new to boating with 72 starcraft nova

I am Wil from detroit area, MI. I just bought a 1972 starcraft nova with 85hp johnson. i believe it looks original from looking at old pics online but not sure. either way, boat is solid. took it on lake huron in east tawas, MI over july 4th weekend. problem i have is the reverse doesnt work. i removed lower and the shift wire(blue/green) was pinched from previous owner who had water pump and seals replaced but reassembled lower back himself and pinched wire in process. i took to mechanic here and he said its the wire. i replaced the wire. put everything back. fired motor up with muffs on and water hose and propeller turned in reverse. i was happy til i put in lake to go reverse and nothing. other step is new solenoid. before i do that i was wondering if anyone knew anything about these boats and motors and known history on reliabilty and if this is the next step i take. i appreciate the info. thanks. Wil from MI

Re: new to boating with 72 starcraft nova

Nice looking boat!

Re: new to boating with 72 starcraft nova

The rarely seen Nova! I would love to have a Nova 18 - I/O of course ez!!

Those Nova's are sharp!!

Re: new to boating with 72 starcraft nova

Awesome boat. Really sharp!

Unfortunately you missed getting a mechanical shift motor by 1 year ('73 and newer. I lucked out with a '73 85HP on my last boat). The electric shift motors were fine unless you developed a shifting problem which you seem to have. The solenoids and the shift switch in the control box are NLA. Your only real option is a salvage place or ebay for a different lower. In the Johnson/Evinrude section there's a list of motor salvage places. I have personally had dealings with TCOutboard http://www.twincityoutboard.com/ and was pleased.

Re: new to boating with 72 starcraft nova

Wow those Novas look fast

I like that boat, seems to have been well cared for all these years.

Welcome aboard, plenty of good help on the site. Check out the Johnnyrude forum for advice with that 85hp.

Tawas is a great location for boating, I spend lots of time just north of Alpena myself.

Re: new to boating with 72 starcraft nova

Extra sharp rig, sooooo cool!

Re: new to boating with 72 starcraft nova

I've only seen maybe 3 Novas on this site. Last one was in Kentucky and the owner was on line for just a while. Same color as I remember. This one looks like it is a tinny. Did not know they made this model in aluminum, the Kentucky one was glass as I remember. They sure are sleek. Welcome.

Re: new to boating with 72 starcraft nova

Nice boat, love the back bench seat...

Re: new to boating with 72 starcraft nova

ezmobee said:

I have personally had dealings with TCOutboard http://www.twincityoutboard.com/ and was pleased.

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I can attest to the guys at TC Outboard. Great guys and they really do seem to have everything. I have their bumpersticker on my toolbox.