Rookie First Boat

[sfelts]

Well This is my first boat. I know exactly nothing about boats so here I am. Ive been reading some of the forums here and you guys seem really knowledgeable and helpful. So it is a 1978 Starcraft American 16 with I know now to much engine 115hp 1977 Evinrude. Anyways what are some of the things i should be looking for before I put it in the water? There are some unusual marks on the sides what are these(PICS).

 

[jennis9]

Re: Rookie First Boat

You came to the right place - welcome to iboats. You will be in good company with your pics and questions.

I'm sure others will chime in - but some of the stickies are very informative. Do a search for first time boat owner and you'll see plenty of guys who have asked the same question. And they always tell you there is no dumb question here - I've found it's probably here somewhere too if you want to research.

I had a very positive experience with getting to know my boat through listenign to my boating partner, this forum and the safety class - take the boaters safety class with your family so you all start out with good habits.

Good luck! You'll have fun with that boat once you get her ready for the water and safety checked.

 

[Capt'n Chris]

Re: Rookie First Boat

A 16ft Starcraft? I have owned many Starcrafts over the years. But a 115 on a 16? What is that boat rated for anyway? If you've overpowered it, you may have difficulty insuring it. We all want you to love your boat and to use it safely. I have tried to find the rating on the net and found another with a 115 Mercury, so it might be rated for that much. Check you plate.

 

[woosterken]

Re: Rookie First Boat

the spots down the side look like somebody put a new floor in it and they used screws that came through

woosterken

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Rookie First Boat

Welcome to the iboats.com forum. I'm on my fifth project boat and none of them looked as good as yours at the beginning. Take a look at Chinewalker's two Starcraft projects listed in his signature at the link below:

http://forums.iboats.com/member.php?u=3888

Good luck!

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Rookie First Boat

the spots down the side look like somebody put a new floor in it and they used screws that came through

woosterken

Yep..Those look like classic OC holes for sure. Since those are there, double check the transom, make sure there aren't any OC issues back there either..cool boat, she'd really get up and go

Welcome Aboard to iboats!
Lots of good people here and a few like me too
Big Starcraft following here as well, and not too many are glass!

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: Rookie First Boat

Awwww, another Starcrafter
Very cool boat

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Rookie First Boat

Those are good hulls and that's a great motor for it. If you like the boat and would like to get some good years out of it I would be very carefully checking the deck for soft spots. Hopefully a previous owner didn't slap a new deck over rotted stringers. Also, since you're probably at the max rated horsepower for that boat I would also be VERY carefully checking out that transom. Good luck with your project.

 

[freelancer]

Re: Rookie First Boat

Standard Equipment: Get a good boat pole/hook (or two). Great on an open boat like yours, it should be the type that is telescopic. You'll be surprised how much utility you can get out of one piece of gear; get you hat out of the water or a buddy, test for depth in the shallows, fend your self off a bulk head or seawall, grab on to something if your drifting without power or an anchor. Good luck. Freelancer.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Rookie First Boat

Obviously used for smuggling rum and the coasties shot a line of machine gun bullets at it when it was veering away. At least that's what you need to tell the chicks, or the children, depending on your stage of life.

PLease get the right anchor, chain and rode (rope) first thing after required USCG safety equipment.

 

[sfelts]

Re: Rookie First Boat

Thank you for the replies. I'm feeling a little less stressed now. I feel like I'm in good hands. The floor feels really strong so I'm guessing you guys are right about the floor being replaced. The Plate on the boat says that it is rated for 105 hp so I'm HP over. How concerned should I be? Me and my girls are going to clean it up this weekend, pretty excited about that. I have a power washer is there any certain cleaner you guys recommend?