1963 Starcraft Aluminum Hard Top

[BigDukeSix]

I just picked up this 1963 StarCraft aluminum boat and have begun getting it back into operation. I am new to the starcraft boat scene and am hoping someone can assist in identifying this vessel and giving me an idea of how common they are. I just mounted a Johnson 85hp outboard (someone had previously adapted the transom). I cleaned up the cabin and repainted it and now am working on getting the lights and other electronics installed. The pic is of when it was first brought home prior to initial cleanup. Any information is appreciated.

 

[1973Chieftain]

Welcome to the Starmada! For some reason the picture doesn't seem to have come through

 

[GA_Boater]

Welcome to out little piece of TinHeaven, Big. Photobucket has been the best way to post pics lately due to a troublesome forum upgrade. If you have a PB account, paste the IMG code into the body of your post and you get a nice big picture for all of us to see.

 

[BigDukeSix]

I am surprised my post even showed up as it kept erring out on me. Hopefully the pic will come through this time. I went the photo bucket route. Again, any details about my new vessel is appreciated.

~http://s1144.photobucket.com/albums...view&current=utf-8QBigDukeSix_zps7f91e7bf.jpg

 

[Watermann]

Looks like you have a Starchief or maybe the Sunchief, either way welcome to the Chief brotherhood!

 

[BigDukeSix]

I failed to mention the length. It is 21 feet. I read recently the boats under 19 feet were Starchiefs and over 19 feet were Chieftains. Any truth to that? These 21 foot models seem to be harder to find compared to the 18.

 

[Watermann]

Check out the brochures in the sticky threads above.

 

[GA_Boater]

21 footers aren't as common as the 18s and 19s. Do you have any "Where she is now" pics? She's a big girl. :smile:

 

[Weep'n Willy]

Welcome, and she looks in pretty good shape for all the years she has been around. More pics would be great and a few of her insides too.

 

[BigDukeSix]

Hopefully these "in progress" photos come through. I am ready for the maiden voyage. May head out tomorrow or the next day. After that install of crab pot puller, beverage holders, and rod holders will commence.
http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/o487/davidmlye/NewPaint_zps75a70c33.jpg
http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/o487/davidmlye/NewHelmAndInterior_zps528a1928.jpg
http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/o487/davidmlye/New_Interior_zpsa210a1da.jpg
http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/o487/davidmlye/Engine_zps4ddb11e7.jpg

 

[BigDukeSix]

Hopefully these "in progress" photos come through. I am ready for the maiden voyage. May head out tomorrow or the next day. After that install of crab pot puller, beverage holders, and rod holders will commence.
http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/o487/davidmlye/NewPaint_zps75a70c33.jpg
http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/o487/davidmlye/NewHelmAndInterior_zps528a1928.jpg
http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/o487/davidmlye/New_Interior_zpsa210a1da.jpg
http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/o487/davidmlye/Engine_zps4ddb11e7.jpg

 

[Watermann]

Hey there she is, yeah looks like a nice old Sunchief to me.

 

[GA_Boater]

Did you bring the interior up to what she is now? Not too shabby. Don't forget on the water pics, Duke.

 

[BigDukeSix]

All I did was paint the interior. The existing wood is real solid. Also sealed up all the hardware for the railings, etc. that were leaking. Still have one small leak at the forward hatch I need to address. My favorite part of the whole boat is that steering wheel. Maiden voyage is today. Will get some pictures.......as long as it stays above water.

 

[Weep'n Willy]

Interior looks pretty nice. Are you planning to put a windshield on the top? (Hey, when posting pics from your photobucket, click on the IMG link and copy the image link ant paste it into your post then the pics appear in the post instead of the link to PB)

 

[BigDukeSix]

First launch of the old rig was successful. Trailer has some issues that will need attention but is serviceable in the short term. Boat appears to be tough to get up on plane with the Johnson 85 I have on it now. Seems to starve for water at the prop if I accelerate to quickly. Didn't have that problem with this motor on my smaller aluminum. I am thinking it might be an inch or two to high. Not much I can do about that as it is already mounted as low as it can go and trimmed all the way down. All in all I think this boat will be a nice bad weather crabbing vessel and nice weather family boat. I will post on the water pics once I get them.

 

[Watermann]

Hey a lot worse things have happened on maiden voyages. Check the AV plate above the prop and see how far it is above the bottom of the hull. It should be about even.