1972 18 FT Starcraft SS

[Moserkr]

Awesome!! Fit of that wood looks nice. I made the mistake of reusing some of that original aluminum to tie the floors together. Not thick enough. 1/8” is stout.

What kind of foam you putting under the floor? Pour or sheets?

 

[1978stabler]

Actually the foam I salvaged from the tear down, most of it was in pretty good shape surprisingly.... Just need a few pieces to tie in. Purchased some really long rivets(1-1/4 inch) and some fender washers to spread out tightening down the floor to the 1/8 inch strap. All in all, very pleased w outcome

 

[1978stabler]

well a gallon of coat it, few dozen rivets, first coat of paint and we are well on the way back to glory...... making pretty good headway.... cutting new boards for the gunnel storage area, which should be finished soon

 

[1978stabler]

well one of two is installed, I didnt account for the 1/4 rise(3/4 inch plywood install) of the floor making a difference with the starboard board. My throttle controls are in the way now, so either i notch the board or raise the controls..... the bolts are so friggn hard to get to tho...... gonna have to have a heart to heart with myself on this one....

 

[catfishr1]

The work looks great. I feel for you on throttle issue. Am still working on my throttle change. The only thing can tell you is will have to bite the bullet. Not easy I know as going thru it too. Like the heart to heart reference you made, that what keeps me going. Good luck with it.

 

[Moserkr]

I like that top piece of trim on those boards, gives a real nice finished look to it. Is that trim original? As far as controls go, a PO mounted mine higher up, on the gunnel. Actually cant imagine it being lower and is comfortable up there.

 

[1978stabler]

I like that top piece of trim on those boards, gives a real nice finished look to it. Is that trim original? As far as controls go, a PO mounted mine higher up, on the gunnel. Actually cant imagine it being lower and is comfortable up there.

all original trim pieces, 51 yrs new... even the boards were original as well. The controls were replaced at some point and the person who mounted them had really small hands or special tools because I, in no way, cannot get my hands in behind the plate to keep nut from spinning so I can unbolt it from the front. Short of cutting the bolt off with a air tool, im befuddled, and as a side note the current control location is perfect ....arrgrrrhh

 

[Moserkr]

Looked at some of your pics again to get an idea of how its mounted vs the gunnel boards. Mine is mounted 3-4” higher than yours. I see those bolts holding it on though and its a tough spot for sure to get to. Since its only 1/4” difference between the boards and mount, could you shave that 1/4” off of the bottom of the control mount bracket? Looks like it has a little extra hanging down.

That control mount bracket is not original and mounted crooked too. Would drive me crazy to look at. Maybe find a child or woman with small hands to help unbolt it? Pretty sure the controls original mounted directly to the gunnel board, and sat even lower.

 

[1978stabler]

Looked at some of your pics again to get an idea of how its mounted vs the gunnel boards. Mine is mounted 3-4” higher than yours. I see those bolts holding it on though and its a tough spot for sure to get to. Since its only 1/4” difference between the boards and mount, could you shave that 1/4” off of the bottom of the control mount bracket? Looks like it has a little extra hanging down.

That control mount bracket is not original and mounted crooked too. Would drive me crazy to look at. Maybe find a child or woman with small hands to help unbolt it? Pretty sure the controls original mounted directly to the gunnel board, and sat even lower.

I love the position of where the control is mounted, but the bracket is fabricated ( loose term) and it(the cut of it)is crooked but the controls are mounted perfectly square. i think i will just lop off the mounting bracket and square it up .... still all just a lot to process yet....

 

[1978stabler]

well as I have stated, moving pretty quickly! I installed these seats and pedestals for comfort (WAY COMFY) and did some painting to subdue the sky blue/baby blue paint scheme.... Also stated previously this is not a restoration to former glory per se, but upgraded and over engineered to my liking and so far it has turned out very well hope you you like it!!

 

[1978stabler]

new paint scheme....cont.... (boat moved for sunlight pic)

 

[catfishr1]

Yes, I like it looking great. Did you get your throttle problem resolved? Won't be long till you can splash er.

 

[1978stabler]

Yes, I like it looking great. Did you get your throttle problem resolved? Won't be long till you can splash er.

Yeah i ended up recessing the gunnel board an inch by 10 inches but also cut molding so it really looks like it was done back when....
Also, had motor tuned and 3 carbs cleaned up, lowest one was all messed up, runs like a top now! Taking her next weekend to float down at the dock to see how well my sealant work holds up! Then a shake down maybe!

 

[catfishr1]

That sounds like a great plan plus hopefully a lot of fun.

 

[1978stabler]

Well it floats! Not a drop of moisture in the bottom! Not registered for this year yet so took her for a spin real quick for about 3 minutes half throttle. Working really good no hiccups! More pics to come....

 

[1978stabler]

well been a few since last post, pics of boat the water and some cosmetic changes to the bow area..... carpeted and framed out the seating area, also sanded down the rust along the molded area up top, then painted which the kid said was a good and cheap decision. runs like a top floats without intrusion of water, goin fishing in the a.m. hopefully put a 'nook on the boat!!

 

[1978stabler]

Added a bimini top to Ol"blue (neighbors nickname) as it has gotten very toasty in PDX lately

 

[1978stabler]

well 90% done..... had the electrical all re wired front to back and put in a two phase battery set up, one for the motor, the other to run accessories. also installed a fuse block and kill switch .... new nav lights, front and rear, actually found the exact same one (repop im sure) for the bow. ... need to get out and do some fishing....

 

[Moserkr]

Awesome! Everything looks great. Time to go enjoy your hard work!!