New owner 21 ft 74 Starcraft aluminum runabout jet

[heyyou325]

A week ago I purchased some added work for myself. I was hoping to get some questions answered here. The guy I bought it from said it had real thick aluminum for river running, it didn't. My guess is about 3/32 and I was wondering if anyone might know how thick thy were? 1974 21 ft Starcraft Aluminum runabout.
Before I drove 200 miles each way to see it he said double hull, now he says only the bottom. I need to take out a few dents and tighten a few (40 or 50 by a quick count) rivets. Normally that would be easy enough but I can't get to them, The floor and side panels with upholstery on are all riveted down also. I don't want to grind on upholstery, or the flooring really either. I read about an aluminum brazing rod, I think here, called durafix . I was wondering how it would be to reinforce the rivets. The guy I bought it from says they didn't leak, and felt tight but I could see a little gap starting, maybe a cigarette paper thickness. I have an old 61 Crestliner and I won't let them get that loose on it. Also since I can't get to the inside part of the rock dent I can't hammer it out. Suppose I could get a suction cup tho. Would aluminum eposy putty work for smoothing them out, or come right off as soon as something hit it wrong. I put 2 coats of marine fiberglass resin (not epoxy) on my Crestliner and repainted it. Then halfway thru the fishing season last summer a large, about 2 ft by 3 ft, piece broke off while it was tied to the dock.
I've never used a jet before either, heck it's almost always been 2 cycle outboards. I've got a large learning curve there too. If anybody knows about or has literature on an eliminator jet pump, I would appreciate that too. I can't really find them online. I think I got a good buy on the boat even if it wasn't what I thought it was. $1850, and it has almost a new 350 motor professionally installed about 6 years ago, but only about 60 hrs on the hour meter since then. It belonged to the guys father or father in law and he really knew very little about it. The motor checks out good but too cold to check for leaks, unless I want some new ones.
Somewhere in the directions for this forum it says send pics so I'll try. Should be 2 of the boat, 1 of some bad rivets, the worst dent, and the way the flooring is attached. Oh there is one gouge but it isn't that bad.. Any other info on the boat or running it would be appreciated. I'd like to know what I have. The boat was used quite a bit I guess in Hell's Canyon on the snake. I'm in northern Idaho and fish alot in Montana, and want to start in Washington. I retire in 4 years and am trying to get my toys ready. I do most of my fishing in lakes and reservoirs, but a buddy and me are thinking we may try a couple shallow rivers for the big trout.

 

[MichaelP]

Re: New owner 21 ft 74 Starcraft aluminum runabout jet

Hey You...Welcome to the starmada where all things Starcraft can be resolved. Good job posting pics right off the bat. You saved yourself some grief. :facepalm:
Looks like you have a Holiday there and If that's all that's wrong with I'd say its in great shape. Most of us here would do a complete restoration on that bad girl. If you suspect the flotation is water logged you may want to go all the way. Then, fixing those bumps and rivets will be simple. Another thing to consider is since you plan to keep it for a retirement toy a resto will make it as good as new and you'll never have to worry about things like leaky rivits. Everything you need to know going forward is right here. These guys are the best!

I don't know much about jet drives, but I want one.
What you paid sounds like what I'd have to pay for it in ME.
Mike

 

[djpeters]

Re: New owner 21 ft 74 Starcraft aluminum runabout jet

Welcome aboard. We have seen that boat before, on our "Starcrafts on clist" thread, I posted the craigslist ad and commented about never seeing a Starcraft with a jet drive. The hull is a tad thicker than 3/32", mine checks at .105". If you read through some of the restorations of Starcrafts on here you will see what most do make their boats "new" again. Fixing rivets correctly can only really be done from the inside. Most also apply Gluvit to the inside seams and rivets to seal it all up. I am in the process of doing that to mine. As far as jet drive info, can't help you there.

