Should I or shouldn't I? (Warning, Starcraft content)

[emoney]

So, while I think the fascination is purely due to all the awesome resto' threads around here, I'm afraid I may be getting the "Tinny Bug". While I've never owned a Tinner (Yes, I'm "that" glass guy), something seems real cool to me about these old boats and quite frankly, I'm due for a major project. Let me preface this by saying I'm a woodworker-type, so I'm not sure I even own tin snips but I guess those can still be purchased around these parts. Anyway, on to the questions.

If a person came across a 1969 Starcraft Jupiter (look at me dropping model names like an old pro), on a trailer with a functiong '69 Evinrude 40, for an asking price of $500.00, what does a regular schmoe like me look for? I mean, the obvious makes sense like does it leak water like a fish basket strainer? But outside of that, with no frame of reference, can you guys direct me towards some "what should be obvious" areas of concern. I'm going into it assuming the transom and floor needs pulled and I've read most of the threads that have wonderful tips there. It's just being a Glasser all my life, I just don't want to fall into a "bottomless" hole. The hole I understand, but the bottomless part is what I'm trying to avoid. How do I know, for example, what to look for if the motor is one of those electric shift models. I really like the idea of bringing that motor back to full resto as well because I think "looks-wise" it's a 'must have'.

And, for the record, the glasser that's in the family will remain in the family. I figure I'll move her to the lift and put any project into the garage. Any tips or hints you don't mind sharing will be greatly appreciated, btw, and thanks in advance.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I? (Warning, Starcraft content)

You never know...... if it has been well maintained....the deck and transom might be fine. Regardless of the condition, the restorations are fairly easy.

How's the windshield? Those are tough to find a replacement.

The 40 will push it along but the Jupiter will handle an 85 which yields about 38-40 mph.

Great boats that last forever.

The restoration...... decking, seats, and whatever the motor needs. What steering is in it? An entire replacement single cable system can be had for less than $125.

Okay I will admit......they do not ride like a glasser.

FYI Electric shift motors have push button FNR on the control. The older motors w/o electric normally had duel lever controls.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I? (Warning, Starcraft content)

Other than major dents, gashes, or horrendous corrosion in the hull $500 is a steal for a tinny on a decent trailer and a functioning motor.

Small leaks and leaking rivets are a cinch to fix on a tinny and small cracks can be welded or patched... so if she's a leaker don't let that scare you off.

btw, don't buy any tin snips. If it's thin enough to cut with snips, it's too thin for a boat.

 

[emoney]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I? (Warning, Starcraft content)

Bob, the windshield is a little suspect. It's all there, at least it looks to be, but the issue is it's cloudy all the way across. Anybody ever
had any luck with this new stuff that's used to bring headlights back? I'd hate to change out the windshield to a newer style because
I'm afraid that would detract from the "look".

And ok, jig, no tin snips then. But I've got this feeling I won't be able to use one of my routers, will i?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I? (Warning, Starcraft content)

Yes, you can bring the windshield back...... and there are also plastic polishes available....... use an electric polisher and a soft touch since a polisher will burn the plastic.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I? (Warning, Starcraft content)

If I came across a Jupiter for $500, I would be $500 poorer. A Jup is the same length as my Nassau but the hull has more "V" at the stern, is a little wider and deeper. As Bob said it takes up to 85 hp where mine takes up to 75. The only worries as long as you aren't looking for a "lake-ready" boat is hull damage like cracks and corrosion. Not to scare you but out of all the restos here I can only remember three that were corroded/cracked beyond repair. Low odds I think.

About cleaning/polishing plexi windshields

What I started with



Before the first splash




I used Turtle wax red heavy duty polishing compound followed by Turtle wax green can polishing compound to get to the above. I used this method. Last week I grabbed some Meguiar's Plastx Clear Plastic Cleaner & Polish (6 oz. bottle I think) and it worked great. I needed the TW compounds to smooth the scratches and the Meguiar's polished and de-hazes the plexi. I can read through the WS now. EDIT - All done by hand, no power help at all.

Good luck!

EDIT - I haven't used tin snips on her yet and don't think I ever will.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I? (Warning, Starcraft content)

I'm afraid I may be getting the "Tinny Bug". While I've never owned a Tinner (Yes, I'm "that" glass guy), something seems real cool to me about these old boats

Poetry e$, just beautiful



Yah, I totally agree with the guys there ^^^ windshield, cracks/corrosion are real tough to deal with. Maybe secondary stuff would things like missing corner castings, original paint, trashed bent up stuff that shouldn't be. Then you just have the overall hull/motor/trailer package at the given price point. At $500ish, a decent hull on a decent trailer is about all you can ask for. Anything more than that is gravy!

