Hi everyone. This is my first post as a new member. I've lurked in other topics here before, but I had no idea that it would be the most active area on the Internet regarding Starcraft boats. I'm amazed, and hope to learn/share a lot here.
Anyhow, this 1973 18 foot Chieftain is available. It has a 140 Mercruiser. I'd rather have an OB, but if the price is right, that little Chevy II motor is pretty sweet in a light boat. I'm thinking 3 gph cruising at 30 mph or so? There's no canvas or any meaningful accessories. It's on a decent trailer, needs tires. I won't be able to water test it, but the hull is dent-free and I see no signs of corrosion (I believe it's been an AZ boat forever). The wood seems solid. Obviously somebody redid the upholstery and carpet many years ago. Aside from that, I'd say it's all original, including paint. It's respectable enough to run the way it looks, but you can see the years. I could see myself enjoying it as-is for a bit, then doing a full restoration. The owner has had it one year and never got to use it due to heath concerns. He guarantees it will start, but he has not seen the outdrive in action. He got such a good deal and had trust in the seller to the point that he didn't care. Aside from shifting and a fluid check, I'll be rolling the dice on the drive. I need to go back with a good battery, flush muffs and a compression gauge to check-out the engine health.
There may or may not be a pic by the time I get finished with this post. I not, please just use my quick description to answer this question: would I be foolish to pass this up for something in the neighborhood of $1000? Thanks in advance for any thoughts you'd care to post. - Rich
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