Mid to late 60s Starcraft With 40 Johnson, Restorable Or Scrap Bait?

[driz]

Definitely not my gig because I’ve got a Lot newer boat then but but my buddy wants to restore an old StarCraft somebody selling for $700 boat motor and trailer. So here’s the question, what’s the odds of making of 40 horse Johnson from that era function and are parts still around to keep one running? Also Will that run on today’s gas even? As you’d expect thing needs about everything like a floor interior and who knows what else so I wouldn’t touch it with a 10 foot pole but he’s looking for a project and his wife likes that design a boat.
Also how fast would one of those go with the 40? thinking back 50 years people that had more money than us had those and they were sprinting around mostly with 65 Merck’s on them. Any helpful info welcome besides “run”, That’s my suggestion.......

 

[racerone]

Parts for those older motors are easy to find !!------Simple / reliable / easy to maintain motor.

 

[MTboatguy]

I bought a 16 foot Starcraft this summer with a 50 hp evinrude on it and it does just fine, and it is a 73 model, the starcrafts are very popular among those who like to keep things going and not afraid to dig in and do some work.

 

[Chris1956]

Just about anything is restorable ...it is a question of how much time and money you are willing to spend.

An aluminum 16 footer w/ a 40HP engine will do 23-27 MPH It was just above entry level back then. He should consider a larger motor, if he wants water sports.

People 50 years ago did not have as much $$ as we have today. Not even close. However, IMO, we tend to spend money we don't have yet...

 

[oldboat1]

In 1968, a Cadillac cost around $8,000. $15,000 per year was a decent income. You could find out how much an equivalent Starcraft cost. I'll guess comfortably under $2K for the full rig.

 

[MTboatguy]

People 50 years ago did not have as much $$ as we have today. Not even close. However, IMO, we tend to spend money we don't have yet...

Isn't that the truth!

 

[Old Ironmaker]

My dear old Nono had a saying " If you have enough money you can make Niagara Falls run backwards."

 

[ahicks]

Mine had a similar saying, but included "time" as a factor. E.G. time and money......

Today, I would add inclination....

Regarding the Starcraft, it's not something you're going to make much money on, if anything, so you need to ask yourself if it's something you would hang on to for a while to get some use out of it - to offset the time and money you'll have wrapped up in it when completed.

 

[racerone]

" his wife likes the design of the boat "-------Does she have a sister ??

 

[driz]

So those old engines will actually run ok on today’s unleaded gas? We do actually have access to ethanol free high test around here.

 

[roscoe]

So those old engines will actually run ok on today’s unleaded gas? We do actually have access to ethanol free high test around here.

Yes.

If boat is aluminum, good.

If boat is fiberglass, be very careful before you/friend buys.
Very different to fix or restore alum vs rotten glass.

 

[Watermann]

To me there's been nothing more rewarding than restoring old Starcraft Aluminum boats, money alone can't buy pride and joy, there has to be months or years of sweat equity involved.

Send him our way in the Starcraft section.