat.
The older merc concerns me a bit. If something goes wrong with it and you can't fix it yourself the repair bill can easily end up more than the motor's worth.
Make sure the trailer has good tires and wheel bearings, good lights, a good coupler and a straight tongue.
As for the boat. Watch for JB weld, silicone or other sealants around seams and rivets. Those are a dead give away that the boat leaks and someone tried patching it up.
But if you can try it out on the water and you start with a dry boat and a 1/2 hr later she is still dry you're fine.
For the motor, a 75 is plenty for that boat. My father has a 16ft starcraft jupiter with a 60 mariner and it gets up to 35mph with 4 adults... 38 mph with just me and my son.

 

[Kroussin]

Re: is this really a mirrocraft?

thanks for the input.

trust me when i looked at book price for the bike i was a little shocked as well.
Im going to make one good long phone call to the guy and make him get the HIN to me before i make the drive. i'm also going to see if he will meet me roughly half way (not sure due to his hip issue) if he agrees to all of this and the boat checks out I think it will be a d

as for reapairs. i am not really concerned about the little stuff but by no means i really dont want to have to tear the powerhead all apart right after i get it tho (not that i cant)

 

[roscoe]

Re: is this really a mirrocraft?

well i finally called the guy. he assured me it is a mirrocraft (guess i'll have to wait and check the HIN) after further searching last night it seems to be one of the best bangs for the buck within 250 miles as long as everything checks out. I'm really debating biting the bullet and making the drive down to check it out or if I should pass and wait and see if somthing else pops up.

Turns out the guy is gettin his hip replaced on monday and is up there in years. what he wants with a dirtbike is beyond me but it has me a little nervous that there are some hidden issues with this boat and he is just trying to get out from under it.

Well, since Mirrocraft and Northport were (are?) under the same ownership, that makes sense. Same hull, different trim package, a timeless classic hull. Go for it.


Where are you driving from?

 

[jasoutside]

Re: is this really a mirrocraft?

Hey Kroussin, welcome to iboats!

Good news? Well, all the names that has been thrown out on this thread are pretty darn good ones. So, I wouldn't worry so much about that. More good news, that's an alum hull so repairs and stuff should be less costly and time consuming than a fiberglass. More good news, I think it's a good size for your purposed use, great all around boat.

Now, I'm not so sure on the price point. I know this is a trade deal but at $2Kish you should have an outboard that checks out and a decent trailer. Also at that age and pricing you should prolly not be surprised if you find a soft transom/deck.

But! If the transom and deck are solid, the outboard checks, and the trailer is good, I think that boat would be a sweet deal!

Seeing as it's a trade deal, I'd try to do the meet half way thing. That way either of you could walk away no worse for the wear. If you haul your bike all the way over to him and he doesn't like it, you are out a full day, a tank of fuel, no boat, and still hanging onto a bike. He's out nothing.

Just my thoughts eh, cheers

 

[Kroussin]

Re: is this really a mirrocraft?

all very good points.

down side is the owner is 81 and going in for a hip replacement next week so I dont think he will be doing a whole lot of anything. I strongly questioned what the heck he wanted with a Dirt bike turns out he will be giving it to a realative. Like I stated above i dont expect to use the boat "work free" and anticipate doing quite a bit, just dont want to right off the jump.

all that is kinda blah blah blah as the guy's phone is off and has been since thursday.I was planing on headed out around noon today but oh well. guess i'll searching CL. on a bright note i did finally have a serious offer on the bike and recieved a text last night offering 2200, I droped the price last week to 2500 firm. asked him if he could at least come up with another 200 but i think im gonna call him back as i would rather not loose the sale over 300$ i just cant believe more people havent been intrested in it.

lots of boats in the greenbay/appleton area around 2000/ 2500 some alot better than others. and whatever boat i get its gonna be tin with an outboard.