Our recent purchase of SS 16 ft Starcraft

[FishNmemories]

Re: Our recent purchase of SS 16 ft Starcraft

Nice boat. I have a similar boat, but I don't have the lower rub rail on my SS. I have been following your thread, and have enjoyed seeing the changes along the way. Love the detailed information. You had mentioned that you had to patch some soft spots on the floor, do you have any pics of what you had done with the floor? My floor is solid except a few spots in the back. Thought maybe I could do a minor patch until the floor is replaced at a later date.

Hey TR, here is 2 pics of the finished patch on the floor but they don't really shoe much other than the "I" shape of the patch in the vinyl and the staples around the perimeter

 

[InMotion]

Re: Our recent purchase of SS 16 ft Starcraft

Hey FN --- couple of things....

I get the roller thing for shallow loads --- it is easier... perhaps you could do a hybrid so that when trailering the hull is subject to stresses from the rollers --- keep in mind that a roller is putting stresses in a contact area of about 1" by 2". So what if you left the rollers at the end of your trailer to allow for easier loading in shallow water and then added bunks for transporation. Cost of bunks: maybe $30 bucks... brackets are extra if you don't have them. Thus you have the rollers at the end of the trailer and bunks in the center of the trailer for travel.

Also, instead of staples, grab some vinyl glue and glue the vinyl down --- it'll last a lot longer, and won't pull up or stick in someone's bare feet.

Just some thoughts... maybe it'll help?!!

Have a great day!!!

 

[GLG fishing]

Re: Our recent purchase of SS 16 ft Starcraft

Hey FN I use that ramp in July / August for fishing out there and I have bunks. I have found that if you jack knife your trailer off the side of the ramp you can load / unload way better. Just an idea. If you want I would be happy to show you how I do it as long as we can take that thing for a spin. I have been thinking of selling my 18 so I can get a 16 SS for fishing that exact spot. I find my 18 a pain for fishing alone. I'm thinking a 16 ss would suite my needs better. I still fish a lot with my uncle in his 19 foot Duckworth so I have access to a bigger boat. We launch that thing at the harbour as it's the only place we can do it with the setup the way it is.
GLG

 

[FishNmemories]

Re: Our recent purchase of SS 16 ft Starcraft

Hey FN --- couple of things....

I get the roller thing for shallow loads --- it is easier... perhaps you could do a hybrid so that when trailering the hull is subject to stresses from the rollers --- keep in mind that a roller is putting stresses in a contact area of about 1" by 2". So what if you left the rollers at the end of your trailer to allow for easier loading in shallow water and then added bunks for transporation. Cost of bunks: maybe $30 bucks... brackets are extra if you don't have them. Thus you have the rollers at the end of the trailer and bunks in the center of the trailer for travel.

Also, instead of staples, grab some vinyl glue and glue the vinyl down --- it'll last a lot longer, and won't pull up or stick in someone's bare feet.

Just some thoughts... maybe it'll help?!!

Have a great day!!!

Hey IM, thanks for the info...aaah, I went back over the forums that discussed rollers vs bunks and there several fellas that converted to rollers forward and bunks at the back. Some guys liked the idea of rollers for the same reason as me, shallow entry/exits.I too liked the idea of a combo of bunks and rollers at the back of the trailer. Going to look at that after family leaves from 3 week visit.

I did use glue to hold down the vinyl and just stapled it down for insurance...I figured to be stripping out that floor in the future. Lol, we are a little chillier up here and not often we get bare feet in the boat,

 

[FishNmemories]

Re: Our recent purchase of SS 16 ft Starcraft

Hey FN I use that ramp in July / August for fishing out there and I have bunks. I have found that if you jack knife your trailer off the side of the ramp you can load / unload way better. Just an idea. If you want I would be happy to show you how I do it as long as we can take that thing for a spin. I have been thinking of selling my 18 so I can get a 16 SS for fishing that exact spot. I find my 18 a pain for fishing alone. I'm thinking a 16 ss would suite my needs better. I still fish a lot with my uncle in his 19 foot Duckworth so I have access to a bigger boat. We launch that thing at the harbour as it's the only place we can do it with the setup the way it is.
GLG

Hey neighbor, no problem taking you out for a burn...have to wait for family to leave from visiting though. It is so great to see everyone again, pretty emotional stuff.

