Thanks Airshot, you are right, it is a Lot of work but I just can't ever seem to take on easy, rational projects.
I sure love my retro classics. She's going to be a head turner I'm sure (for better or worse 
). People always asked about the Starchief. These old Starcrafts really stand out amongst the more modern rigs!
Thanks, I'm loving the crane, should've built one a long time ago. Restoration intent is a mix. I love the original look of the boat but I want to push it a bit and increase its capacity in a few ways. Keeping galley and expanding upon it by putting in a gimbaled propane 2 burner stove with oven that I picked up at marine consignment. The sink will be a larger than original rectangle type (great for empties
) that a previous owner fitted it with. The head is going to be moved back to the factory starboard side and I am planning on making a cubby like area expansion low so the porta potty can be tucked away a bit (fore). This is because I'm putting in a urinal on opposite side (aft) that connects to a holding tank (former fresh water tank). This will help relieve the porta potty's capacity a bit keeping it fully available and cleaner for the ladies. Rear deck I intend to level out, making it more open with tall railings and a small swing out jib for lobster pots and whatnot. So cabin will be very similar to stock but with modified bathroom, kitchen, and adding a small bar! Hopefully it will all work out how I am envisioning it.
Nice, definitely bookmarking that response on the motor mounts.
I agree, I would prefer to have an Alpha generation as well but I still have so much plywood and paint and whatnot to buy that I need to service and repair everything as cheaply as possible to stay on course to make this happen this season. The outdrive is old but at least it was fresh water only and so far (knock on wood lol) all bolts and things came out easily other than that damn shift cable. If this outdrive is repairable with just rebuild kit like bellows, pump, seals, bearings, etc. then that will likely be my most affordable route. I will keep an eye out for an Alpha and try to grab one to swap in the next season or so if I can. Luckily for me, I prefer a lack of complication typically and it seems the MC1 might be one of the simplest, without trim attitude sensors and whatnot? That suits me just fine. Never had trim indicators before, never felt I needed em. Hopefully, with some TLC, the drive has a few years left in it!
Some great sounding mods. Going to put a platform on the back?Thanks, I'm loving the crane, should've built one a long time ago. Restoration intent is a mix. I love the original look of the boat but I want to push it a bit and increase its capacity in a few ways. Keeping galley and expanding upon it by putting in a gimbaled propane 2 burner stove with oven that I picked up at marine consignment. The sink will be a larger than original rectangle type (great for empties
Thanks and I most definitely am. It had a corroded angle iron and wood swim platform supported by steel chain that I need to replace once transom is done. I want to build in a kicker motor mount for my trusty 9.9/15 as I don't believe in leaving shore in the salt without one. Was hoping to find a good deal on a used teak platform to modify to fit but likely have to fab something up myself. I know no one likes trex type stuff
on boats but I have been really thinking about it because I have used it paired with aluminum supports before and it was quite durable and proved to be surprisingly strong. The weight concerns for my abnormally light boat I think are somewhat irrelevant so that is my best idea so far but open to ideas.
That's a great idea, would be way lighter than the trex I'm sure! My buddy just laid down some of that stuff nicely in a few sections of his previously plain white fiberglass skiff and I thought it looked awesome. Wonder what would be a good thickness for the alu deck so that it doesn't need more than say 4 full triangle shaped bottom supports... Would likely use alu angle for the gussets and a perimeter wrap so all the edges would be reinforced. 1/8 sheet ya think would be enough? I could rivet it all around which I'm sure would help a lot with overall rigidity.
Definitely good to know about the gas sensitivity. If that's its only real Achilles heal- then that's perfect. I'll have to scout out the old scrap yard soon for some more tin to make that platform happen. I'm really liking the idea of it being all riveted together just like the rest of the boat... very OCD compliant and the less stainless and wood in water contact the better!
Thanks, I'll have to try some of those. So far the part that's been toughest to clean is the tar like stuff in bottom of bilge, concentrated only in certain areas. I think it might be oil & styrofoam melted together sludge that slowly congealed and fossilized over the eons of neglect.
Ok good, I was hoping it was. In that case looks like I can start laying down new deck boards soon! Figured if it's not- now's definitely the time to add the brackets.
