Ok, opening up a huge can of worms. First, I know bringing this old gal back to her glory is going take time and a few shekels, ok more than a few. Here is what I have;
A 1974 StarCraft Chieftain (Express?) 24? w/ an Eliminator Jet Drive. Engine is a 455 Olds. Per my father, the jet was rebuilt before being a ?yard ornament, IE covered with tarps, sitting on a trailer? for 25 plus years. The last year I have record of it being on the water was in 1990, but some records may be misplaced. Trailer was last licensed in 1994. It ?had? a camper top on it but is no good due to damage from snow loads, age, etc. It has a galley with a alcohol stove and an ice box, port-a-potty in the front cabin area.
I know this is going to be a hard build, and not for the light hearted. Not knowing what is possibly wrong I am kind of going in blind. Engine wise, I am confident I can get the engine going, as I have rebuilt engines before. The jet, parts are very hard to come by, is going to be a challenge. I have been told the bearings are water lubricated, so I am unsure after sitting for so long how they will be. I know most, if not all, gaskets, hoses, belts, seals will need to be replaced. Unknown if the fuel tanks had any fuel left in them, I?m guessing yes. Anyone need some great, well-aged varnish?
I?m guessing dry rot and of the wood, so it will be a gut and rebuild. It is going to take a lot of blood sweat and tears.
Before anyone says, scrap it. Not gonna happen. This is/was my parents boat and my mother recently passed so my goal is to get her back on the water so dad and I can take her out again.
What I am asking for is what I might run into. Parts for the jet, as I hear there might be parts available in the Pacific North West sitting on the shelf somewhere.
This is not going to be a cheap weekend project, but I am not made of money so most will be done by myself and a few friends.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you for your time, and if you need any further information, I will try to provide it. I will post pictures once I have it home and survey the damage.
Allen, Bonners Ferry, Idaho
A 1974 StarCraft Chieftain (Express?) 24? w/ an Eliminator Jet Drive. Engine is a 455 Olds. Per my father, the jet was rebuilt before being a ?yard ornament, IE covered with tarps, sitting on a trailer? for 25 plus years. The last year I have record of it being on the water was in 1990, but some records may be misplaced. Trailer was last licensed in 1994. It ?had? a camper top on it but is no good due to damage from snow loads, age, etc. It has a galley with a alcohol stove and an ice box, port-a-potty in the front cabin area.
I know this is going to be a hard build, and not for the light hearted. Not knowing what is possibly wrong I am kind of going in blind. Engine wise, I am confident I can get the engine going, as I have rebuilt engines before. The jet, parts are very hard to come by, is going to be a challenge. I have been told the bearings are water lubricated, so I am unsure after sitting for so long how they will be. I know most, if not all, gaskets, hoses, belts, seals will need to be replaced. Unknown if the fuel tanks had any fuel left in them, I?m guessing yes. Anyone need some great, well-aged varnish?
I?m guessing dry rot and of the wood, so it will be a gut and rebuild. It is going to take a lot of blood sweat and tears.
Before anyone says, scrap it. Not gonna happen. This is/was my parents boat and my mother recently passed so my goal is to get her back on the water so dad and I can take her out again.
What I am asking for is what I might run into. Parts for the jet, as I hear there might be parts available in the Pacific North West sitting on the shelf somewhere.
This is not going to be a cheap weekend project, but I am not made of money so most will be done by myself and a few friends.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you for your time, and if you need any further information, I will try to provide it. I will post pictures once I have it home and survey the damage.
Allen, Bonners Ferry, Idaho
