1970 Starchief conversion to center console

[nrf414]

Ron,

I just caught up on your thread. Nice Rig and great work so far. I like the CC conversion. I have often thought of this as well. Nice work on the custom bench and the T-tops. Console looks sweet. Shouldn't have any problem catching fish. I would also leave the axles alone if they fit between the lines. More stability = 1 less thing to worry about.

 

[BajaRon]

No Title

Ok...first fishing trip, for sturgeon. One small 32 incher-see picture. Only fished for about 4 hours, more interested in becoming familiar with the electronics.

Next I finished painting the seat stand and the splash well doors....dried for about three weeks, then installed. Also installed the 40 gallon bait well.

Next I fitted the two home made down riggers. I made them myself, they are beefy...old commercial units that I modified.

Then I installed the last two outside rod holders...the port side holder is left handed threaded!

Salmon season opens soon and rock fish opens April 15th. Abalone opens on May first. Baja....not sure

 

[BajaRon]

Sorry folks, been gone for one year. I need to call my boat complete and let everyone know what I did right and wrong. I have a ton of good pictures I will send, lots of fishing for salmon, rockfish, sturgeon, halibut.

First major mistake was my paint. I did not prepare properly. I did not paint the outside, so that is cool. But...I feel the problem was my lack of cleaning before applying the primer. Now I have plenty of paint peeling...Damm!

Second mistake is the flooring. I used marine grade plywood, 5/8 inch. I sealed with recommended varnish, but it seems it is picking up a bit of water. But...the floor seems to be solid. Maybe the saltwater environment?

Third, the T-top support broke...it was not strong enough for my radar and pounding I gave it on the ocean. My fault. I built a new one with aluminum uni-strut...it is beefy.

Having a hard time getting a proper prop and proper pitch. Trial and error, but I have blown $$$ on this one. I am on my third prop!


One item I love is the 30 gallon belly tank. I can feel the boat on the ocean handle...sweet! The radar/fish finder/GPS unit is superb. I will send some pictures. THANK YOU TO ALL who helped me make this boat possible, Ron

 

[BajaRon]

some pictures

 

[BajaRon]

more shots

 

[Watermann]

Glad to see you've had some fishing success in your scalped Chief.

The decking is it painted over Spar urethane or varnish? When not in use how are you storing the boat, I'm sure like most of us your boat spends more time at home in the driveway than in the "marine environment."

 

[BajaRon]

On the deck I first put down the Spar urethane, then put a lumpy marine paint with tire rubber chips for traction. This is the same stuff used on pool walk ways and playgrounds for anti skid surfaces. It is a light blue color, so it would not be hot on the bare feet. I love it.
I do store the boat out in the open, but I have already pounds the heck out of it with crab pots and lots of salt water on the deck.
Overall, this boat is beyond my expectations...a great overall hull for the salt.