Starcraft Chieftain 1972 MK4

[Sc25175]

I have found a relatively clean 24 footer. It will need a internal transom replace as well as floor replace. I have seen a number of in-depth discussions on how to do this with a 22 footer. Will it be a lot more difficult on the 24 footer? It looks like some of the top gunnel components are welded together. This is one huge boat but once redone will make a great cruiser.

 

[Pugetsound]

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

Gotta see it? photos soon? welcolme.lots of help here.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

Yah, we are going to need some photos. Love the big Chief!

It's not the extra 2 feet that makes things more challenging. With that particular rig you are looking at you've basically got a house inside of a boat that need to be rebuilt or work around. Huge cabin!

Cheers!

 

[Sc25175]

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

Pictures

I have not yet made an offer. The trailer is brand new so I need to figure out what it is worth. I will factor $1000-$1500 for the boat only. As stated earlier, it looks like the deck area above the transom is welded in the corners and not just bolted or riveted. Looking for some guidance on how much more difficult this might make the transom replacement.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

What an awesome rig! Brand new trailer too!!!

(though it looks like the winch post could go forward a bit to support the stern of the hull better)

If you are wondering about a transom replacement on that you can check out the Islander thread in my signature. Pretty much the same deal. Just ignore all the extra OMC Stringer (gigantic hole in the transom) stuff. It's not an overly difficult job, it's just big, heavy, and a challenge to move around compared to smaller boat transoms.

Good luck!

 

[Sc25175]

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

Has anybody on this board actually launched and retrieved a boat this size?

I'm being told the motor and lower unit are in great shape. Assuming everything works, is there a rule of thumb on motors when performing a significant retrofit?

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

I'm being told the motor and lower unit are in great shape. Assuming everything works, is there a rule of thumb on motors when performing a significant retrofit?

What are you looking to retrofit? You mean replace the transom? I'm guessing that is an inline 6 in there, correct?

 

[Sc25175]

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

Yes, 165 online 6. Yes I will be gutting the interior but am not as handy with motors. If it runs good is it better leave it be or are there some smart money maint things to do?

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

I'd guess bare minimum you'd need a bellows and gimbal bearing job, just routine maint there. Sky is the limit after that.

I'm certain if the transom is original that you'll need to pull the whole driveline to get at it in order to replace.

Let the fun begin

 

[Sc25175]

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

The saga begins. I made an offer of$3,500 against an asking price of $4,795 and they took it!!! I am heading out today to pick it up, about 100 miles north of me. My opinion is the trailer, a 2006 Shorelander is worth between $2,500 - $3,000. It looks brand new. So I believe I am buying a1972 Starcraft MK4 for somewhere between $500 - $1000, to say I'm happy is a serious understatement. The boat is really in pretty good shape but does need a transom and floor. I am planning a total rebuild so will be leveraging this group extensively. Once I get the beast home I will post more pics. This is going to be fun!!!

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

This will make for a great project!

Have fun and save travels

 

[jetstreakdave]

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

Hi Steve. I am doing the same boat transom replacement. It is a lot of work but I think it will be worth it in the end. I found my worst rot was at the top of the transom because the rub rail seal had broken and allowed water to rot it from the top down. when you cut the aluminum top plate at the corners don't cut too deep. It is double walled and you don't want to cut through both layers. once you get the top off everything is wide open. Have a look at my posts and you might get some insight of what you are in for. I have a photobucket link in one of the posts, which has lots of pictures. Which engine is in yours?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

Sounds like an amazing deal! Good luck with your project,

 

[rheagler]

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

That's a nice find. I'm looking forward to seeing this project!

 

[Starman8]

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

jas, if he lowers the bow tip by advancing the post, he may have to adjust the rear also, look at the keel belly compared to the roller and framing

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

jas, if he lowers the bow tip by advancing the post, he may have to adjust the rear also, look at the keel belly compared to the roller and framing

Tough to tell without actually standing there in person looking at it, ya know.

I was just seeing that the stern didn't look all that supported, but, the photo isn't at an angle to tell for sure, eh.

 

[Starman8]

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

By looking at the paint wear higher up from the current bowstop rollers, the previous trailer stopped the boat much higher than current. Since this style trailer has a straightline frame instead of more rounded one that promotes a hollow for the belly, looks like another roller might be needed for the keel.

 

[Sc25175]

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

Got it home. The trailer is a bunk trailer and the two main bunks go right to the end of the boats stern.

Jetstreakdrive, thanks for the heads io on your posts will certainly take a look.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

Glad to hear ya made it home safe. Have ya got it tore down and ready to rebuild yet

 

[Sc25175]

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

Re: Chieftain 1972 MK4

Jetstreakdrive, I have a inline 6. 165

I can't find any of your posts that have pictures?