Which one? 14' Starcraft or 12' Valco

[inkd_dad]

I am recently acquired two boats but only want to build one for my family and I. The first is a 14' Starcraft aluminum boat with a 4' beam and then also I have a 12' Valco alumium with a 5' beam. Which one would you suggest I build? I have had neither on the water yet and both are in comparable condition. I am leaning towards the 12' for stability with the extra width but would like to hear your opinions. Thanks!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Which one? 14' Starcraft or 12' Valco

how many people are going to be in it at one time. they are both great boats.

 

[Radiac]

Re: Which one? 14' Starcraft or 12' Valco

I vote for the Starcraft. Here is a pic of our 14 foot Starfire we used to have.
Great boat.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Which one? 14' Starcraft or 12' Valco

You may find that the wider boat is also deeper.But I would be inclined to
find a deeper wider 14.Would handle better than either one and probably
run faster with a load.

 

[mthieme]

Re: Which one? 14' Starcraft or 12' Valco

how many people are going to be in it at one time. they are both great boats.

Yup, 'family' sends up a red flag.
I sense bigger might be better in this case.

I had a 12' Starcraft when I was a teenager. It was of unknown age when I happened across it (as the result of a hurricane!). I put my first new Merc on the back - a 7.5. I used it about 4 seasons before loosening all the rivets. I rode her pretty hard though.

 

[inkd_dad]

Re: Which one? 14' Starcraft or 12' Valco

I only have a family of 6 and would like fit all of them in there at once.

Ok I'm kidding! It's my wife, my 5 year old son and myself. Pushing 350 pounds in total.

Getting another boat really is not a preferable option to me in this case so I am going to decide between these two here.

Today I am going to calculate the open area of both and see what kind of differences there are and go from there. If I can I'll post pictures of both and get some more input. And also, the Starcraft is a 1966 Sealite and the Valco is an 80's model. Thanks for all the help.


Jay

 

[clarkbre]

Re: Which one? 14' Starcraft or 12' Valco

It's tough to say which one would be a better boat for you, your wife, and son. I grew fishing out of a 12' Valco and have fond memories of that old boat. However, once my dad, wife and I were fishing out of it, the boat got cramped fast. We each had a tackle box and pole, life jackets and all the safety gear, plus the gas tank and battery. I ended up taking the foam out of the middle seat and making it storage and then making a battery compartment in the rear seat. It was a great boat for lake fishing and extremely stable with high sides and the flares in the back. The 3 of us out grew that boat quickly and stepped up to a 16' Lund.

Here are a couple pics of how I had my Valco set up. Even though I love my Lund, I still wish I had that old Valco.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Which one? 14' Starcraft or 12' Valco

i think you need to look at the condition of both boats, put a water hose in them and see if they leak. either one will handle your needs.

 

[beerfilter]

Re: Which one? 14' Starcraft or 12' Valco

Keep em both !

Rig the 14' for family trips , rig the 12' for solo trips .

There is NO such thing as too many boats , as you will soon see .
Welcome to the disease .

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Which one? 14' Starcraft or 12' Valco

yes there is, when you have to move three to get the one you want to use, out of the yards. voice of experience.

 

[beerfilter]

Re: Which one? 14' Starcraft or 12' Valco

yes there is, when you have to move three to get the one you want to use, out of the yards. voice of experience.

LMAO , that is spending quality time with your harem ! . Not to mention the benefits of a little excercise .

In all seriousnes , I have a similar problem with Jeeps AND boats , not to mention the jumble of motors in the shed , mixed among the tackle and spare rigging ....:redface: