random Starcraft questions

[dropout454]

1. I really dont wanna replace the transom but I think I kinda have to....its not moving yet but looks to be in rough shape. I've heard of some replacing the transom with metal to avoid having to do it again...anybody got feedback on that?? When I do it I don't wanna have to do it again..

2. THANKS EZ and others for the feedback about the holes...puts my mind at ease a bit.

I'll prob be on the water this weekend....more pix to come!!! But how do I upload pics to an album, thread, etc....only thing I've seen is thumbnails to a new thread

 

[ezmobee]

Re: random Starcraft questions

Don't over think it. Replacing the transom on one of these boat is so not a big deal there's no need to take unconventional routes to make it last longer. Remove the motor, remove the transom end caps and the capping strip along the top. Remove all the through bolts and the splashwell screws that go into the wood. Pop the old wood out with a 2x4 prying on it from the bottom inside the boat (leveraged againt the floor). Use it as a template to cut out your new transom wood from 2 layers of 3/4" exterior ply. Laminate the two pieces together with PL Premium construction adhesive or epoxy resin. Check it for fitment in the boat and drill all the bolt holes out. Remove from boat. Optional: overdrill all the bolt holes and seal them with epoxy resin. Seal the wood with epoxy resin. Seal it with either poly or epoxy resin and fiberglass if you really want it to last forever. Reinstall. Remount your motor.

Hook your motor up to the steering system through the tilt tube like this http://www.inkbox.net/whaler/parts/steering-arm.jpg instead of using that bracket you have there that you don't need.

Open a photobucket.com account for your pictures and link from there. Easier than iboatd attachments.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: random Starcraft questions

1. I really dont wanna replace the transom but I think I kinda have to....its not moving yet but looks to be in rough shape. I've heard of some replacing the transom with metal to avoid having to do it again...anybody got feedback on that?? When I do it I don't wanna have to do it again..

Yah, kinda looks like it's due to be swapped out. To replace it with all aluminum would be ridiculous heavy and ridiculous expensive. Exterior plywood all sealed up with epoxy resin and painted will last you probably as long as you'll want to hang on to that boat. Keep it in the garage or under a cover and it should last darn near forever.

only thing I've seen is thumbnails to a new thread

I can see your photos just fine when I click on them.

Cheers!


Edit: EZ beat me too it. Sorry, I was diverted by warm brownies sitting on the counter here.

 

[sschefer]

Re: random Starcraft questions

I think we all agree that overkill is probably one of the things we do best when restoring a boat. A new super transom won't extend the life of the remaining boat so there's really no point in going overboard.

That being said; I've often thought of making 3/16: 5052-H32 Aluminum slip cover and inserting a piece of Starboard into it and then bolting that back in. It wouldn't weigh much more and would last a long, long time. Of course I just happen to have a TIG welder and a couple of 4x8 sheets of 3/16 leaning up against the wall in the shop so it would be cost effective for me. Probably not for you.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: random Starcraft questions

.... will last you probably as long as you'll want to hang on to that boat.

What!? That's the line we use when giving advice to glasser owners. We know they'll tire of those piles after a couple seasons, but we're talking about a STARCRAFT owner here! And an SS at that! He's not likely to lose interest in this particular boat till he's in the ground. (regardless dropout, a properly done plywood transom will last a LONG time).

 

[jasoutside]

Re: random Starcraft questions

EZ, you weren't reading my mind again buddy. A properly built transom should last nearly forever, equal to the time dropout will want to hang onto this Starcraft.


ADD: My "advice" on glassers is actually pretty consistent.