Sadly, already know about jack-knifing trailer to the deep trough when launching boat. That day we busted rollers off, it was just below the beginning section of the ramp and my gal wasn't giving her ride a salt bath to top of the tires to hit the beginning part of the trough.

We have been having a blast with this 16' SS and the 60 hp Yammie is lots of power for us...not to mention we only burning 5-10 gal for a 1/2 day to full day adventure.

PM me and set up a day to get together, ok?

Edit, saw the photos of your Uncle's ride, pretty cool...looks like alot of fun!!

 

[FishNmemories]

Re: Our recent purchase of SS 16 ft Starcraft

Well, some of the family has been here for a week already and some have left. My gal's sisters are here for another week and a bit. Had to power down this afternoon for a nap...and my gal picked up 2 new brackets to replace the broken ones on the roller bracket. The brackets are angle steel 1 1/2" x 2". I woke up and she already had the boat jacked up, the bracket off, and was drilling the new replacement pieces.

Ya, I'm a lucky guy!! Well, I helped her finish the job. Didn't get any paint on the steel brackets, get to it after the family leaves.

The winds are down tomorrow and we are hoping to go out on the boat tomorrow. One gal is in a wheel chair, so it is going to be a challenge. Everyone is stoked!!

Here is some pics
My gal drilling the brackets

The new brackets installed

Adding never seize to the bolts

The finished product

Thanks sweetheart!!

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Our recent purchase of SS 16 ft Starcraft

That ^^^ all sounds great! Hope the weather cooperates & you get to have a nice trip out w/ the family.

 

[FishNmemories]

Re: Our recent purchase of SS 16 ft Starcraft

When I was working on the boat one day, a fella stops and tells me he really likes the boat. Turns out he has a 16' SS too and lives a couple of blocks away.

Another time just weeks ago, we stop to pick up supplies outside of big box retail store, no sooner get out of vehicle and guy asks if he can check out boat tarp. Turn out he just bought a SS with 90 hp for $5000. and had to sell one several years ago before due to poor cash flow.

Edit: Ooops this site was doing maintenance and kicked me out before I could finish. The fella pd more for his SS, but I think he was pretty happy to get another. I could tell he disappointed to have to sell the 1st one. He needed a tarp made, so we told him how we made ours and I was happy to chat with another Starcraft owner!

And my point was how popular these boats are and how well made too.

 

['57Lapline]

Re: Our recent purchase of SS 16 ft Starcraft

Goes to show ya how great of a deal you got on yours if that guy spent $5000

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Our recent purchase of SS 16 ft Starcraft

Nice rig you've got there FnM, and a great deal too.

My trailer for my 16' SS is exactly the same, and I kept the rollers for shallow launches too(after much debate).

Glad to see the boat on the water, looks like fun.

Thanks for the tips on the canvas, we are gonna need a bow cover and bimini since it gets pretty cold and rainy here in Michigan too.

 

[FishNmemories]

Re: Our recent purchase of SS 16 ft Starcraft

Thanks jbcurt00,

we did have a blast with the girls, yes 4 women and me! The weather was great flat calm everybody caught fish...except me, I hooked the occasional one and passed the rod to some else.

Hey, 57Lapline...welcome aboard. Sounds like your looking for a new ride, the Lunds are a lot of fun too. It all comes down to affordability, no need to stretch your finances out just to enjoy time on the water.

 

[FishNmemories]

Re: Our recent purchase of SS 16 ft Starcraft

Nice rig you've got there FnM, and a great deal too.

My trailer for my 16' SS is exactly the same, and I kept the rollers for shallow launches too(after much debate).

Glad to see the boat on the water, looks like fun.

Thanks for the tips on the canvas, we are gonna need a bow cover and bimini since it gets pretty cold and rainy here in Michigan too.

Hey HA, thanks and good to hear from ya. I followed yours and several others thread before deciding on the SS...best choice possible for us. Glad to help with the tarp info, its an absolute must for us too.

You kept your rollers too, that's great to know..as we just launched yesterday at the same ramp that broke our rollers before. It was the only place I could think of to transfer the gal from the wheelchair to the boat and it worked, yahoo.

