NEWBIE going to look at a Starcraft

D

drums

Recruit
Joined
Aug 10, 2010
Messages
4
Hello All,
I have been on this forum now for about a year and just recently became a member. Anyways, I am going to be looking at a '74 16' Starcraft tonight and was wondering if there are anything in particular I should look out for. It is an aluminum boat (riveted) open bow with a 48hp johnson. The guy who currently has it has owned it for 2 years and says he has never used it. He says the gas is old and probabbly won't start because if it (he said he hasn't tried). He wants $2k. I probably won't be able to take it out on the rinver to test run it. What do you guys/girls recommend I should do, look at, and offer? Attached is a link to it.


http://portland.craigslist.org/search/boa?query=starcraft&srchType=A
 
S

Shrike

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 17, 2009
Messages
112
Re: NEWBIE going to look at a Starcraft

If you can't test run it assume the engine is no good and go from there.
2k seems kinda high to me.
 
ezmobee

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: NEWBIE going to look at a Starcraft

Your link doesn't take me to the ad. That price is ridiculously high for an assumed non-running boat.
 
S

Shrike

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 17, 2009
Messages
112
Re: NEWBIE going to look at a Starcraft

If you can't take it out on the water and run it for an hour or two don't buy anything that isn't extremely cheap.
Assume the motor is no good. Assume it leaks. Steering shot. Etc.
 
D

dlngr

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 15, 2007
Messages
547
Re: NEWBIE going to look at a Starcraft

without running it on the water-I'd go 600 bucks. "crack smoking price" hahaha !! True!!
 
RobbyA

RobbyA

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 5, 2010
Messages
306
Re: NEWBIE going to look at a Starcraft

ezmobee said:
That's a super nice boat. I'd go probably close to $1000 on it in unknown condition. Running I'd go close to full price.
Click to expand...

I can agree with that.....
 
Bob_VT

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
Staff member
Joined
May 19, 2001
Messages
26,066
Re: NEWBIE going to look at a Starcraft

Priced too high :( and for the condition stated I agree with ezmobee and I feel even $1000 is high........ With an engine that old and kind of small...... it is not ever 70% of the boats mex power rating.
 
Ki Ki

Ki Ki

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 12, 2010
Messages
292
Re: NEWBIE going to look at a Starcraft

ezmobee said:
That's a super nice boat. I'd go probably close to $1000 on it in unknown condition. Running I'd go close to full price.
Click to expand...

Please take it from me. If you can't test run it ON WATER, then don't pay full price. If it has sat for 2 years then you MUST assume that it needs the carburetors rebuilt as it has probably gummed up.

It could run like a champ, but you must run it on water. I'll never buy a boat again without doing so. I even had the guy run it in all positions for 15 minutes on Ear Muffs. Now I know better, ear muffs and under load are two different worlds apart.

It's a beauty of a boat though, so if you can get it for $1200 and go from there, then do it.

Btw, my boat purchase worked out well. Got boat for $700- 1970s tri hull with 50 hp Johnson and trailer. Didn't work, put $300 into it and now it runs like a 2010 boat for $1000.
 
JBow

JBow

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Apr 10, 2010
Messages
47
Re: NEWBIE going to look at a Starcraft

drums said:
Hello All,
I have been on this forum now for about a year and just recently became a member. Anyways, I am going to be looking at a '74 16' Starcraft tonight and was wondering if there are anything in particular I should look out for. It is an aluminum boat (riveted) open bow with a 48hp johnson. The guy who currently has it has owned it for 2 years and says he has never used it. He says the gas is old and probabbly won't start because if it (he said he hasn't tried). He wants $2k. I probably won't be able to take it out on the rinver to test run it. What do you guys/girls recommend I should do, look at, and offer? Attached is a link to it.


http://portland.craigslist.org/search/boa?query=starcraft&srchType=A
Click to expand...
Here for whats its worth are my thoughts on that boat for that price. My first question is are you going to be doing the needed work or paying someone to do it? Starcraft lummies are very good boats. However at the very least you are looking at most likely a new battery, impeller.cleaning of the fuel system that my require carb removal. rebuilding of the fuel pump, lower unit lube change. And we havent thought about the trailer yet. Tires, lights, winch are they all good ? I am sure we are just touching the surface as to what it will need to be "water ready". Does it come with any extra equipment like anchors ,PFD's, ropes,mooring covers etc. you can spend a bunch on that stuff. I would be looking at that boat in the 8 to 12 hundred dollar range on a good day. And that is if I knew the motor has good compression. You must check that I think if you looking to spend 2 grand you can do much better. Just my 2 cents worth and I'm no expert.
Good Luck Jack..
 
ezmobee

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: NEWBIE going to look at a Starcraft

A compression test is a must if you're going to pay anything over say $800.

My 18' SS was listed for $1800. It had a really nice trailer (though it needed tires) and a great hull. No interior. I was willing to go the full $1800 if I could compression test and hopefully start the motor. However, I offered $1000 and the seller agreed. I didn't test sh_t at that price! I just rode off into the sunset with a smile on my face :D Good luck.
 
