1970 Starcraft Islander

[Bronzy]

Hi everyone first time poster. Been reading alot on this site about boats. I have been looking for an aluminum lake erie boat and really like the starcrafts. Been trying to find a center console or islander in the 22 ft range.
I have come accross a 70 22 islander with a 120 mercruiser.
I have not went and looked at it yet but the own said everything works and pics look likes is been taken care of. He said he can start it up or we can take to the lake and test drive. It also has a kicker, 20 horse Johnson 85-88, with lift and all controls to console. When go look at this boat what should i look for. Soft floor transom etc. He said its has all new steering and throttle cables. Its sitting on a 85 tandem axle trailer with new rims and tires. It will need to be repainted.
Im from northern Indiana and how do I go about determining if the price is good. He is asking 3,200.00 for everything.. He said its lake ready..
Thanks everyone
Chad

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1970 Starcraft Islander

Hey Chad! Welcome!

I bet you are talking about that blue and white one aren't ya?

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: 1970 Starcraft Islander

Welcome to iboats Chad

It's a good sign that he's willing to test drive the rig, by all means take him up on the offer. $3200 is not a bad price for a water-ready 22' Islander in my opinion.

Maybe check the compression on the motor while you are at it for peace of mind.

That kicker is worth $5-800 by itself, so if everything checks out it sounds good to me!

The transom would be a pretty big job to replace, so maybe check it and make sure it's dry on the inside.

Good luck to ya.

 

[Bronzy]

Re: 1970 Starcraft Islander

Yep thats the one.. I've been looking for an Erie boat want to go with aluminum for pulling purposes.. Was on Erie yesterday in my Ranger bassboat, even though its 22ft its still a beating, not as young as I used to be.. I like the looks of the Islanders and have found a few newer ones but kinda out of my price range. Was thinking of selling the bass boat and going to a fisherman but I think I want something a little bigger than that..
How does everyone think these islanders pull. Got a 1500 gmc with 373 gears..
Chad

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: 1970 Starcraft Islander

Yep thats the one.. I've been looking for an Erie boat want to go with aluminum for pulling purposes.. Was on Erie yesterday in my Ranger bassboat, even though its 22ft its still a beating, not as young as I used to be.. I like the looks of the Islanders and have found a few newer ones but kinda out of my price range. Was thinking of selling the bass boat and going to a fisherman but I think I want something a little bigger than that..
How does everyone think these islanders pull. Got a 1500 gmc with 373 gears..
Chad

Welcome!
Your Jimmy will pull that hunk of tin with no problem!

 

[KellyC]

Re: 1970 Starcraft Islander

Welcome to iboats Chad. Sounds like a great boat and you should be happy with it.

Well my Islander is great to pull but I have a bit more truck, 99 superduty crewcab F350 4x4 with a 7.3 powerstroke in it. But like I said the Islander pulled nice and it is a 67 on a 76 tandom trailer.

 

[outdoor max]

Re: 1970 Starcraft Islander

I have a F150 and it pulls great. No problem at all going down the road or pulling it out of any launch.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1970 Starcraft Islander

Yup, that one has been for sale for the better part of two years now. She looks like a nice rig but I think just a hair pricey for the midwest. If she is truly water ready, with a nice kicker, it's worth it.

When go look at this boat what should i look for.

1. Engine and outdrive - properly winterized, good compression, bellows, gimble bearing, shift cable, u joints, sealed od, trim, etc., etc. If there has been a lack of maintenance or neglect this stuff can add up super quick! $500 - $2500 to get everything up to date. If all checks out, sweet!

2. Transom and deck - no soft, spongy, mulch like stuff allowed! While not overly expensive, you would be looking at a whole lot of work!

3. Trailer - I know this one looks solid with newer tires, great! The one concern I have had with it is the distance between the two axles. It seems like they are too far apart. My guess is that there is no load levelers. Maybe not a real biggie, but something to think about.

Everything else is pretty much cosmetic.

It would be great to buy a boat, put it in the water and fish. Hope it works out for ya!

 

[Bronzy]

Re: 1970 Starcraft Islander

Thanks for the input all. How tall are these boats to the windshield if anyone knows roughly? I doubt it would fit in a normal garage door. I know it would fit in my pole barn.. Not heated for winter projects.. My shops only got a normal door..
I have a few other questions if anyone wants to answer.
Does the 120 mercruiser push the boat well, plenty of power in bigger waves say 5fters?
Does this older motor outdrive still have parts available?
Thanks again for all the help.
Chad

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: 1970 Starcraft Islander

Bronzy

The Mercruiser 120 is a workhorse. Parts are readily available for both the motor and outdrive.

