Looking to purchase 78 SS V181 Edited ("79" NOT "78")

[Flimmer89]

I said 78 but just found out it's a 79 SS V181. Is there any difference other than being a year newer?

Hi,

I am new to this board. I found it because I am looking to buy a 1978 18' SS with a 470 inboard motor.

I am curious what you guys think of this boat and what you would pay for it? It's in pretty good condition and it is on it's second owner who is meticulous about taking care of what he owns so I feel really comfortable about the condition of the boat.

What are the reviews on this motor?

I am wanting to buy this for my family to ski and fish in, but don't want to pay too much. I will try to post some pictures so you can see exactly what I am looking at.

I tried posting pics but it wouldn't work so you can check them out on my Flickr account:

Starcraft 78 SS 181

I would appreciate any help from you experts.

Thanks!

 

[bigskiohio]

Re: Looking to purchase 78 SS V181

Re: Looking to purchase 78 SS V181

the 470 is a troublesome motor that needs some upgrades but if they have been done it is better. check out the drive forum buy the boat is great . Mercruiser drive is preferred by me. i paid 1700.00 for my 73 so it matters where you are at. for me i wouldnt go much higher then that ,maybe 2500 tops if it is in good shape everywhere.

 

[Flimmer89]

Re: Looking to purchase 78 SS V181

Re: Looking to purchase 78 SS V181

Thanks for the quick reply BigSki.

Why is this motor troublesome?

What are the upgrades that need to be done this motor?

This boat is in great condition, the seats are good, the floor feels solid and the engine started right up and purred.

 

[Bwana Don]

Re: Looking to purchase 78 SS V181

Re: Looking to purchase 78 SS V181

Check in the I/O forum. Search the 470, most people don't like them because they are not reliable. Also they are expensive to repair. Mercruiser only made them for a short time (10 years max).

Weak points are the cooling system and the charging system. $$$$$

If you like the boat and it's a good deal, at least you know about the motor. If you buy it you can go in with your eyes open.

Search the I/O forum. Lots of knowledge in there. That's where to ask the question, to the experts.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Looking to purchase 78 SS V181

Re: Looking to purchase 78 SS V181

That's a fantastic hull. Trailer looks a bit rough. It should be a pretty fast boat with the 470 as they make pretty good power and are great on fuel. However, everything mentioned above is true. They were a troublesome design due (I believe) mainly to 2 issues....they had an aluminum head that was prone to warping if run at all hot and they used an unusual outboard motor-style charging system that was problematic and difficult to find parts for. I think there are other NLA parts on the 470 also. From what I understand, if you upgrade them from to a 4" cooling system and convert them to a standard alternator, they can be pretty reliable. We do have a number of 470 gurus on this site. I would think $2k would be the max I'd be comfortable seeing you lay out for that boat.

 

[Bwana Don]

Re: Looking to purchase 78 SS V181

Re: Looking to purchase 78 SS V181

EZ makes some great points. Converting it over would be the way to go. Parts are expensive for this puppy, so no matter what, it will get you in the pocket book.

My advice (may fetch up to .02 cents on the open market) is to look for a 3.0 liter. 140 horsepower should be enough for you. The 3.0 is plentiful and reliable, parts are less expensive too.

EZ's advice will be; outboard, outboard, outboard.

Good luck no matter what you do. It is a very nice looking boat, if the price was right.............

 

[DI35]

Re: Looking to purchase 78 SS V181

Re: Looking to purchase 78 SS V181

Why would you want to remove a perfectly good motor
because some one says they are no good
I have a 79 Holiday V5 with 470 mercruiser and it runs like a dream
if you say previous owner looked after it
maybe its in better shape than any other motor you could put in
do some research and make up your own mind
I have a parts motor for mine and have not used any
yes parts are hard to find but they give away old 470s


http://s714.photobucket.com/albums/ww148/DI35/

 

[Bwana Don]

Re: Looking to purchase 78 SS V181

Re: Looking to purchase 78 SS V181

No, not pull the 470 and put in a 3.0. Find another boat to buy that has a 3.0 in it or even an outboard model. Avoid this one all together, that's what I was trying to say.

There are a number of people here that are fans of the 470. General consensus is not favorable though. At least he can know going into it, the 470's reputation.

I've never owned a 470, I'm just repeating what some of the I/O guys have told me. I looked at an Islander with the 470 in it.

D135 and I are in agreement on this "do some research and make up your own mind" That's the best advice, it's your decision.

Good luck.

 

[Flimmer89]

Re: Looking to purchase 78 SS V181 Edited ("79" NOT "78")

This boat needs a new trim piece around the gas cap and pipe. How hard would it be to find one of these?

Is this a part you can order or is this something I will have to try and find on the net?

I wonder if I could have someone fabricate one for me.

 

[DI35]

Re: Looking to purchase 78 SS V181 Edited ("79" NOT "78")

find yourself a welder and I will send you
some measurements and pics of the one I made
fabricate parts from aluminum and get it welded
install
if interested show me the old one
just make cardboard templates tape it together test fit

http://s714.photobucket.com/albums/ww148/DI35/

 

[Flimmer89]

Re: Looking to purchase 78 SS V181 Edited ("79" NOT "78")

find yourself a welder and I will send you
some measurements and pics of the one I made
fabricate parts from aluminum and get it welded
install
if interested show me the old one
just make cardboard templates tape it together test fit

http://s714.photobucket.com/albums/ww148/DI35/

That looks really awesome and I definately would be interested in your measurements, I will post some pics of the old one.

Thanks!!

 

[DI35]

Re: Looking to purchase 78 SS V181 Edited ("79" NOT "78")

I would like to see some pics of the engine
as well as the interior and leg
have you had it on the water yet
same as mine but SS V5
picture in my brochure

http://s714.photobucket.com/albums/ww148/DI35/

 

[Flimmer89]

Re: Looking to purchase 78 SS V181 Edited ("79" NOT "78")

I would like to see some pics of the engine
as well as the interior and leg
have you had it on the water yet
same as mine but SS V5
picture in my brochure

http://s714.photobucket.com/albums/ww148/DI35/

Here's some more pics on my flickr account....It has my gas cap and the other pics you wanted to see.

I had it out yesterday by myself and it ran really well. Engine ran around 150 or less temp so I was happy to see that.

I see you have a kicker on your boat, I want one on mine but I am not sure how to set it up for steering. How did you set yours up?

79 Starcraft SS 181

 

[DI35]

Re: Looking to purchase 78 SS V181 Edited ("79" NOT "78")

as far as the kicker goes I just set the tension and steer
with the leg of the I/O
there are ways to join the two with a metal rod and some fittings

with the fuel filler
make a template of cardboard,cut the hole for the filler pipe
tape it together and test fit
when your happy with the template, cut pieces
of aluminum, tape these together and fit them
don`t get any crap in the fuel line
you will need to find some weldable aluminum
maybe 80-100 thou max thickness
the aluminum guys may just cut your template pieces
get it welded and try to keep it square while welding
match drill rivet holes
and install with a little sealant
DI


http://s714.photobucket.com/albums/ww148/DI35/

 

[CBGale2]

Re: Looking to purchase 78 SS V181 Edited ("79" NOT "78")

Hey Flimmer. Nice buck by the way!

 

[Flimmer89]

Re: Looking to purchase 78 SS V181 Edited ("79" NOT "78")

Hey Flimmer. Nice buck by the way!

Thanks!! It was a great year of hunting last season. I spent alot of years in the woods to get one that size.