First boat 1969 starchief restoration.

[Catfishcabin]

So about 3 weeks ago I picked up my first boat period when I started looking all I knew was that I wanted an aluminum deep V and there were a few available but here in Arizona we do a lot of catfishing and it involves a lot of overnight so I came acrossed this 18 foot Star Chief and the idea of having a cabin really excited me. The original plan was just to buy the boat and use it as long as I can but I quickly fell in Love and now I plan on restoring it this winter. Until then I've been adding things for me to use this summer until the restoration begins. This is going to be a very mild restoration mostly replacing all the lumber you transom carpet and hopefully eventually paint but all the same time modifying things to fit my needs. As of right now I've got the motor running and running healthy I've got some parts coming next week to get the trim unit working I've added some lights and remove the top windshield because I wasn't a fan of it I've also added a Bimini top because shade is a necessity in Arizona. I'm making sure as I go that everything I add to the boat can easily be removed once restoration begins. As for the motor it's the standard 2.5 liter with a pre-alpha gimbal housing and an upgraded se106 outdrive. Prior to purchasing this boat I have no knowledge of boats whatsoever other than growing up with a 24-foot pontoon boat which actually was my original plan but I wouldn't be comfortable with the tow vehicle that I have pulling around a pontoon boat so I settled with this. Of course any advice is welcome and I'm probably going to be asking a ton of questions. Thank you for checking out my thread

 

[Watermann]

:welcome: to the Starmada and the forum,

Man finding a running usable Chief from the 60's is a great find! Interesting choice of decals on the bow :lol:

I love to see the IO's back on the water as now days so many guys only want an OB or do a conversion. Looking forward to seeing what you make of her and of course some fish pics.

I'm sure the rest of the mob will come along shortly.

 

[Catfishcabin]

Yea I'm excited about the I/O should be easy to work on. All it took was some new fuel line and a new fuel filter to get her running strong. As for the name I wish they were decals that is painted on but I'm a keep the name for good luck

 

[Catfishcabin]

Paid $1700 hope it wasnt too much but to late now. He wanted $2500

 

[oldhaven]

Sounds like a good deal to me. Welcome to the Chief's tribe. They are great boats. Don't throw away the windshield, you may find that you want the headdress back on later.

Ron

 

[Catfishcabin]

Sounds like a good deal to me. Welcome to the Chief's tribe. They are great boats. Don't throw away the windshield, you may find that you want the headdress back on later.

Ron

Yea not going to toss it. You never know someone may need one for their restoration

 

[Catfishcabin]

Took her out for its 3rd trip and it went well. Pushed it much harder than I had before in some choppy Easter crowded waters! Put the first fish on the boat since I've owned it ( a couple striped bass). Good time falling for this little tinny

 

[Watermann]

Welcome to the "I love my SC" club, it's hard not to go head over heels for 1, 2 or more of these fine old craft and they don't get jealous either :lol:

 

[Catfishcabin]

I find myself typing starcraft in Craigslist a lot more these days lol

 

[Catfishcabin]

No Title

Did a little work on functionality last night with the power trim. When I bought the boat two of the trim lines were in good shape two of them were completely rotten so I went ahead and after a lot of research was able to find the part numbers for the two that I needed. Unfortunately they sent me one incorrect one so I have to wait till Tuesday to finish up and hopefully I will have power trim. The other issue I ran into was the factory 3 button trim system was completely rotten and I wasn't getting any connection out of the trim up button so as a temporary solution I installed a 3 switch panel

 

[Watermann]

It's amazing what a simple toggle switch costs for TnT, nice work around. I hope they fired that correct part out express so you don't have to miss a weekend outing.

 

[Catfishcabin]

Should be here Tuesday and I leave Wednesday so I am cutting it close

 

[Candutch]

Welcome to the Starmada! That's a fine boat you found and I would say for a great price since it didn't take much to get it on the water. Looking forward to seeing your winter fix up.

 

[Pusher]

Nice boat! That sounds like a great price. I got a good deal on my project and after three years it has yet to have a fish hit the deck much less a worm. You're well ahead of me!

 

[Catfishcabin]

Thank you everyone for the warm welcome. I'm currently in the process of cleaning all the old motor oil out of the bilge as well as installing some temporary carpet

 

[Catfishcabin]

No Title

Late-night temporary carpet job using some Industrial Rubber backed rugs I had laying around.

 

[Watermann]

Those rugs should keep them slimy cats in check. :lol:

I can't wait to tear into some good channel cats this spring.

 

[Catfishcabin]

Those rugs should keep them slimy cats in check. :lol:

I can't wait to tear into some good channel cats this spring.

The biggest thing is now being able to walk around barefoot. Oh yeah those rugs will definitely enjoy a nice slimeing

 

[pckeen]

You got a good deal - what powerplant do you have in it? I've started the resto on my '74 Chief.

 

[Catfishcabin]

You got a good deal - what powerplant do you have in it? I've started the resto on my '74 Chief.

Its has the original 2.5L 120hp. Plenty for me and its easy one fuel