 

[FishNmemories]

Re: Our recent purchase of SS 16 ft Starcraft

Well, I have a few minutes to spare before our big, big barbeque/multiple B'Day celebration begin so I thought I would post some pics of our day on the water. There was 5 of us onboard and the SS provided seating for all of us. Plus room to fish from end to end of the boat.

The 60 Yammie had no problem getting up on a plane, many times in fact, and only burnt about 6-7 gals for 6 hours on the water...too cool!!

We are just ready to take off from the ramp. The gal sitting at the back on the far left has not been fishing since a car accident changed her life 16 yrs ago. She was totally stoked!!

some pics of the fish

our return to the ramp we needed 2 vehicles and I towed the SS with my 90 Tracker

At home to a beer and some wine

The gals were all thankful for the day and 2 of them it was the first time fishing/boating on the westcoast of BC.

I was so relieved that the SS and Yammie performed so well, thanks to guys that started this site and shared info and pics. Our SS has done everything that we have asked of her and we look forward to many more adventures with family and friends

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Our recent purchase of SS 16 ft Starcraft

Fish pics, awesome!!!

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Our recent purchase of SS 16 ft Starcraft

Fish - that's what it's all about. N Memories - You got some good ones there. Glad you goy everyone in the boat and the ladies caught some fish.

On a side note - A couple of days ago you posted pics of a FEMALE drilling on the roller brackets. Tell her she looked like she knew what she was doing. Making some of us look bad. :redface:

 

[FishNmemories]

Re: Our recent purchase of SS 16 ft Starcraft

Fish - that's what it's all about. N Memories - You got some good ones there. Glad you goy everyone in the boat and the ladies caught some fish.

On a side note - A couple of days ago you posted pics of a FEMALE drilling on the roller brackets. Tell her she looked like she knew what she was doing. Making some of us look bad. :redface:

Thanks, pal...I'm chuckling over your comment, GA...some days she makes me look bad too. I'll pass on your comment to her.

 

[FishNmemories]

Re: Our recent purchase of SS 16 ft Starcraft

Well, I do hope some of you got to spend some quality time with your wives/girlfriends and/or mommies today. I cooked the gals up some breakfast, gave my gal a super sentimental card, had her read it to her sisters, and they all had tears of joy running down their cheeks.

I drove them all up island to a big market day function, played tour guide, and stopped on the way back at my Mom's place. Hug my Mom brought her lunch de jour, and a card.

One of the girls cooked up a delicious supper... it was a good day!

Rusty

 

[FishNmemories]

Re: Our recent purchase of SS 16 ft Starcraft

Yesterday, we put on a huge dinner for a big crowd, celebrated a couple B'Days, and it was so special to spend time with friends and family.

The gals were so stoked from the fishing trip 2 of them mowed the lawn and the weedeating, another one cleaned the entire kitchen and dining room, and the other helped prepare meals.

Me, I took the fish carcasses to the beach for the seagulls, crows, and eagles to feast on....and then I loafed the rest of the day until our guests arrived. Yup, nice to be...well, me!!

 

[FishNmemories]

Re: Our recent purchase of SS 16 ft Starcraft

That's the same EZ Loader trailer I've got my 18 Sylvan on. That whole bent square tube that the roller assemblies are mounted on should rotate on the single bolts on the mainframe just ahead of the tail lights, maybe yours is too tight or corroded, if you free that up you would have found the the rollers could be tilted to much the same angle as they are with your mod.

edit... oops I see you got a plank to walk on attached to it in another pic, there be the reason it won't rotate. Your fix is good

Dave524,

I check my back mainframe/crossmember and it does not rotate. There are 2 bolts that anchor both sides of the crossmember. But the roller brackets work much better now that they tilt. It was worth a look though,
thanks
Rusty

 

[FishNmemories]

Re: Our recent purchase of SS 16 ft Starcraft

Took some time yesterday and researched problems with steering pulling to the right. I posted the results for another fella that was having problem too. I adjusted my trim tab to the right as that is the directions my steering is pulling towards. Hopefully get out in the next couple of days to try it out. Some more family leaving today and last one on Saturday...sad to see them leave

oh yeah, here is the links again that explain and demonstrate how to adjust your trim tab.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=250928

http://www.marinemechanic.com/New-Folder2/trim-tab.gif