1964 Starcraft Bahama - Classic Preservation

[Fcdave]

For a few years now, I have been watching for a "classic plastic" boat to turn up, that was in near original condition and could be easily brought back to preserve the boat as original. My last few boat projects have involved modifications to the the boats that basically recycled the boat with modifications that would suit my intended use. Well, the other day I stumbled onto a 1964 Starcraft 15 Bahama hidden away in a barn for the last 20 years. I manage to pick it up In Estate Sale for $400, including 1958 Johnson Super Seahorse in near original condition (on the outside ) and trailer. Tomorrow i will go over and change out rotted tires and pull it home. I'll clean it all out and check it closer..... keeping my fingers crossed that the perfect conditions i saw under the dust and thousands of walnut shells from squirrels, will prevail throughout the boat and motor! My plan is to store it for the winter and then in spring get it ready to launch !!!

 

[GA_Boater]

Sure hope the squirrels didn't have an urge for chewing on wires and upholstery. Fingers crossed, Dave.

 

[ezmobee]

Nice. Love the lapstrake hull.

 

[Watermann]

Nice find Dave!

Will be tagging along when you get down to business with the old gal.

 

[mickyryan]

tagged cant wait to see it cleaned up

 

[Fcdave]

No Title

Well I couldn't get the siezed lugnuts off wheels this morning....and service station didnt have a replacement tire ready for me either.....so couldnt do much at this point other than go get some penetrating oil and sprayed the lugs up good. Hope to go back tomorrow or Sat after this snow storm we're having !!!! ..... and try again. Anybody have any good tricks for busting out rusted siezed lugnuts? Did get a picture of the Outboard !

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Just break the studs and replace them with new ones.

 

[Fcdave]

Ya....as i kept on tugging on them waiting for a snap....but nothing. I will try some heat with the blow torch....that has worked for me a few times. I googled it and saw someone using melted wax driped into the theads.....lugs came off with ease ???? ....so needless to say i now have a candle in my toolbox for the trip back!

 

[shaw520]

Should be a good resto......

Mod EDIT

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Do you have an extra set of hubs?

 

[Tnstratofam]

I like these old runabouts. I hope the squirrel just used it for storage, and like GA said left the upholstery and wirring alone.


Tagging along.op2:

 

[52FordF2]

If you have another boat trailer with nearly the same hubs try to swap them or just remove hubs, take to a machine shop have them get the rims off for you.
May want to grease the bearings while your at it.

 

[sphelps]

Looking forward to the clean up ! Tagging along for sure ! I'm kinda fond of 64 lapstrake aqua blue runabouts !!

 

[Fcdave]

PROGRESS.... Today I used some heat dripping candle wax over well soaked PB blasted lugnuts...which turned out to be lugbolts! .....and they all came off with relative ease..... got some tires on it and managed to pull it out of the barn before dark. The hubs turn with ease and were not sloppy, so since I only have to tow a few miles, I think the bearings will get there ok. I plan to put a new set of hubs, wheels and tires on her before it splashes next season.

Tomorrow am, I will return with a plate off my other trailer and some wiring & lights and see if I can get her home !!!
If all goes well I will clean her out and post some pics !

Sphelps, I hope she will clean up as nice as your mfg ..... still keeping my fingers crossed, that floor, transom and interior is ok as is, after a cleaning. Looked at the transom better after getting it out of the dark barn, and it sure looks solid and clean, just like the hull & topsides!

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

I have a set of magnetic trailer lights for those times when the lights on the trailer don't work.

 

[Fcdave]

No Title

Got her home and cleaned up....looks very good....no soft spots. It's a keeper!

 

[mickyryan]

WOW! looks great !

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Other than that one seat and steering wheel it cleaned up great.

 

[sphelps]

Wow ! You usually don't see these old boats in such good shape ... Nice find !!

 

[Watermann]

Wonderful original condition, amazing!