Newbie trying to fix up a (possible) StarCraft Nova 16

kyle_r

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Joined
Sep 6, 2026
Messages
3
I recently purchased an "as-is" boat from an old neighbour. My oldest daughter (23) is very interested in boating and fixing one up with me. To be sure, this one needs a lot of work.

I would appreciate some direction: first in identifying the boat and motor, and second... I'm not sure. What's the next step I should take? This is my initial post, but I'm going to have a lot more questions as I start tackling each task along the way to getting this back in the water.

I believe this to be a 1971 or 1972 Starcraft Nova 16 with a 60 HP Mercury motor. It's hard to narrow down specifics because I can't find a HIN or capacity plaque. The registration (53E2567) on the side does not return anything from the Government of Canada vessel lookup. The instrument panel (or lack thereof) does not have any markings. The little shelf area looks like it may have had a small 2" × 3"-ish rectangle screwed onto it. The length is 16', and other measurements seem to match a Nova 16. It's just that nothing inside the boat matches any Nova 16 photos I've found.

The motor is a Mercury, and I was told by the seller it was a 1992 60 HP model without fuel injection. I have tried to look up the serial number (0C268337), but it does not return any results.

If anyone has any information on the specific make, model, year, or power for the boat and motor, it would be greatly appreciated. Also, if you can point me to resources that cover the repair and restoration of this exact model, that would be wonderful.

When it comes to my skills, I can take apart and clean small lawnmower engines while only misplacing a part once in a while. As for repairing the boat, I'm capable of patching holes, cutting boards, mixing resin, and fibreglassing... I just don't know the specifics yet on how to deal with those when it comes to an aluminum watercraft.

Thanks for reading!
-Kyle
 

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redneck joe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 18, 2009
Messages
16,046
welcome to the forum.

There should be a matching serial on the block under the cowl. Verify match.


Does it run? Will also want to float / run it to see about leaks. That can change the initial direction of the rehab.
 

garbageguy

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
May 8, 2012
Messages
1,648
cool boat! working on it with your daughter will be great!

there are stickies on this subject - first thing, you have all the paperwork your State requires, for the boat and trailer?
 

kyle_r

Recruit
Joined
Sep 6, 2026
Messages
3
cool boat! working on it with your daughter will be great!

there are stickies on this subject - first thing, you have all the paperwork your State requires, for the boat and trailer?
I forgot about that part, I'll need to figure that out. Wish I has a little more solid idea of which year the boat is.
 

kyle_r

Recruit
Joined
Sep 6, 2026
Messages
3
welcome to the forum.

There should be a matching serial on the block under the cowl. Verify match.


Does it run? Will also want to float / run it to see about leaks. That can change the initial direction of the rehab.
I wasn't able to see another serial number under the cowl. just the one sticker on the underside of the motor.

I'm going to try and get this into the water in a couple weeks. I suppose I could test the motor before then using a garbage can full of water.
 

redneck joe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 18, 2009
Messages
16,046
I wasn't able to see another serial number under the cowl. just the one sticker on the underside of the motor.

I'm going to try and get this into the water in a couple weeks. I suppose I could test the motor before then using a garbage can full of water.
a set of muff is like $20 bucks.
 

redneck joe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 18, 2009
Messages
16,046
the 60 was made from 1960 thru 1990, none start with a 0, the 90 starts with a C and the number convention of 6 digits after that fits. The 0 might just be a leader of some sort?


1788816620826.png
 
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redneck joe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 18, 2009
Messages
16,046
My 82 had one under the hood and was more easily read than the sticker:


Alternative spot: Some models may also have the serial number stamped onto a freeze plug or metal plug directly on the engine block.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,525
Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,...... Cute little hull,....
You won't be needin' the fiber-glassing skills,...
Aluminum hulls are fixed with patches, 'n rivets,....
I use closed-head pop-rivets,....
Other times, welding might be a better fix,.....
 

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,956
Capacity plate should be small metal plate nailed onto the inside of the transom.
No hull ID on boats pre '72, just a serial number.
Nova was 15' and 18' in 1972 and 1973

1973 Starcraft Nova 15' rebuild - Page 1 - 529923

http://forums.iboats.com/forum/owner...5-nova-rebuild



603-cyl0C2215000D0007491990USA
 
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