197? starcraft chieftain 18

[badkins50]

Alright Starcraft club, i have finally found one! tomorrow mid-day I am going to look at a starcraft chieftain 18ft, I think he said 1972? My only experience has been with fiberglass, sterndrive boats. I have been lurking around for an old aluminum starcraft like this one with an outboard for a long time. The motor is gone along with most of the interior which are not a deal breaker for what I'm looking for. I need a project anyway.

I was really hoping to get some opinions/advice as to what I need to look for when I am going through it as far as structure goes or if there are certain items that are not replaceable or if you see this you better run stuff that I need to know about?

I know I can count on you guys. Thanks.

 

[rheagler]

Re: 197? starcraft chieftain 18

I believe the only thing that really makes the tinnies candidates for scrap is if the hull itself is too far damaged with corrosion. If it's an Ohio boat used on the Great Lakes, I don't think that will be an issue, but I may be wrong. If it has been stored on a trailer for a very long time corrosion can develop where the bunks or rollers meet the hull.
Check for loose/missing rivets. The can be re-bucked or replaced, but if there are a lot loose or missing it may indicate other problems.
If the floor is missing, you can check the ribs for cracks. A couple folks have found this on their restores.
In any event, unless the hull is a swiss cheese looking twisted mess, it most likely can be restored. Floors, cabin walls and the rest of the woodwork is easy if you have some carpentry or woodworking skills. If you don't have the skills, as long as you want to do it, you can learn to do it. I hope that makes sense.
Check out the Starcraft restore threads here.... http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=494143
Lots and lots of info.
Good luck and post pics! Us Tinheads love the pics!

 

[dozerII]

Re: 197? starcraft chieftain 18

Same rheagler said, corrosion and cracks are the big two. Check the bottom of the hull for bad dents from a roller trailer they can effect handling and are hard to remove. Replacing the interior is no problem. Good luck and let us see her.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: 197? starcraft chieftain 18

I restored a '85 18' Holiday I/O, which was just a runabout with a deck, windshield, back to back seats a motor cover and jump seats.
The hull had one slight dent where it went over a log and other than the fore deck, not the one you walk on, but the one that the windshield sits on, the wood was shot including the transom. The foam flotation was white sheets of styrofoam that had mildew on them but were sound. I reused them. Other than the sheets of 1/2 (all marine) plywood making up the deck, you stand on, and the transom, 2 sheets of 3/4 plywood, the rest of the boat was alum and in fine shape.

On the half inch deck, using marine rather than commercial quality got you 5 plies rather than 3 and made the 1/2 support more like 5/8 without the weight.

Restoration was pretty much fun. Wood working was easy as wood isn't hidden and formed with glass like glass boats. The biggest problem was outdrive corrosion and I had to rebuild (with JB weld) numerous gasket seating surfaces.

I really liked the boat and for a large body of water it was perfect.

Mark

 

[badkins50]

Re: 197? starcraft chieftain 18

Thanks everyone. I am really looking forward to going to see it again today. He is not asking a lot for boat and it does include a trailer with it. I've done wood work before but only on glass boats. I already know i want to do a complete restore on it and with the help of you guys I know it will be a lot fun and the best part of all is dad is just as excited about this project as I am. Depending on condition of the aluminum there could very well be a new addition to the family this afternoon. Thanks again and I'll update (hopefully with pics) later.

 

[badkins50]

Re: 197? starcraft chieftain 18

Well it ended up being a 1969 chieftain v 21. Interior is stripped and no outboard which like I said was no problem. The aluminum
looks like new. No ding, dents, cracks, missing rivets, or anything. Always been a lake Erie boat. The transom wood needs replaced and since everything is out anyway I want to go ahead and replace the decking. The trailer is in over all good shape, needs lights, tires and a good sanding/painting. The best part of the entire day is my dad knows the seller and he told us if I want it, go ahead and take it free! I hooked it up and brought it home! I can't add pics from my phone but I will when I stop messing around with it for the night and come in. That is if I dont fall asleep out here in it!

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: 197? starcraft chieftain 18

A free Chieftain! Did you get a couple of lottery tickets, today is your lucky day? Welcome to the Tin drydock.

 

[rheagler]

Re: 197? starcraft chieftain 18

Wow. Great score! Have fun with the restore, you already know we need pics!

 

[roscoe]

Re: 197? starcraft chieftain 18

I've decided my next purchase should be a 21-22' Chieftain, outboard or i/o.
But haven't had any luck finding one.

If you change you mind and want to unload it for a nice quick profit.........

 

[roscoe]

Re: 197? starcraft chieftain 18

double post

 

[badkins50]

Re: 197? starcraft chieftain 18

Thanks guys. Roscoe I will keep you in mind should anything come up. I have posted some images in the following thread: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=567200 if anyone wants to see it. Depending on how long we stay out on the lake today I might try to start taking the transom apart and start my restore thread.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: 197? starcraft chieftain 18

When you said 18' and Chieftan, something didn't jive. I know you will enjoy it.

Mark