 

[heyyou325]

Re: New owner 21 ft 74 Starcraft aluminum runabout jet

Yep that one was on Clist. He was asking $3000, but told me it was thick aluminum. It also didn't have as much room in it as I wanted. Not sure how much of a project I'm wanting to start now tho. If I cut the pop rivets to get to the side or bottom boat rivets I will be messing up the upholstery and plywood flooring. I'd probably have to replace both, then a wife after spending that much. I read a lot of the restoration threads looking for ways to not have to pull everything. The boat really isn't that bad, 1 gouge needs fixed, straighten the dents for looks mostly, and tighten the rivets before they start leaking. They are still solid and I've been told not leaking. And if they did put a second layer of aluminum on bottom, I'm not sure what to do then. Thanks for the thickness info, but I'm still not sure it's thick enough for running rivers.
I'm not sure you would call it a restoration that I intend to do more of a modification, or fix-up maybe. I'll send pics of what I did to a 61 Crestliner, with a hardtop that opens up, oooga horn, recessed windshield, headlights, 8" walkway on the trailer tongue, and a few other things. Also a couple of pics of rivets in the upholstery. I have a few ideas for modifying this boat, but wanted some info on it first. The jet, I'm told, will be good for trolling, and I can go from one spot to another faster. Boat will mostly be used for fishing. Not sure if my pics went right or not, but they say they are here anyway.

 

[bananaboater]

Re: New owner 21 ft 74 Starcraft aluminum runabout jet

I agree that your best bet would be to gut the boat and start from the inside out. You have 4 years to get it to the point it will outlast you if you follow folks here on how to proceed. It is rewarding and worth the trouble to do it right the first time. Good luck.

 

[Pugetsound]

Re: New owner 21 ft 74 Starcraft aluminum runabout jet

Wher do you live?? I have see a couple of Starcraft Jet boats in the Lewiston Idaho and Clarkston Wa. area. They run the Snake and Clearwater river and they seem to work very well. Im sure they are more carefull than with the Duckworth and Weldcraft which are built for the shallow, fast water. Will be fun to see how you progress and how it handels when you get to run it. I have a 22 ft Holiday its a 1975 so I'm familiar with the basic boat. I have a 200 Outboard and kicker on it and it is a wonderful boat. Very fast and runs high on the water. I do use my 16 ft. super sport more in the smaller river as the big boat is a chore to load in the current. I have never considered removeing the sides and floor as they are solid and It take on no water. Did not want to deal with a problem that did not exist. Pugetsound

 

[heyyou325]

Re: New owner 21 ft 74 Starcraft aluminum runabout jet

I'm in Northern Idaho Sandpoint (Sagle actually just south of Sandpoint) about 160+ miles from Lewiston. Boat came from Pomeroy Wa about 30+ miles west of Lewiston. The boat hadn't even been licensed in 3 years, but before that it was mainly in the Snake and Clearwater. He put about 60 hrs on it he said mainly in Hell's canyon. Before he got the boat his father, or father-in-law one had it. Jet was put on in Lewiston at one of the big marinas where they have the guides for Hell's Canyon. Then 7 or 8 years ago they put a new 350 in it. I'd really like to get the dents out on the bottom. All of them are on the left side. But after looking at it again today I'll have to take out the engine compartment even to pull the floor. Someone built a deck over the engine, going up to the enclosed part (cabin if you want to call it that). He claims it doesn't leak, so I'm taking his word at that. Too much snow and freezing temps yet to put it in the lake or flood it to find leaks. I was hoping someone somewhere knew something about that durafix. Supposedly you can weld over it and it works like soldering copper tubing together. A local welding supply shop has some aluminum epoxy they say is ok, tensile strength, and bond-ability but you cant weld over it. The Kokanee usually start biting good where I go in Montana end of May or first of June, and I was hoping to have it ready for then. Caught a few 3 and 4 lb trout there too, and I guess the river down below the dam is better and they are bigger. The water is only a couple feet deep and real fast there tho with a lot of big rocks. Not sure I want to try that yet tho. It's pretty much just river boats on there.