All the best!!

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I? (Warning, Starcraft content)

While I've never owned a Tinner (Yes, I'm "that" glass guy). And, for the record, the glasser that's in the family will remain in the family

Welcome to dual 'citizenship' at iBoats I didn't own a boat before July 4, 2011. That is not the case currently:facepalm:

Hope she checks out and follows you home soon..... Good to know the glass is staying put

 

[emoney]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I? (Warning, Starcraft content)

Well, the stars are slowly starting to align. The hitch came in, finally, for momma's car....i.e. the new tow vehicle since for some silly reason I sold the old Jeep I had (that's another conversation for another day). The Jet-boat should come out of the garage in the morning and hopefully find it's resting place on the lift, so that leaves the garage totally empty. And you know how it is, if you don't put something big in there, it'll just fill with trash. I'm going to drive over tomorrow (after the hitch install, of course, heheheh) and put my eyes on it. Not even considering it to be "lake ready" for a while since my lake is the Gulf of Mexico. One thing for certain, I'm pretty picky about making sure everything is as top notch as you can get it before going out. When we first moved down here, 15 years ago, I learned that lesson the hard way going out with a buddy on his big sport fisherman. Great boat with triple motors that were only a little over a year old. Then the storm hit. Long story short, 5 hours later, and if I was a cat about 8 lives later, we finally got back. Never catch me out there again if I can avoid it, anyway, lol.

So I'm goin to take and move $350.00 in cash in my left pocket, pull it out and see what happens. Worse case scenario, I'll have to dig into the right pocket, but not after he's convinced I'm leaving with out it, lol. Wish me luck!

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I? (Warning, Starcraft content)

Happy hunting man!

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I? (Warning, Starcraft content)

Sounds like a good find and nice project!

Of course you can...
- plunk down the cash
- tow it home with the wifey's grocery getter
- make it all snuggly warm in the garage/shop
- transfer title and get it registered

But it's not really yours until you post up some pic's here on iBoats (or at least you're not going to convince us it's yours until the pics are posted... )

 

[emoney]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I? (Warning, Starcraft content)

I am FINALLY (crossing fingers) going this Sat. to see this lovely lady. Wish me luck!

 

[djpeters]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I? (Warning, Starcraft content)

Good luck!

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I? (Warning, Starcraft content)

I am FINALLY (crossing fingers) going this Sat. to see this lovely lady. Wish me luck!

Safe, speedy, low cost travels Take a digital camera for 'as found' in situ photos or on the road trip back pix...

 

[emoney]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I? (Warning, Starcraft content)

Ok, major cog thrown in. If you had to pick between the '69 16 footer, that looks like this;

or, the 1965 Chieftain 22 footer that looks like this;

Totally different animals, of course, but ball-park same upfront $$.....then what??

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I? (Warning, Starcraft content)

If you've got motor info that would help, it looks like the Jupiter might have an electric shift lower, older Evinrude.

Chieftain would be more everything: size, space, weight, work, $ to finish, just based on its size if all else is the same (condition of paint, trailer, electrical & etc)

Of note too is some states reg & license cost go up based on size. In WV these 2 would be priced the same, their grouped 16'-25'.

Based on having a 15' FireFlite, if I could tow it (can't), I'd probably be checking the Johnson (?) motor & leaning towards the Chieftain.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I? (Warning, Starcraft content)

Chieftain all the way!!!

I would almost consider driving down from 'Bama to pick up that Chieftain.

 

[rheagler]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I? (Warning, Starcraft content)

I would go for the Chief. But that's me. I went from this.....

To this....

The Chief will be more work, but it's a lot more boat.

 

[emoney]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I? (Warning, Starcraft content)

The Jupiter has a, believed to be, '69 non-'lectric shift, 40hp 'Rude. Big Chief has a '84 Johnson 85hp. Word on the street is, both run,
but, we know how that goes. What's the thinking on Big Chief's weight?

And, not wanting to start rumors, but if the Chieftain wins, I'm thinking "centr-console-conversion"....Yikes!!!

 

[bgc]

Re: Should I or shouldn't I? (Warning, Starcraft content)

I want to add a Chieftain to the flotilla,,,, but there is something to be said for the smaller Starcraft boats..