Starcraft Transom Replacement

[nite fisherman]

I have a 1985 Starcraft FM160. I am in the process of removing the transom for replacement. Can someone tell me if I need to remove the Splashwell to gain access to the side bolts in the transom or can I simply trim away the foam flotation in the corners to reach in to the nuts on the inside? I know it would be easier if the splashwell was removed but can't tell where it separates from the sides.
Thanks

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Starcraft Transom Replacement

Welcome to the worst part of the Starcraft project. Yes the splashwell needs to be completly disconnected from the transom and most people take it out. It is a pain but gets you perfect access.

Yes, you will probably need to remove some foam .....not much to get to the bolts and you can just cut the nuts off since you will probably go with new ones.

Have you looked at http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=288451 item 9

 

[nite fisherman]

Re: Starcraft Transom Replacement

Thanks for the reply. Would you by chance know how many rivets hold the splashwell in? I see 3 on each side at the rear side of the splashwell and 2 towards the front on each side. And I think also, I need to remove the top trim piece on the inside of the top rail that runs the full length of the boat. Probably remove just enough rivets in that to remove the splashwell.

 

[nite fisherman]

Re: Starcraft Transom Replacement

Guess I dont ask the correct questions. I have no way of posting pics in order to explain what I have here. It appears to me I would have to remove the inside corners under the splashwell in order to remove the splashwell and this would include removing part of the flooring to have access to the screws that hold those in.
Was hoping someone out there was familiar with a starcraft fishmaster 160 that could maybe tell me more.
Thanks anyway.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Starcraft Transom Replacement

Just keep taking stuff off until you can get to what you want to remove.

Taking pics of the process helps when it comes time to put everything back together.

 

[nite fisherman]

Re: Starcraft Transom Replacement

Thanks Jigngrub. I started to do that but have decided I am just going to trim those aluminum corners on the inside. Then trim the foam squares a bit to get to the last few screws and bolts. I only have about 4 more screws on each side and 3 thru hull bolts on each side. That seems a whole lot easier than removing part of the floor.