1952 StarCraft Mysteries

[OldSchool55]

So glad to find this forum. I have mysteries I’m trying to solve on our family heirloom 1952 StarCraft galvanized steel boat. My father bought it brand new in Michigan when he was 19 years old. Somewhere in the Michigan-California-Oregon journey, the original paperwork was lost before I was born, so my daughter and I are going on a historical journey together. We lost my father back in 2009, and he left me the boat with restrictions, in particular, we can never sell it (not hard to comply there, we will NEVER sell!) and my daughter has agreed to the same. Some data: it’s 15” transom height 54” beam and 15’7” down the centerline. Originally it had the steel tank floats attached under each seat, the others rusted out but there is one left (pictured). The rails & transom are custom oak now, the originals rotted off so I had an expert woodworker duplicate them while we still had a template. I suppose for the purist the fishing chairs might be an abomination, but we like them! I took pictures of the bow hardware & back corners hoping the “star” icon might give a clue. Also the rear seat had sides going back to the transom. The bottom of the boat has what looks like angle iron “chines” running the length of the hull, one on centerline, one down each edge, and 1 between each (5 in total), so it tracks very straight in a breeze. My first guess would be a “super duty” type model, just based on photos from the late 50’s, but the length doesn’t match up to any specs in print. It has never leaked a drop in 70 years, so KUDOS to the craftsmen who built it with rivets. Anyone who can help me fill in the gaps on 1952 models would be greatly appreciated

 

[OldSchool55]

These pics are aluminum models from 1958 but the only one pictured with the under seat floats was the “super duty”. No idea if other models had the under seat tank floats as an option in 1952 or if it’s a definitive “tell”

 

[classiccat]

Welcome to the Starmada and thank you for sharing the story of your family heirloom!

This is one of the oldest Starcraft that I recall seeing here and I don't ever recall seeing one made of galvanized steel!

In 53, that might have been named a Starlite ("available in Aluminum, Stainless and Galvanized Steel"):


Here's the 58 brochure: link.

Your bow cap molding may have held an anchor at one time. SSDale's 1959 Super Constellation has one (LINK).

 

[OldSchool55]

Actually we still have the anchor and it works great through the bow cap. I’m certain it’s 1952 since my dad bought it new and it has been registered with Oregon State Marine Board since 1965 as a 1952 StarCraft, length 15’7”. The amazing thing about the galvanized steel hull is the incredible stability provided by the weight. It is REALLY heavy. Last time we flipped it to do bottom paint, it took 6 large men and a lever, even after taking everything off the hull. In a wind chop it doesn’t slap through the water, it slices. It’s a unique and comfortable experience on the water. When it’s tied off at the dock, people really stare at it!

 

[ShoestringMariner]

Interesting read guys thank you for posting this. Would be cool to see photos from the factory back in the day

 

[OldSchool55]

Interesting read guys thank you for posting this. Would be cool to see photos from the factory back in the day

As soon as the Spring tune & a few mods are done I will post a few pics on the water

 

[OldSchool55]

As soon as the Spring tune & a few mods are done I will post a few pics on the water

 

[OldSchool55]

Ten mile Lakes, OR

 

[roscoe]

cool