Need help with starcraft decision

[coopstar55]

I found this boat on craigslist http://mansfield.craigslist.org/boa/2859427416.html

its a 1974 16ft open bow, 65 hp mercury(says its good running, he says the floors are solid, it is going to need some interior work(seats and carpet) but I had to do that to my jupiter before too. I am going to look at it friday and see it run.

Would like to know what you guys think would be a fair offer? Also, anything I should look close at(I still know very little about boats and hate learning the hard way, lol)? Also, does anyone know what the person capacity of this boat is?

Thanks for all of your help guys.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Need help with starcraft decision

Well I'd like to see a pic of the interior but....I'd think $1500 would be more realistic. I will say that bow-mount trolling motor is a big plus. I paid $1000 for my 18' with 90HP motor and decent trailer. However, it had no interior at all and the motor was totally untested or verified. I would have happily paid closer to their $1800 asking price but I would have then wanted to test the motor. I had 5 adults in my Jupiter once and it did fine. I don't think you'd want 6 200 pounders in a 16' SS but it would do fine with 6 people of mixed weights.

 

[64osby]

Re: Need help with starcraft decision

http://louisville.craigslist.org/boa/2861291418.html

For comparison this one is $1500, smaller motor, no trolling motor, no fish finder, interior looks good in pics. About twice the distance.

Are you looking for a fishing boat, a fish & ski or a ski and tube boat

 

[bunker108]

Re: Need help with starcraft decision

I paid $1700 for my 73 18' SS with a good running 115 Merc, good floors/transom, clean interior and horrible paint and an ugly trailer. It was usable as is. I think $1000 is a good number.

 

[coopstar55]

Re: Need help with starcraft decision

I use the boat mainly for a pleasure/ski/tube boat. we live on a smaller lake and the jupiter I have is nice but it is very cramped with 4 adults and any kids. was hoping the open bow would fix that by spreading people out a little. 90% of the times its just me,wife and two small kids but on occasion we take out another couple. I am too stubborn to get a newer boat and I love the look of my current boat I just need a little more space. Also, any idea of speed with that 65 hp on it? Thanks guys!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Need help with starcraft decision

Probably around 33-35MPH with the 65.

 

[64osby]

Re: Need help with starcraft decision

Just thinking out loud here, You have 2 kids, they have friends, soon the kids will want to bring there friends, 2 adults + 4 or more kids Or 4 adults + 2 kids = 18' SS.

 

[Starman8]

Re: Need help with starcraft decision

Another option

Closed bow, huge cockpit, I/O

http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/boa/2861744107.html

 

[bunker108]

Re: Need help with starcraft decision

That looks like an awesome boat for the money!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Need help with starcraft decision

Indeed. That's quite a find.

 

[Starman8]

Re: Need help with starcraft decision

I posted that link, guess its a Holiday, and for water ski purposes, may work, and
that interior looks pretty good.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Need help with starcraft decision

Yah, I'm with osby, that 16 footer is too small for your uses. I'd hold out for the 18 foot open bow. Or, that Holiday does look great! Nice big boat there and seems to be price right too