My Search for a Starcraft

['57Lapline]

Hey guys,
I've been on iboats for a few months now and just started giving my input in forums a couple weeks ago. I love it on here and it's become an addiction. I also love these Starcraft boats, I've really been looking for one for awhile now. Right now I'm a college freshman looking to become a high school social studies teacher so I'm on a bit of a budget while searching for one and a possible restore. I've also got a 14' Lund with a 25 hp Johnson that recently stopped working so Its on CL right now. I'm also selling this 16' Sea Doo Challenger for a friend that I'm going to get a chunk of the sale from for selling it for them:

So that is how I plan on funding my Starcraft purchase. I'm hoping to buy something that doesn't need much restore and will just need a motor put on at some point. Or I wouldn't mind doing a restore. I've got a couple in mind so I will post those Craigslist Links:

This one is my first option, a very nice Jupiter: http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/boa/3005868712.html

Here's my second option which will need a restore from the looks of it a Jet Star I believe: http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/boa/2906959219.html

And here's my third option I believe that it's a falcon: http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/csw/boa/2993120532.html

So that's what I'm thinking about right now, now I'm just waiting on the sale of the Sea Doo. Input is welcome.

 

[barato2]

Re: My Search for a Starcraft

avoid the lectroshift OMC motors (3d boat). only buy that one if you're planning on replacing motor anyway. and be aware that the resto will cost far more than the boat so you want to get something at least mostly water ready if you're on a budget. i'm into my $300 holiday to the tune of about 2000 now...... just freshening a trailer (tires/brgs/wiring) can easily be >400. and if you're in school, don't assume you'll have much time for boat resto work

me, i'd keep the Lund and use $ from SeaDooDoo to build a center console for it and fix the motor. nuttin to rebuilding a 25hp twin like that....i did my very similar 'rude on the bench in about a week of evenings.

 

['57Lapline]

Re: My Search for a Starcraft

Right now I'm just pondering the possibilities while I was for the sale of the Challenger. I've thought about putting a console in the Lund. If I were to do a project its not something I'd be looking to finish right away I would take a year or so on it. But I'm just open to people's ideas at this point in time.

 

[chuckndiscs]

Re: My Search for a Starcraft

Right now I'm just pondering the possibilities while I was for the sale of the Challenger. I've thought about putting a console in the Lund. If I were to do a project its not something I'd be looking to finish right away I would take a year or so on it. But I'm just open to people's ideas at this point in time.

57 - Didn't you just pick up that Lund 14' and 25 HP Johnny? If its down already, thats unfortunate! What happened??

Chuck

 

['57Lapline]

Re: My Search for a Starcraft

Yeah I got it a couple weeks ago. Not sure it starts one time right away and then wont start anymore after that. So that's really not a good thing. It ran great the few times I had it out there then this last saturday this started happening. I had the carbs cleaned and it didn't fix anything.

 

[barato2]

Re: My Search for a Starcraft

sounds like a fuel feed problem, not a reason to ditch it. sounds like your fuel pump isn't drawing fuel from the tank and once the float bowl on carb empties out, it dies. what happens when you keep pumping the bulb to feed it?

i;'m not trying to talk you out of buying a Starcraft, but if you have limited time and $, troubleshootin what you got might make more sense. and even if you still decide you want to get rid of it, you'll get far more if it runs reliably. some of the best buys (from a buyer's point of view, ie, buy for way below actual value) are from sellers who are frustrated with the item they're selling....

 

['57Lapline]

Re: My Search for a Starcraft

I've tried feeding it more fuel but it still won't start after the first time. I may have to try pumping it while it is running to see if that does anything.

 

['57Lapline]

Re: My Search for a Starcraft

Oh and I'd just like you all to know that I've come to a liking of the Starcraft boats and have been inspired to get my own and have my own possible project because of other members such as Jasoutside, North Beach, Ezmobee and many others. They've been a huge inspiration for what I'd like to do with a boat and they've done such great work and so many others out there have done great work, there's so many nice Starcrafts on here to learn from and follow the progress on.

 

[roscoe]

Re: My Search for a Starcraft

I don't think that "jet star" ?? is a '76, much older, and the outboard is likely an electric shift as well.

I would jump on that Jupiter if you can swing it. You could put anything from a 40 - 85 hp motor on there.

You start adding up the $$ on things like trailer guide posts, winches, spare tires, anchors, and it can get pricey.
That rig looks pretty darn nice with little to add except the motor.

Or, I could buy it, and sell you the Nassau I just bought. Thats the boat I wanted anyway.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: My Search for a Starcraft

Hey buddy, thanks for the kind words!

I'd kinda be in B2's camp with keeping that Lund and fix your engine. Or, just grab another to clamp on the transom and go boating! A student, with limited fundage, space and time, yah, I can't recommend a project.

Rock on

 

['57Lapline]

Re: My Search for a Starcraft

Yeah my thoughts are that if that Jupiter I posted above doesn't work out because it would just need a motor it seems I'm gonna be clampin somethin else on the back of my Lund

 

['57Lapline]

Re: My Search for a Starcraft

The popular opinion out there seems to be to keep the Lund and not go for a restore so I think that's what I will probably do. Even if my motor doesn't work right now I can get by with just a trolling motor for fishing and upgrade or have my motor fixed at some point. thanks for the input guys. I'll just lust over all of your guys' starcrafts
Adam

 

[jasoutside]

Re: My Search for a Starcraft

I think that's a very wise move. Plus you can certainty wrench on and make improvements to that Line, eh!

 

[barato2]

Re: My Search for a Starcraft

ultimately, altho we don't advertise it, i think most of the 'mada sees all tinnies as bretheren. certainly they all have pretty much the same issues and same fixes, and all are a great blank canvas. and since this forum is by far the most active tinnnie forum on here, we're usually happy to work with folks with lesser, er, other, brands. i'm sure you'd be welcome at any gatherings since you live up in one of those cold-places-that-begin-with-M where they hold those.

get the motor working right or replaced first. your local comm college likely has basic outboard repair class if you're not comfortable yet doing things yourself. remember that iboats has good motor forums too, and as i said, your motor is one of the simplest out there. there are no repair shops on the water, so it's better to learn at least about the stuff that can leave you stranded enough that you can maybe get yourself home.

then once boat is working right, you can trick it out as you wish, at your leisure and in appropriate bottom feeder style (ie, easier to find what you need cheap if you're in no rush). look at the pix of Howza's 14' Kingfisher center console, among others, for ideas of what can be done with a 14' hull. also check out some ideas on this site: http://www.myjonboat.com/index.html

 

['57Lapline]

Re: My Search for a Starcraft

Thanks for the help guys. I'm glad I've found this site. Many voices of reason on here. I'll have to check that thread out about the cc. Ive got a couple takers on cl for the motor for The same price I got it for so we'll see how that goes. There will be a trolling motor on it even without the actual motor so I'll be able to fish the heck out of it. Thanks guys. And I'm open to any other suggestions on how to rig it out and make it an even better fishin boat.
Adam