B

bob johnson

Rear Admiral
Joined
Feb 25, 2009
Messages
4,306
Re: NEWBIE going to look at a Starcraft

well I bet that motor is from the 90's , I had one with that tilt assit feature...I dont think they came in the 80's but i am not 100% sure..

the motor not running has to be worth $500....if the compression checks out and it has spark, it is work\th at least $900-$1500 easy

the boat is a boat....the flooring and the seats tell the tale.....the trailer looks like junk.

the motor is the maker or breaker


I have seen that boat over here with out motor, on decent trailers for $500-$1200 , it is common.


it would be a sweeter deal if the motor had hydraulic tnt...

should a ton of boats like that in the $2K range......

how desperate are you?????

on the same page, there is JUST a tiller 16 footer on a nice trailer for the same price!!! but newer...but an aluminum boat should always hold its value better than a fiberglass boat...

dont know why...but people cant give away fiberglass boats....but aluminum always sells


bob
 
I

Itsalonestar

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 15, 2010
Messages
37
Re: NEWBIE going to look at a Starcraft

If the interior is as new as it looks, with gauges and stuff, he probably wouldn't be far off the mark if a test run was possible. The small, iffy motor would probably having me firing "1300" over my shoulder as I was walking away. :) Makes a difference if it's been stored under cover or out in the weather...I'm guessing inside from the way it looks. Never hurts to ask for receipts if there are upgrades or improvements.
My initial guess was much lower, but after I saw the ad, my thoughts changed. And I think there may be a regional price difference to adjust upward for. Stomp around on the floor and poke an ice pick around the transom if he'll let you. Give it a good shove. If it sinks into the wood , you're in for a pain in the neck and an opportunity to drag out everything from your electric chain saw to your Dremel........just got done putting mine away and cleaning up the chips.
And the router. The drill. Chisel. Hammer. Etc.
(A repertoire of the words you can't say on television, any more you know, and certainly any you can make up for the occasion will also come in handy.)

In the process, I discovered that Dremel sells a cutter bit that looks like a clock gear on a shaft that's maybe 3/8 across and 1/16 thick. Works great for wallowing out the old gasket stuff where the metal laps and is riveted in leaky seams. Also found that clamping a board in the center of the electric chain saw bar for a depth gauge allowed me to cut within 1/16 of the aluminum without fear. If you use one, keep all flesh away from either side of the saw, especially if you work from the inside in a confined area. There is a temptation to brace yourself, like with a leg or something...don't do it. Keep everything you care about behind the saw and well out of harm's way. It's only a boat. :)


drums said:
Hello All,
I have been on this forum now for about a year and just recently became a member. Anyways, I am going to be looking at a '74 16' Starcraft tonight and was wondering if there are anything in particular I should look out for. It is an aluminum boat (riveted) open bow with a 48hp johnson. The guy who currently has it has owned it for 2 years and says he has never used it. He says the gas is old and probabbly won't start because if it (he said he hasn't tried). He wants $2k. I probably won't be able to take it out on the rinver to test run it. What do you guys/girls recommend I should do, look at, and offer? Attached is a link to it.


http://portland.craigslist.org/search/boa?query=starcraft&srchType=A
Click to expand...
 
I

Itsalonestar

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 15, 2010
Messages
37
Re: NEWBIE going to look at a Starcraft

If the interior is as new as it looks, with gauges and stuff, he probably wouldn't be far off the mark if a test run was possible. The small, iffy motor would probably having me firing "1300" over my shoulder as I was walking away. :) Makes a difference if it's been stored under cover or out in the weather...I'm guessing inside from the way it looks. Never hurts to ask for receipts if there are upgrades or improvements.
My initial guess was much lower, but after I saw the ad, my thoughts changed. And I think there may be a regional price difference to adjust upward for. Stomp around on the floor and poke an ice pick around the transom if he'll let you. Give it a good shove. If it sinks into the wood , you're in for a pain in the neck and an opportunity to drag out everything from your electric chain saw to your Dremel........just got done putting mine away and cleaning up the chips.
And the router. The drill. Chisel. Hammer. Etc.
(A repertoire of the words you can't say on television, any more you know, and certainly any you can make up for the occasion will also come in handy.)


drums said:
Hello All,
I have been on this forum now for about a year and just recently became a member. Anyways, I am going to be looking at a '74 16' Starcraft tonight and was wondering if there are anything in particular I should look out for. It is an aluminum boat (riveted) open bow with a 48hp johnson. The guy who currently has it has owned it for 2 years and says he has never used it. He says the gas is old and probabbly won't start because if it (he said he hasn't tried). He wants $2k. I probably won't be able to take it out on the rinver to test run it. What do you guys/girls recommend I should do, look at, and offer? Attached is a link to it.


http://portland.craigslist.org/search/boa?query=starcraft&srchType=A
Click to expand...
 
TJDave

TJDave

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 6, 2009
Messages
184
Re: NEWBIE going to look at a Starcraft

My buddy has the same year Starcraft 18' and he has nicknamed it "The Colander". He has a good bilge pump and uses it. He is looking for a different hull to put his newer outboard and kicker on.

If it were me, I would at least let it sit in the water on the trailer awhile before I gave him a dime. Then, if it has no leaks, and runs......I think they are asking too much.
 
D

drums

Recruit
Joined
Aug 10, 2010
Messages
4
Re: NEWBIE going to look at a Starcraft

Well I went and looked at it. The floor would need replaced, the seats are decent but would need to be recovered in the next year or so. The seat in the bow was in great shape, the canvas covers was in good shape but need a good cleaning, and the worst part was the bottom of the boat that met the transom was what looked to be JB welded with a clear epoxy/fiberglass resin over it. The owner was taken as well. He paid 2800 for it in that condition except that the motor ran. The trailer was in great shape. The Motor was clean. I never had it ran because of the Transom JB weld looking job. Anyways, I am on the hunt again.
 
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