Mid 70's Starcraft splashwell removal

V

VenisonSteaks

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Here's my predicament, I'm looking to remove the splashwell and add a tiller. Is it possible to completely remove the splashwell if you kept the structural integrity by adding a structural thwart in the rear end? And then add splashguards in the rear or would you need to completely rebuild the transom in order to accommodate a tiller?? Right now I'm exploring any way possible of converting a 18' starcraft offshore (its either an offshore or ss) to tiller and removing the splashwell. I would probably mount a 40-50 hp tiller so splashback from deceleration wouldn't be much of a concern, right??

As we all know the splashwell also adds structural integrity to the hull, so i'm looking to address this issue with regard to adding a tiller.

Picture is attached. Also, i've checked out all other related threads on this forum.
 
jigngrub

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Pics didn't work, try using photobucket.

You should be able to install transom brace(s) to make up for removing the splashwell.
 
Watermann

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Why do that to an SS or offshore? Tearing out consoles would also weaken the boat even further. You would be better to just sell it and get the type of boat you want. Otherwise when you do sell it the guy who bought it will be on here posting pics of his hacked up SS wanting to know how to fix it.
 
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VenisonSteaks

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jigngrub

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With that much freeboard, the splashwell also supports the rear sides of that boat as well as the transom... it is a major structural member of that boat (and that's why it's so big and gnarly). It would be ill-advised to remove that splashwell without installing some other kind of lateral support... a bench seat with braces going to the top of the gunwales or a deck with gunwale braces.

I personally would leave that splashwell "as is", and if you can't live with the room it takes up or the remote steering you should look for another boat.
 
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V

VenisonSteaks

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Thanks for the advice! So there's basically no way to set this thing up with a tiller other then creating a deck or lateral braces...

Can you suggest other fishing boats to look at? My main criteria is deep v-hull, tiller, open space in that order. Budget is around 3500
 
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VenisonSteaks

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Yea I've been all over craigslist this entire summer looking for the right 18' deep v. The bummer thing with Lund is that they're a bit expensive, prob because of high demand. And starcraft has the deep v I prefer and they're usually fairly priced. Also lund deep v's don't appear to be as deep as the starcraft models, is it just me that thinks this or is there some truth here?
 
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64osby

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VenisonSteaks said:
Thanks for the advice! So there's basically no way to set this thing up with a tiller other then creating a deck or lateral braces...

Can you suggest other fishing boats to look at? My main criteria is deep v-hull, tiller, open space in that order. Budget is around 3500
Click to expand...



Support of the hull is the function of the splashwell. If it is removed something needs to take it's place.

Maybe fab up something like this.
325926_p_t_640x480_image06.jpg

I see opportunity for livewell, cooler and storage options.
 
Bondo

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18ftStarcraft_zpsc8b72805.jpg.html

18ftStarcraft_zpsc8b72805.jpg.html


Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,..... That hull looks like it would sink, without it's splash well,....

I'm guessin' somebody cut 'bout 5" off the top of the original transom, to run a 15" motor on it,....
No free-board at All,.....

My guess is, it's an ole butchered SS-18,....

Best bet might be to keep lookin',.....
 
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V

VenisonSteaks

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Bondo said:
18ftStarcraft_zpsc8b72805.jpg.html

18ftStarcraft_zpsc8b72805.jpg.html


Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,..... That hull looks like it would sink, without it's splash well,....

I'm guessin' somebody cut 'bout 5" off the top of the original transom, to run a 15" motor on it,....
No free-board at All,.....

My guess is, it's an ole butchered SS-18,....

Best bet might be to keep lookin',.....
Click to expand...



It is currently setup for a 20" motor shaft as the distance from the top of the transom to the bottom of the boat is 20 inches.
 
64osby

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18ftStarcraft_zpsc8b72805.jpg

No tag on the gunnel edge?

If it is 18' could be an SS, Mariner, Offshore, even a Holiday with a bowectomy.

Looks nice and clean on the inside.

Splash well looks like my Mariner but the transom cut is different.

The splash well still supports the hull and some form of support is needed.

Maybe use a tiller extension. Electric start would also be nice.
 
laurentide

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The transom looks just like my 18', I don't believe it's been cut. Mine is a '74...I'm not sure when they went to the newer style profile, but I think yours is pre-1980's. It's interesting that the lapstrakes don't go up to the gunwales on your boat, and there's no side rubrail. Somebody in the SC forum will know.

ktZpTsU.jpg


A few people have shortened the splashwell to create more cockpit space. I think user rheagler did it on his Chieftain outboard. His project is in the completed Starcraft projects in the owners group subforum.
 
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