1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

[piperjoe]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

Grandad, your photo shows one of the areas of concern I have with pulling older trailers. I have seen the results of such a break flipped on the road and the result was deadly. If that photo doesn't give one pause for thought, nothing will.

Safe boating,

Joe

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

Pucker

 

[piperjoe]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

One SHOULD NOT try to launch his/her boat onto a dry lake bed like that...instead of just a pucker this technique could result in a "brownout" condition...

Safe boating,

Joe

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

I've refurbished a trailer. I won't do it again. My time and sanity are worth more than what a suitable brand new trailer for a 16' would cost. Should only run you around a grand. I DO realize that's a lot of money but trust me, when you add up new lights, tires, wheels, rollers, paint, sandpaper, etc etc you're just too darn close to $1000 to make it worth the time. Now this changes when you get bigger as the new price increases exponentially but the rehab costs really don't.

 

[piperjoe]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

Good points, ezmobee. You have hit upon what I've been considering all along. Add onto those points the fact that I would have to do something with the boat (storage) while redoing the trailer because the trailer restoration would include sand-blasting/priming/repaint, and the solution for me would be to go with a new trailer and enjoy the boat. I'll run the numbers and take a good look at comparing the options. Any comments on which brand trailer (2 or 3) to consider? Interested in a good, structually sound unit rather than "cheap".

Safe boating,

Joe

 

[SigSaurP229]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

Honestly I would go on C/l in your area and find a cheap glasser donor sitting on a good donor trailer, salvage the parts off of the donor sell what you can junk the rest.

Bonus points if you can find a glasser donor with an engine compatible with yours for parts.

 

[piperjoe]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

Thanks for the suggestion, Sig, but I don't do Craig's List or eBay. As for engine parts, I always replace an old part with a new part unless the new replacement part is scarce as hen's teeth. Saves a lot of potential problems later.

Safe boating,

Joe

 

[piperjoe]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

General question: Has anyone had experience with the Sail & Power Squadron organization? Am considering some of their boating coursework for the gained knowledge and experience. Thanks in advance.

Safe boating,

Joe

 

[SigSaurP229]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

Joe,

I have not had any experience with them, however a great place to start, is the Boat US foundation they have a great free online program that taught me more than I have ever known after boating since I was 9 years old. Again the best part is that it is free and is a great place to start before moving on to bigger stuff.

I agree with you on the parts assessment buying new when possible, however its the older obsolete stuff that breaks when you least expect it, and I tend to try to keep extras on hand just in case. Hence the reason I don't own an electric shift motor anymore but I still have plenty of electric shift parts laying around including an entire lower unit.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

When I got my first boat the Admiral agreed as long as I took a boating course. I took the US Power Squadron sailing and boating class room course. I highly recommend it. On-line is OK for a refresher, but the ability to ask questions and receive answers from a real person in a classroom is priceless.

 

[piperjoe]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

Thanks, guys. Both Boat US & the Power Squadron sound like organizations that can help. In my case it is the Admiral who wants to take the classes and that is a good indication she wants to go boating. In our area it's not just small lakes we launch on...we have some serious water in this location (Lake Michigan) and huge lakes, so knowing the "rules of the road" and safety requirements is highly important.


Safe boating,

Joe

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

Being prepared to encounter the HUGE vessels in those waters is as valuable as anything else I suspect.

Good to hear she's fully committed. Ease her into MBS...

 

[piperjoe]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

MBS....?

Safe boating,

Joe

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

Multiple
Boat
Syndrome

Strikes 3 of 4 SC owners.

 

[64osby]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

Safe boating is the priority.

We have been up right by you on Long Lake, (about 7 miles long and a mile wide with 5 islands for most of the Starmada) when the wind blows right we've seen 3 to 5 footers out there. Not much fun in a small boat.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

Piper - That's great that she wants to take the course too. Then she can get her own Starcraft.

 

[piperjoe]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

MBS...I resemble that...always looking for that wooden boat...

Long Lake, Silver Lake, Green Lake, Duck Lake, Crystal Lake, Lake Leelanau and numerous other lakes are just a short drive away from me. And then there are the West and East Bay waters and Lake Michigan. What the 'ell took me so long...LOL!

GA, I'm just waiting for the day when we launch our Starcraft and the Admiral says "..move over, I'M driving!" LOL

Soft boating,

Joe

 

[djpeters]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

Lake Leland (He meant Lake Leelanau)

Of which I will be camping on in a week and a half for a week!!! Great boating to be had in Michigan!

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

GA, I'm just waiting for the day when we launch our Starcraft and the Admiral says "..move over, I'M driving!" LOL

Really? They have all the fun. :watermelon: An involved Admiral makes better days on the water, not to mention easier times at the ramp. As long as she lets you drive sometimes.

 

[piperjoe]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

Thanks, dj! Was thinking of Fishtown and Leland at the time....glad to see you'll be enjoying the beautiful lake. Leland is one of our favorite places to visit. Even the trip from Interlochen to Leland is beautiful!

GA, I'm enjoying the excitement the Admiral is displaying towards this adventure. Just wait until she starts drilling rivets, removing rotted plywood, washing out the bottom of the boat, removing the transom and a few other little things...she will have LOTS of fun as I get the boring job of watching the restoration from a lawn chair while sitting in the shade with a cold one. You are right, darn it, they DO have all the fun!

Safe boating,

Joe