 

[Pugetsound]

Re: New owner 21 ft 74 Starcraft aluminum runabout jet

Small world. We have a summer home in Camp Bay on Pend Oreille Lake. We turn on the lake road at Sagle. Camp bay is Between Garfield Bay and Bottle Bay. Love the area. I sold a big Glasply to the Sales Manager at Lighthouse dressing in Sandpoint and delivered it to him from Mt Vernon Wa. where we live. Born/ raised in Spokane then to Pullman Wa. then to Nama Idaho back to Pullman and in 77 moved to here and retired from the local School District. in 1994. as Facility Manager. Boy thats more info then you needed to hear. I go that way a couple times a year and will keep tabs. May see you on the lake or stop and say hello this spring. We have a daughter that lives in Hayden and is business dirictor for Camp Sweyolaken on CDA lake. SP). The summer property has been in my wifes family and deeded to her and her brother .------Pugetsound

 

[heyyou325]

Re: New owner 21 ft 74 Starcraft aluminum runabout jet

I know exactly where Camp Bay is. You drive by my house every time you go up there. It's between Green Bay (Where I've spent a lot of time) and Elliot Bay. A lot of small bays on this lake. I'm not sure who is managing Litehouse now. Used to be Ed, one of the original owners, him and his older brother Doug. I went to school with Ed. They sold it to the employees, but still work there in some capacity. Haven't seen either of them in awhile. Sounds like you should know the area pretty well up here. With the exception of 4 years an Uncle sent me on a Sr. trip in the early 70's (70 - 74 draft number of 19) I've been here my whole life. Next time you're coming up let me know, I'll try to change something in my profile so you can find me.

 

[Pugetsound]

Re: New owner 21 ft 74 Starcraft aluminum runabout jet

Sounds good Seeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee ya later.

 

[MichaelP]

Re: New owner 21 ft 74 Starcraft aluminum runabout jet

Nice to see members connecting like this. I might have a couple bros here in So. Maine too.

OK , sounds like you need to patch this thing up. If your running rivers your bound to ding it up even more so why make it perfect now, right? I had good luck with a flexible epoxy on my SS. I beat the crap out of this in rough water and no cracks after 4 years. Next time I think I'll try marine tex, pretty sure its the same or close to JB weld. You could apply some around loose rivits too but I'd lean toward gluvit for those because it seeps in the tiny voids. Sounds like you will need any left overs for next season.

 

[heyyou325]

Re: New owner 21 ft 74 Starcraft aluminum runabout jet

I'm not sure I will run rivers, and won't til I learn more. It's just real tempting. There's 20 lb trout in the lake about 5 miles from me too, it's just catching them. I might have to look into the gluvit, I used, and still have some somewhere an seam seal on my other boat, recommended by a boat shop in town. Can't think of the name of it now tho, probably like gluvit. Probably no good anymore either, that was 12 or 13 yrs ago. I think I'm going to try brazing with that durafix that nobody seems to know about. When I was taught to braze, long long ago, I was told it seeps into holes and cracks. A friend of mine up here who is a certified welder, has his own shop, and the set up for aluminum says try it and let him know how it works. He doesn't give me a break on price (he has to make a living, and support 3 other welders there), but has a lot of good info and does get me in in a hurry. I thought I first read about it here, but maybe not. There is also a "lab metal" sold at some welding shops, not sure I can mention business names here, I'm still new. It has advantages over jbweld . I think I will try digging a bit deeper into the boat to see If I can get to the inside of the boat before I apply anything. If I can get to the bottom, I'd much rather straighten the dings out. I still have to make the top shorter, front to back, and maybe raise it a little. There is no room in between it and the decking (cover) built over the motor. That needs changed to so I can fish back there. I'll try to add a pic so you can see what I mean, and one the guy sent me with it on the Snake River.

 

[KellyC]

Re: New owner 21 ft 74 Starcraft aluminum runabout jet

I do have some of the Durafix and am not that impressed with it. The piece you are trying to fix needs to be fairly flat for it to work. It flows just like solder, well that is actually what it is only alum. I cut a prop off my outdrive and then decided to mess around with the durafix. It did very thin stuff pretty good as long as the piece was fairly flat. So I cut one of the blades off of the prop and then tried it on that, there was no way it was going to work in that situation for me. I was using a MAP gas torch and it seemed like I could just not get enough heat on the larger side of the prop. Now it may work if you a oxy/act torch with a rose bud, dont know as I dont have one. I thought this product would be the cats meowe but am really disappointed. Just my .02 worth and am no expert either. Good luck.

