Starcraft Islander...should I buy

[neebishis05]

Looking for some wisdom here folks....looking at an early 80's Islander w/120 merc I/O. Were/are these a real dog, or are they the reliable seaworthy boat I'm looking for?? I don't need a race horse...would like 25mph w/4 persons on board. The ''iron duke'' has a good reputation. Is the merc I/O in those years a good one?? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[steelespike]

Re: Starcraft Islander...should I buy

Even though this is kind of a general boating<br />question I think you will get better results in the I/O forum.I'm no I/O expert but the 120 is probably adiquate.If you are likely to be skiing alot I think something like the 165 is a better choice as smaller engines go.Keep in mind you seldom here one say "boy I wish I had a smaller motor"

 

[dtherrien]

Re: Starcraft Islander...should I buy

Yeah...I to am not familair with the I/O setup on that boat. But i do know starcraft makes an excellent boat, they last forever.Starcraft has been making boats for quite a while now.I would say the only problem would be the transom of an outboard motor....the wood between the alum. would rot out.I had a 16' with a 50 evin. about 10 years ago...wish i still had it.

 

[karrick]

Re: Starcraft Islander...should I buy

My 71 with an 60hp outboard is a great boat. The only water that gets in it is from swimming and draggin water in. Not one hull leak. *knock on wood*

 

[rschnack]

Re: Starcraft Islander...should I buy

Those are excellent boats, especially the early 1980's models. It really depends though on what you want to use it for. They are a very good freshwater offshore fishing boat, with a high freeboard. Because they are aluminum the relatively small motor powers them well. They are very good on fuel and easy to tow. Because they are a little lighter though they tend to pound a little harder on the waves than a similar sized fiberglass boat. They came in several lengths. From what I have heard if it is a 191 or 225 Islander the smaller engine is okay. If a bigger model you may want to go up to a 6 cylinder.<br />RCS