1963 Starchief

[ski2rule]

Have been looking for a Starchief for a few years. Found this one reasonably close to home. Solid floors and transom. Interior in decent condition. Need the lake to thaw so I can take it for a trial.

 

[Watermann]

Nice old 18' Chief, looks like you have a V4 Rude on it, I see it's a 90HP, should run well.

 

[ski2rule]

I would think I will have a fair number of questions moving forward. In the meantime I will give
her a good cleaning, and try to get her on the water. Other than a few small cracks in the upper windscreen and a couple minor scuffs, she is in damn fine condition.

 

[Watermann]

Some guys have all the luck :lol:

I too got lucky with my V5 SS as far as being dent and ding free. The Islander on the other hand, I think the guy used white canes with red tips to dock her.

 

[ski2rule]

Cleaning up nicely. Remounted the depth/fish finder to the console to cover an existing hole the PO had drilled. Carpet is out and the floor will get sanded and likely a few coats of spar varnish on the original plywood.

 

[bchaney]

Nice job cleaning - it looks really good. You gonna put anything over the spar? Looking forward to seeing how it turns out.

 

[ski2rule]

Likely put down a carpet runner or two. Perhaps I will tuck them under the aluminum trim. The splash well is leaking rain water at the transom into the bilge as I have it out to work on. I imagine I can clean and re seal that with 5200 or what not?

 

[bchaney]

Yea that sounds like a good plan to me.

 

[ski2rule]

Got the Starchief on the water today. Ran flawlessly. Surprisingly quiet and very smooth.

 

[Watermann]

Nice, nothing like the first outing of the season.The mountains around me look like yours, still white on top.

 

[ski2rule]

Added a swim platform this week. Managed to use all but one existing holes.

 

[ski2rule]

With the whale tail off she hits 30 plus mph. Still need to get a gps speed, but managed to get a buddy up on a dual boot slalom ski.