Re: 1983 26' Starcraft SF-261V Rebuild
Re: 1983 26' Starcraft SF-261V Rebuild
OK fellas, lets see if I can get you a few comments here:
SF-261V
I wonder what years and why Starcraft decided to call it the Islander vs. the SF-261 (Sportfisherman)?
Not that it matters, it's awesome, love it!
The Cost
Well, no real money was exchanged today. But this here rig did cost me three hot chocolates, an order of blueberry pancakes, a western omelet and the Sea Nymph. McKenna, Ryan, Ethan and I had a great breakfast but that last one was a little painful. I loved that boat, we all did. I know the other fella got the better end of the deal value wise. But it's all good, there are lot's of 16 footers out there. The 26 is a very rare bird. I'm over it, all is right in the world.
The Hull
It's huge! Here's some perspective, McKenna is 9 now (and kinda silly)...
This tub will be perfect for the Great Lakes! Just perfect! The hull is in really great shape overall. I do see that there is some corrosion on the bottom (this boat was slipped) but not too bad. You can see up there that the port side rubrail is smashed, that will e tough to get back into shape. But, besides that, it's in great shape!
Trailer
The trailer is only a little rough. Lights, crank, winch, fenders, rollers all need to be replaced. But, where it really counts, it's super solid! Frame is super solid, very happy about that.
Engine
Here I am with that stinkn 470, rats. Oh well. I tried to get her running, she wanted to turn over, almost. Drained the batt before she fired up. I think she'll run again, but only to be sold. All engine options are on the table for this big girl but if I had my way I'd like to see a 5.7 in there. We'll see. I love that there are the two big alum stringers in there ready for a V drive (just like the Islander).
That outdrive is pretty nasty lookin huh?
Cockpit n' Such
Everything will be rebuilt, par for the course ya know.
These seat boxes seem terrible for function. I'll probably go with the setup like I have in the Islander.
The cabin is pretty awesome, I can almost stand up straight in there.
The canopy canvas is brand new, poles are old. Sadly, somewhere in route the port side curtain blew off en route. Rats!
I wasn't at all shocked to see that foam in there, I knew it would be. When I was hauling this boat home it felt heavy, and not just because it's a big boat. You can see the water line at the stern in the photo up there, pretty high and even leaning/listing to the one side. I'm betting there is some heavy soaked flotation subdeck there. Oh well, been down that road before.
The Project
I am in nooooo rush on this one. This project can take as long as it wants to. The fist step is to build a pole barn. I'm thinking this winter through early summer maybe. Funding will dictate that though. After that, if it takes a couple/few years, I'm aok with that. I want it done well, and done right. Here she is, pushed back right were my new pole barn will eventually go...
So ya, there she is, I like her!! She'll be just right for for chasing salmon/steelhead/walleye on the big waters, looking forward to it!
Cheers guys!
