Questions about a 26' Islander

[Sc25175]

I am new to this forum so apologize up front if I am not following the proper process.

I love what is being done with this Starcraft and want to basically do the same to a Starcraft Islander 26.

Two questions:

1. What is a SI 26 in pretty rough condition worth?
2. I am not considering buying this type of rig for fishing but as more of a trailerable expedition boat. I want to explore the water ways of the US both fresh and salt water and would spend up to two weeks at a time living on board. I fully understand that is not what the boat was designed for but as I perform the rebuild I would add whatever features I could that would make it more liveable.
My question is: Would this boat at a minimum server my purpose?

Thanks in advance and this is a great thread, nothing like seeing someone making progress on their dream to motivate!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Questions about a 26' Islander

I moved your post to a new thread Steve.

What motor/drive is in the boat plays a big part in it's desirability. There are a number of obsolete marine powertrains that really may want to avoid.

While a 26' Islander sounds awesome, for your usage a Chieftain would really be a better model. The Islander has a smaller cabin and more deck area and I think are geared for great lakes fishing. A Chieftain has a larger more livable cabin. They are the same hull though I believe.

 

[rockb]

Re: Questions about a 26' Islander

It all depends on what level of comfort you need. My dad is doing the super loop in a 21 C-Dory. A little small for my comfort but he doesn't mind.

 

[Sc25175]

Re: Questions about a 26' Islander

Thanks for the input. I neglected to mention it would be a hardtop. I agree the cuddy is for sleeping only but I would build a mini galley directly behind the seat on the right hand side. I would also have a semi-permanent bimini installed so the cabin would be extended and more protected from the elements.

still trying to figure out what a fair price would be.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Questions about a 26' Islander

Then we still need to know what motor/drive it has and if it runs, also what kinda condition the trailer (if any) is in. We also need to know where you're from (it actually makes a BIG difference sometimes). A rough hull with a rough trailer and an obsolete non-running OMC powerplant would be worst case and would worth $1500 tops (hey it is a 26' boat). If it had a running V8 Mercruiser or Volvo and was sitting on a decent trailer it could be worth up to like $4k maybe.

 

[Sc25175]

Re: Questions about a 26' Islander

OMC power plant, floors are rotted out and I suspect the transom will need to be replaced. Trailer looks to be in decent shape and the hull will need to be repainted but otherwise looks good.

Boat is in Michigan I am in Minnesota

They are asking $6,500 and I am thinking $4,000

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Questions about a 26' Islander

Too much. OMC parts and service are too hard to come by.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Questions about a 26' Islander

Too much. OMC parts and service are too hard to come by.

Totally agree with ez there. Way too much. Sounds to me like a total rebuild man, bow cap to prop and everything in between. Pretty much in line with my Islander project except you'd have 4 extra feet in length and a couple extra feet in height. That is a big boat!

Sounds to me like a great rig to spend extended time on the water though!

Tell ya what, I have spent 3 weeks out in a 18' sea kayak, could have gone another 2. A 26' Starcraft would be living in the lap of luxury!

Have fun

 

[Sc25175]

Re: Questions about a 26' Islander

Thanks everyone. This forum is a wealth of knowledge. Once I have purchased a rig I am going to use the "heck" out of the knowledge that is represented by this group.

 

[Sc25175]

Re: Questions about a 26' Islander

Just thought of another question. When you say "OMC parts and service are hard to come by" is that more related to the outdrive or the motor as well.

Could I install a newer outdrive on the existing motor?

 

[Casey G]

Re: Questions about a 26' Islander

Just thought of another question. When you say "OMC parts and service are hard to come by" is that more related to the outdrive or the motor as well.

Could I install a newer outdrive on the existing motor?

What I plan on doing if my OMC outdrive goes bad is replace it with a SEI drive, so I guess the answer is yes you could install a newer outdrive on the existing motor.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Questions about a 26' Islander

Welcome to the site Steve, glad to hear you are interested in a 26' Islander

OMC issues affect both the motor and drive. Merc outdrives are shaped differently, so you would have to redo the transom like jasoutside did on his 22' Islander that came with OMC.

Once that is done a 4.3L Merc would be a good engine, or even larger if you want more power.

If that boat is in Charlotte, MI at a dealership we've seen it a few times over the years. It's a great hull with a obsolete drivetrain. Great project, but worth about 2-3k tops in my book.

The project would require a new motor, that would run about 1k. The interior could be done for another 1k and you are in business.

I'm not sure they would be willing to lower the price enough to make it cost-effective. Try to negotiate though since it's been on the market for 2-3 years. Good luck to ya!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Questions about a 26' Islander

What I plan on doing if my OMC outdrive goes bad is replace it with a SEI drive, so I guess the answer is yes you could install a newer outdrive on the existing motor.

This is only true for an OMC Cobra. The old OMC Stringers (which the boat in question is most likely equipped with) are a completely different kind of setup and are in no way compatible with newer systems. The block and some accessories may be compatible but you're really looking at a complete swap. Jasoutside's route of finding a rotted glasser with a good Mercruiser drivetrain in it, is really your best bet.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Questions about a 26' Islander

Just thought of another question. When you say "OMC parts and service are hard to come by" is that more related to the outdrive or the motor as well.

Could I install a newer outdrive on the existing motor?

What EZ is implying is that the OMC Stringer Drive went the way of the dinosaur. Extinct. Parts are difficult to come by as you are pretty well limited to eBay and craigslist. Most/all of the marine techs in my area won't even touch OMC Stringers.

The good news about rigs equipped with OMC Stringers is that there are a pair of bomber motor mounts to work with once you snag a good Mercruiser.

BUT!

I really think you should score a set up like that for hundreds, not thousands, in order to justify the rebuild.