BrianMc
Petty Officer 2nd Class
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2010
- Messages
- 177
Ever start one of those restoration projects that you couldn't decide where to stop. I've got one of those going.
Started out purchasing an '89 24' Starcraft pontoon/'02 50 hp 4stroke Honda. Deck was in decent shape,but the funiture was fugly and the 23" dia. tubes were covered from yrs. setting in a boat slip. One tube had the nose crunched,and both had water in the front compartments. Yea, I paid too much for it,but that's how I roll.
First I fixed the tubes,sanded and polished them,installed new furniture,trolling motor,graphs,and downriggers. Ready to fire it up, not quite. I was having trouble with the speeds that 50hp Honda was going to produce. So, I started researching what makes these toons tic. Soon started looking for a 120hp motor (the capacity rating of this 2 tube hull),also adding a center tube,and strakes. Stumbled across a good deal on a low hrs. 2.5 Merc XR6 150. Yea I bought it. I know that's too big,but we'll deal with that later.
A center tube is being built as we speak. 25" dia. 25'-6" long with a 300 hp transom,built in fuel tank,and 5" strakes. I'm also adding 5" strakes to the inside of the outer tubes,and extra crossmembers to beef up the frame. Now I'm not liking the layout. I'm considering tearing it clear down to the tubes. Make the frame a lil longer,widen to 102",use 1/8" aluminum for the new deck,with a new shorter rail for easier fishing. Looking to make it a center console with a big T-top.
Now for the capacity rating. Since the only thing still "factory" on this pontoon will be the outer tubes and a few crossmembers,is it still a Starcraft? I'm hoping the Fish and Game will issue me a new capacity plate for a homemade boat. It's my understanding they do this. Anyone gone through this?
Started out purchasing an '89 24' Starcraft pontoon/'02 50 hp 4stroke Honda. Deck was in decent shape,but the funiture was fugly and the 23" dia. tubes were covered from yrs. setting in a boat slip. One tube had the nose crunched,and both had water in the front compartments. Yea, I paid too much for it,but that's how I roll.
First I fixed the tubes,sanded and polished them,installed new furniture,trolling motor,graphs,and downriggers. Ready to fire it up, not quite. I was having trouble with the speeds that 50hp Honda was going to produce. So, I started researching what makes these toons tic. Soon started looking for a 120hp motor (the capacity rating of this 2 tube hull),also adding a center tube,and strakes. Stumbled across a good deal on a low hrs. 2.5 Merc XR6 150. Yea I bought it. I know that's too big,but we'll deal with that later.
A center tube is being built as we speak. 25" dia. 25'-6" long with a 300 hp transom,built in fuel tank,and 5" strakes. I'm also adding 5" strakes to the inside of the outer tubes,and extra crossmembers to beef up the frame. Now I'm not liking the layout. I'm considering tearing it clear down to the tubes. Make the frame a lil longer,widen to 102",use 1/8" aluminum for the new deck,with a new shorter rail for easier fishing. Looking to make it a center console with a big T-top.
Now for the capacity rating. Since the only thing still "factory" on this pontoon will be the outer tubes and a few crossmembers,is it still a Starcraft? I'm hoping the Fish and Game will issue me a new capacity plate for a homemade boat. It's my understanding they do this. Anyone gone through this?