 

[KellyC]

Re: 1970 Starcraft Islander

Bronzy,

My 67 Islander will not fit through a standard garage door, it is to tall. I even tried letting most of the air out of the tires and it was still to tall to fit. Just get ya a good heater for the pole barn and work out there. And besides, being in out of the wind is half the battle anyway.

 

[Bronzy]

Re: 1970 Starcraft Islander

Thanks everyone, even if I dont get this one Im definatly going to get an older Starcraft to restore. I think Im really going to like this site..

 

[airshot]

Re: 1970 Starcraft Islander

Hello Bronzy and welcome,
Hope this doesn't show up twice.....I just picked up an Islander last summer, mine is an '83 with the 140 hp motor. 32 mph with 3 adults and gear, tow it with a v-6 blazer with 3500# tow capacity and have not had any problem. Mine sits on a single axle trailer/ 205x15" tires and is just 8 feet to top of windshield. Typical 3000 rpm cruise 20/22 mph nice ride won't beat you up, handles 4 ft waves easily. In 45 years of owning boats this has been my favorite. I paid more than than what you are looking at, however on mine the interior was completely redone, floors and all except cabin ceiling. Outdrive gone thru with all new gimbal bearing, water pump and the rest of those pesky maintiance items completed plus a whole complete extra outdrive already rebuilt plus the gimble ring and transom mount. No canvass but all the expensive stuff was done, new tires and bearings on trailer etc. Was going to paint it but found it will rub out with a little effort. I use mine on lake erie as well, typically use Metzger Marsh launch area. best of luck to ya............
Airshot

 

[Bronzy]

Re: 1970 Starcraft Islander

Well I looked at the boat tonight.. There was no seats at the console or passenger area. Foor at the engine was bad and a couple other soft spots. No mounted gas tank just a 6 gallon portable tank. Also had an aluminum 15 gallon tank to come with it. The transom below the outdrive was bad, engine area was a mess with wires and hoses cut. Engine seemed pretty clean had a new head put on at some time was some oil in the bottom of boat. Trailer pretty decent does have load leveler system on the tandem even though they are spaced far apart. Surge break system does not work. The aluminum looked really good no big marks or dings.. had a top but needed work canvas bad. I think this would be a great project boat if the price was right but 3200.00 I think is more than Im willing to dish out for one in this condition. I think I can find either one like this for a lot less price of spend a few $$ more to get one it decent shape. I guess its just another step in learning more about Islanders..

 

[Bronzy]

Re: 1970 Starcraft Islander

O and I must say these are a lot bigger boat than I was imagining.. Need more than a 6 foot ladder to get in and out of.. These things are huge..

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1970 Starcraft Islander

Good move passing on er.

When you add up all the stuff that would have needed to be done on that boat you are not much better off than where I was when I grabbed my rig (sans OMC stringer issue). Total rebuild. A $3200 22' Islander should be just about ready to hit the water in my opinion.

On with the search!!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1970 Starcraft Islander

That price is ridiculous for that condition in Indiana. There will be another one. (or offer that guy $1500, he'll take it eventually)

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: 1970 Starcraft Islander

Sounds like a huge project and for $3200 that is not even in the ballpark.

You will find a better deal than that I'm sure.

 

[Bronzy]

Re: 1970 Starcraft Islander

I found another one I am going to look at. Its a 1984 water ready with a lot of features. 140 mercruiser with twin battery setup and looks clean. Transom was done two years ago and the floor is solid. Hull has new paint in the last year. It has simrad auto pilot, lowrance lx15, 12 rod holders, 4 manual downriggers, new electric anchor, stereo system, marine radio, decent tandom axle trailer, Bimini top with sides and full canvas cover in good shape. The interior is all original but decent. The cuddy could use cushions redone. I got them down to 5995. I dont think thats bad with all the features.. Its a couple of hours away, he said I wouldnt be disappointed.. So off to a road trip I go.. Little more than I really wanted to spend but doesnt sound like Ill have to do much..

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1970 Starcraft Islander

I think it's always fun to see a fella snatch up a boat that can be put to work straight away not having to go through the struggles that many of us do!

Photos when you bring er home!

Have fun