1975 Starcraft 25' Cheiftain MK IV Rebuild

Stevens520 · Sep 19, 2012

Now that summer is over, the real fun begins; a little look at what I have ahead of me:

The target for rebuild

When I first got her, I thought the transom looked to be in good shape. But on further inspection, found this. Looks like the decking let go enough to leak and take out the transom.

Missing rear seats that I'm going to have to build.

Rear floor supports missing rivets and loose.

Stevens520 · Sep 19, 2012

Re: 1975 Starcraft 25' Cheiftain MK IV Rebuild

Down in the cabin:

The wood supports for the fore deck are in good shape

But some of the floors going to need done.

a peek under the bulkhead.

And the cabin and head need a bit updating.

Did get some demo work done today, just have to round up some supplies before I go any further.

Stevens520 · Sep 19, 2012

Re: 1975 Starcraft 25' Cheiftain MK IV Rebuild

Both fuel tanks and water tank appear to be in great shape.

GA_Boater · Sep 19, 2012

Re: 1975 Starcraft 25' Cheiftain MK IV Rebuild

Well Steven, I guess this is the official welcome to the Srarmada drydock. One good thing is you got to use her for the summer so you have some ideas to include. Are you doing the deck and transom? I saw one update for the head. An ultralight rod might be a little better for port-a-potty fishing. LOL Good luck on the re-do.

Stevens520 · Sep 19, 2012

Re: 1975 Starcraft 25' Cheiftain MK IV Rebuild

Yep, floors and transom are first on the list to do, after I yank the engine and gimbal. I do have an ice fishing rod for any serious port a pot fishing though.

jasoutside · Sep 19, 2012

Re: 1975 Starcraft 25' Cheiftain MK IV Rebuild

Big ol giant metal boat project, can I tag along? Cool!

ShowMeGuy · Sep 19, 2012

Re: 1975 Starcraft 25' Cheiftain MK IV Rebuild

That is one sweeet lookin boat dude... Looking forward to watching you tear it down and building it back up...

lakeerienewbie · Sep 19, 2012

Re: 1975 Starcraft 25' Cheiftain MK IV Rebuild

Looks like you're in for some fun!

Stevens520 · Sep 19, 2012

Re: 1975 Starcraft 25' Cheiftain MK IV Rebuild

Thanks for the compliments fellas.

Yes Jas, you can tag along, hopefully it gets 'ya motivated to finish that Islander!

Got my second wind tonight, pulled the transom cap, and found this mess. Holy load of mulch!

The goodies that came with the boat, but not in the boat. The fridge (under the orange hose) works great and has been keeping our fishing bait alive all summer. That's the door leaning up against the wall. also have the sink & stove kicking around in there somewhere.

jasoutside · Sep 19, 2012

Re: 1975 Starcraft 25' Cheiftain MK IV Rebuild

Stove, sink, fridge...

Trying to shoehorn an apartment into a boat is a heck of a challenge. Kudos to you for taking it on!

Stevens520 · Sep 19, 2012

Re: 1975 Starcraft 25' Cheiftain MK IV Rebuild

Still haven't figured out what I'm going to do with the stove yet, but I'm thinking I'm probably going to have to put it back to the factory configuration to get everything to fit right.

fishingron · Sep 19, 2012

Re: 1975 Starcraft 25' Cheiftain MK IV Rebuild

Congratulations are a great boat for a rebuild! You will find this is a fantastic forum filled with great people who can help you out along the way. I too, will be following along on your restore.....I am also restoring a 1968 22ft Chieftain, slowly but surely as money can allow and I always enjoy the projects other's take on too. Good luck!
Ron

GA_Boater · Sep 19, 2012

Re: 1975 Starcraft 25' Cheiftain MK IV Rebuild

Watch out for Jason, Steve. He'll rent her out to some college kids. Right under your nose. LOL

Stevens520 · Sep 19, 2012

Re: 1975 Starcraft 25' Cheiftain MK IV Rebuild

GA_Boater said:
Watch out for Jason, Steve. He'll rent her out to some college kids. Right under your nose. LOL

Sorority girls??? Oooo I think the Admiral not be happy; me on the other hand wouldn't have a problem with it.

ben2go · Oct 9, 2012

Re: 1975 Starcraft 25' Cheiftain MK IV Rebuild

Sweet wave killer.

spegtoast · Nov 15, 2012

Re: 1975 Starcraft 25' Cheiftain MK IV Rebuild

Any updates on the transom replacement? Looking forward to following your thread. I'm trying to figure out how to pull the transom cap off?

a1964rn · Nov 16, 2012

Re: 1975 Starcraft 25' Cheiftain MK IV Rebuild

Good looking boat. Going to be an interesting restore. Good luck to you!

Stevens520 · Dec 4, 2012

Re: 1975 Starcraft 25' Cheiftain MK IV Rebuild

spegtoast said:
Any updates on the transom replacement? Looking forward to following your thread. I'm trying to figure out how to pull the transom cap off?

Haven't gotten to it yet. Was hoping to get to it this fall, but the Admiral gave it a no go.:grumpy: Looks like it's going to have to wait until spring.

Stevens520 · Apr 6, 2013

Re: 1975 Starcraft 25' Cheiftain MK IV Rebuild

Haven't had much funding to start rebuilding the boat yet; but I did take advantage of the nice weather today, and fabbed up a new bow stop for the trailer.

Stevens520 · Apr 23, 2013

Re: 1975 Starcraft 25' Cheiftain MK IV Rebuild

Well fellas unfortunately, my project has come to an end. One my vehicles was on the verge of dying after 320,000 miles on the odometer and had to trade both the car and the boat in on a newer vehicle:blue:. But on the bright side, at least I scored a new tow rig with more towing capacity than my current Expedition has.

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