New to the boating world/ restoration questions

sreye22

Cadet
Joined
Mar 14, 2012
Messages
14
Hello all! I am new to the boating world. I recently purchased a 1971 starcraft 16' boat with a 35 horse johnson seahorse and trailer. Now I want to start of by saying I am a complete novice in all aspects of the word. I have always been an avid fan of fishing and being on the water and have always dreamed of having a boat to get out on the water fishing. (renting boats was getting old). I have read many discussions on this forum of the pros and cons to boat ownership and I am seeking the advise from all of you experienced boaters/owners. Long story short is I would like to replace the floor and carpeting in my boat as wells as update the console etc. I have a few soft spots on the floor and I have read don't risk it. My questions would be one, is it doable for someone who is very new to this, and two should I risk doing it myself or try to shell out the money to have it professionally done. Any thoughts??
 

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
Staff member
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May 19, 2001
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26,022
Re: New to the boating world/ restoration questions

Welcome to iboats!!

You have homework to do ;) Read this post and there are many good information items for you.http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=288451

We are Starcraft addicts here ;)

Please Post pictures!!
 

TruckDrivingFool

Lieutenant Commander
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Jul 30, 2007
Messages
1,818
Re: New to the boating world/ restoration questions

Welcome to Iboats! and the world of boating in general. :)

Post up some pics and there's nothing the collective here can't get you through.

I'm guessing at your SC being a tinny (wise first choice) if so your definitely in the right place as there are many SC owners here and pages of restores on them from small to big.
 

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: New to the boating world/ restoration questions

Is this a fiberglass or aluminum boat?
 

jjkc

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Feb 15, 2012
Messages
41
Re: New to the boating world/ restoration questions

I am not a pro at this either, but if you have basic mechanical skills you should be fine. If you hit any major problems there is plenty of help on here. We all love to see pictures Welcome Aboard!!
 

sreye22

Cadet
Joined
Mar 14, 2012
Messages
14
Re: New to the boating world/ restoration questions

Just a few photos of the starcraft
 

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sreye22

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Mar 14, 2012
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Re: New to the boating world/ restoration questions

and a few more
 

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jasoutside

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2009
Messages
13,269
Re: New to the boating world/ restoration questions

Metal boat, whew, glad that's settled!:D

OK, you can do this sreye!

First, grab your favorite beverage and click the "Starcraft Rebuilds" link in my signature. Do a whole bunch of reading and you'll find, in time, you can probably rebuild this whole boat. If you were to haul it over to the marine dealer you might as well just sign over your first born. And your dog.

Welcome to iboats and the Starcraft brotherhood!:D
 

sreye22

Cadet
Joined
Mar 14, 2012
Messages
14
Re: New to the boating world/ restoration questions

How much am I going to have to deal with rivets and rivetting? I have absolutely no experience in that field.
 

jasoutside

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2009
Messages
13,269
Re: New to the boating world/ restoration questions

All depends on how many leakers you have, missing ones, and structure. It's easy though, don't sweat it.
 

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: New to the boating world/ restoration questions

I didn't really have to deal with rivets at all on my two restorations apart from a couple simple pop rivets on the SS to hold the consoles on to the gunnels.
 

sreye22

Cadet
Joined
Mar 14, 2012
Messages
14
Re: New to the boating world/ restoration questions

does anyone know how big of a motor this boat is rated for?
 

TruckDrivingFool

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Re: New to the boating world/ restoration questions

Should say on the Coast Guard plate

IMG_0257.jpg
 

sreye22

Cadet
Joined
Mar 14, 2012
Messages
14
Re: New to the boating world/ restoration questions

Finally started the Demo on the Starcraft. Got all carpet up consoles out gas tank etc. pics posted shortly
 

sreye22

Cadet
Joined
Mar 14, 2012
Messages
14
Re: New to the boating world/ restoration questions

Hey guys Its been awhile since my last post. Ive been crazy busy with work and havent had much computer time. I now have the whole boat demo'd and have a few questions about paint. I have been doing a lot of reading and Am a bit confused. I have heard some people saying not to paint the bottom of the aluminum boats due to electrolysis between the aluminum, copper in the paint, and the water. Is this true and if so what do you all recommend for paint for the interior and outter hull? Should I sand down the white paint that is on the outside now or strip it? Also the very bottom portion of the boat is bare aluminum I believe, could I paint the whole outter hull with one paint?
 

jasoutside

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2009
Messages
13,269
Re: New to the boating world/ restoration questions

Well, you are in the land of fresh water so no sweat. Now, question...

What do you want? Bare alum or paint?
 

sreye22

Cadet
Joined
Mar 14, 2012
Messages
14
Re: New to the boating world/ restoration questions

I want to paint it. Give it some personality.
 

jasoutside

Supreme Mariner
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Dec 20, 2009
Messages
13,269
Re: New to the boating world/ restoration questions

Self etching primer for the bare alum, clean metal primer and Rusto Pro;)
 

boatnut74

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Aug 29, 2010
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1,835
Re: New to the boating world/ restoration questions

The only kind of paint you don't want to use on the bottom of an aluminum boat is antifouling. It contains copper and will eat holes in the aluminum.
 

sreye22

Cadet
Joined
Mar 14, 2012
Messages
14
Re: New to the boating world/ restoration questions

Question, I have a few small holes on the outer hull, (well above the water line) just wondering if I can use auto body bondo to fill the holes? I know some people say to use job weld but I have some bondo I never ended up using on my car.
 
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