Possible new (to me) boat

[woodnknots]

Okay, so I went to look at a boat that I am (I think) getting a pretty good deal on. It's a 1978 Starcraft V5 (22ft) with twin johnson 55's on it. The motors look to be in EXTREMELY good shape, but I've yet to see them run. I'm not all that concerned about that at the moment though, as I have some questions about the overall scheme of things.

First, I tried to turn the steering wheel, and it wouldn't turn. Is there a lockout on this boat to keep it from turning? The motors were perfectly centered, and I couldn't turn them by hand either. (if I had to replace the steering cable, how hard is that? There seems to be a LOT of room to get around in there, so it shouldn't be that hard I would think)

Second, the duel throttle control is a bit tricky, how hard is that to replace? (when you bring one throttle back, it sometimes won't come all the way back to neutral without playing with the other throttle, and they are both a little sticky)

Third, I am paying just $2000 for this boat, and it has never seen saltwater, just freshwater in lake michigan. Is this a good deal? The interior is in pretty good shape, and most of what I see is just cosmetic stuff and the trailer is pretty solid.

Oh, and if anyone knows any BTW information, like maybe how big the fuel tank is, if the motors are 2 stroke or 4 (I assume 2 stroke from 1978), what the fuel/oil mix is (assuming it's a 2 stroke and it's probably 50:1, just need to be sure).

Thanks,
Dave

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Possible new (to me) boat

they would be 50:1 and two stroke. Depends on how bad you want the boat. He would have to fix the steering or at least demostrate what is wrong. The throttles are probably adjustments. Never messed with twins but I would imagine they are hard to synch.

 

[woodnknots]

Re: Possible new (to me) boat

I'm buying the boat from someone i trust, and as far as he knows the motors are in good shape. He was a bit surprised by the steering linkage as well, as it's been in a storage facility since 1998. I'm figuring that it needs a good greasing...

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Possible new (to me) boat

I'm buying the boat from someone i trust, and as far as he knows the motors are in good shape. He was a bit surprised by the steering linkage as well, as it's been in a storage facility since 1998. I'm figuring that it needs a good greasing...

On the steering, crank/push motors/crank other way/push..probably just a little glued from sitting...then get out the G-Gun..I'd go for it..old twin motor boats have SO MUCH class, its worth it..keep us posted, and stick with the same thread (and have a Pizza on me..old western Chitown suburbs dude myself..GOD, the BEST pizza on earth.. and super people!)..good luck..

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Possible new (to me) boat

disconnect the steering linkage at the motor, turn each motor, then try the wheel. probably needs new cable, they don't like to sit 10 years with out moving. the impellers on the motors are going to have to be changed before start up. expect to find gummy carbs. the Starcraft is a great boat, and the 55's were good motors,

 

[ezeke]

Re: Possible new (to me) boat

The 1978 22V5 was rated for 240HP max. with the twin 55HP setup you have marginal power and double your trouble.

http://www.iboats.com/Starcraft_Boats__Islander_22V5__1978/bp/64b86588r2

 

[woodnknots]

Re: Possible new (to me) boat

okay, I got the boat... The steering linkage is frozen, no biggie... I disconnected it and the motors move like they are hardly even there. I'll replace the cable.

I was told by the guy that was working on the motors that there was a problem with the reed valves on that model of motor, and he recommends replacing them before I try and start the motors. Anyone else heard this? And where can I get the reed valves?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Possible new (to me) boat

they ae oem parts, dealer.

 

[woodnknots]

Re: Possible new (to me) boat

Does anyone know what the fuel capacity of this boat is? The owners manual is no help, and I haven't figured out a way to get to the fuel tank yet. Admittedly, I have not spent very much time looking, I'll look more tonight.

 

[woodnknots]

Re: Possible new (to me) boat

Okay, I fired up both motors tonight, now worries there, they run like tops!! They were a little rough with the old plugs, but after I replaced them, good as new! I only ran them for less than a minute at a time, due to not replacing the impellers yet, but I had water spitting out of all the bottom holes, just not the tiny hole behind the power head.

I have to do some lubing, and replace the steering cable and one of the stern tubes, but other than that, I'm gonna try to get on the water this weekend after putting some new electronics on it.

One more thing, I can't get the fuel gauge to work, and I can't get to the fuel tank without ripping the whole floor up. Any ideas? I put 20 gal of fuel in it, so the gauge should move. of course, I still have no idea what the fuel capacity is, as I have not tried to fill it.