 

[heyyou325]

Re: New owner 21 ft 74 Starcraft aluminum runabout jet

Thanks for the comeback on the durafix. I do have an oxy/acy setup but I'd think you might melt the aluminum with it. I'll experiment first, as I just ordered it last night. I couldn't find anybody that knew anything about it. Just read about it and thought it sounded good. But alot of things sound good.
Trying to get the trailer for my other boat back together, and then have to move some snow so I can move this boat (Starcraft) and trailer to where I can get electricity to it. I'm going to try to take out enough stuff so that I can see just what is involved in taking out the front of the floor. I also have to brush of the silicon, or whatever was used to cover the seams. Came up to look for some deals on gluvit, and thought I'd check the post. Looks like I may have to take some more time off work top get this ready for fishing this summer.

 

[KellyC]

Re: New owner 21 ft 74 Starcraft aluminum runabout jet

Yea the durafix sounded really good to me as well and that is when I ordered it. Sorry I did not see your post sooner. Do not get into to big a hurry to do the boat though, then as I was told it will make it into a job and then you won't enjoy it as much. Good luck with it.

Kelly

 

[heyyou325]

Re: New owner 21 ft 74 Starcraft aluminum runabout jet

It might surprise me yet I guess. I figure I'll do with this boat like the last. 14 yrs and still working. Try this one winter and something else the next. Learned my lesson on using automotive paint tho. I'm hoping to have it semi usable by May, and ready to take fishing first of June. Weekends I don't fish I can do little things to it. Gonna try gluvit I think also, but that needs warm weather, above 70 it says, that's never here. I'll get started on something on it soon tho. Had to put fenders on the other boat trailer. I have a tongue extension ready to put on this trailer, as soon as I can get it to my welder. Have to move snow tho and more predicted for this week. I've got carpentry and other welding to do also so can't slack off too much.

 

[Pugetsound]

Re: New owner 21 ft 74 Starcraft aluminum runabout jet

Heyyou Check out the WEeldcraft 27 ft twin jet on the Spokane craigslist WOW Only 27K and change.

 

[heyyou325]

Re: New owner 21 ft 74 Starcraft aluminum runabout jet

Now you're trying to get me in more trouble. I can't even dream about something like that. The kids I work with get toys like that and then declare bankruptcy when they can't make payments. Mine is paid for. What would anybody need a boat like that for anyway, I'll probably scare myself if mine does the 60 I'm told it will. Speed limit is only 55 on Pend Orielle anyway.
Craig's list gets people in trouble all the time. I got a great deal on automotive paint for my other boat a little over a year ago there. NAPA's top of the line paint, hardener and finisher. 2 1/2 gal of paint. only $125. 2 cans were unopened. I started using it, and then discovered the 3 cans of hardener were all different. Some of my buddies into cars recommended that paint to me. I learned no automotive paint on boats, and make sure you have the right hardener. Paint was flaking off all last summer, and will probably be this year too.

 

[Pugetsound]

Re: New owner 21 ft 74 Starcraft aluminum runabout jet

Yes expensive but Realy nice. Would have to own a gas station or my own well to operate a twin jet. Id say 60 plus would be real reasonable and a good ride at that speed. Enjoy the weather your going to get more snow. Oh you already did. lol Pugetsound

 

[heyyou325]

Re: New owner 21 ft 74 Starcraft aluminum runabout jet

The 4" yesterday wasn't so bad. but the 25 mps sustained wind, 4o mph gusts, with temperatures beginning with a hyphen that get to me. Plus more snow today, tonight, tomorrow, tomorrow night, then starting again on Sunday. Somebody was showing flowers popping up, cursed me. And I want to get started on the boat.