1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 mk iv questions.

[horsecapades]

Hello,
Thanks to CheapboatKev for pointing out that there is a Starcraft forum. I posted a topic in the general section and I got the distinct impression that most people don't like the big tin boats. Anyway..... I will repost my topic here in this section.
Basically, I wanted some idea of the value of my boat as is and if I were to restore it. I was owed some money and took in trade for my 800.00, a 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 mk iv. The boat obviously is just shy of 25'. It has an aluminum hull and has a mercruiser 165hp straight 6 engine. The lower unit was rebuilt and reassembled. The motor works seemingly fine. The hull appears to be in excellent condition. The cabin is dated and could use a good cleaning. The sink, stove and refrigerator work but the toilet in the closet does not. The table top is in excellent condition while the counter top will need replacing. The seat covers, both interior and exterior need to be recovered while the 2 captains chairs are in excellent condition, as is the engine hatch covering. The windows are intact. The Bimini cover will need replacing but not the framework which is intact. The floors are not entirely bad but are weak. My guess is this will be the most expensive job. I will assume that it makes sense to do the entire floor, both interior and exterior. This way I can fully inspect and paint the interior hull when the floor is removed. The electrical seems to be intact and all of the fixtures work. It also has a non-working stereo. The depth/fish finder works and there are several horns that also work. The instrument cluster is intact and I will, for now, assume they are working correctly.
This being said and considering I can do most of the work myself, I personally could see keeping it as a project. I cant spend the money if I cant justify the expense to my wife. If the boat could be done reasonably, then I could see doing the work for a nice looking boat as long as the cost does not exceed its actual value restored. This is the reason for my post. Was it a good trade, what is it worth restored, what is it worth as I have described it. I would appreciate any information you are willing to pass along. If I decide to keep it, I am quite certain I will use this forum for research and to help with all the things I thought I could fix, but really need an expert opinion on. Thank you, William

 

[JimbC]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 mk iv questions.

Well that's the $1,000,000,000.00 ? What's my boat worth after I put several $1000.00 into it not counting the labor. It will always be worth more to you than what you can get for it. Also one thing to figure is a boat of this size takes a lot of $ just to take it out on the water, or even more if you have to pay for storage or docking. You have to think about it a boat isn't valued the same as say a muscle car. This boat is 34 years old. Sounds like a great boat to me, but hey I am biased. I have been wanting one just like yours is described. If for any reason you change your mind about restoring /rebuilding it. Please Please give me first choice to buy it from you I would gladly give you what you have in it, maybe even a bit more. I missed out on one just like it last fall for $1000.00 except it did have the bigger motor V8 302 Ford. We would really like to see some pics of this thing. We Love pics specially of my dream boat. Oh and Welcome to iboats.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 mk iv questions.

Yeah I'd love to have that boat as well. However I don't think a 25' is realistic for me personally. I'd love to see some pics. It sounds like it doesn't need any major $$$ repairs. I think you're in good shape. I doesn't seem likely you'll have to dump more than it's worth into it to make it usable and nice.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 mk iv questions.

I already posted in the other thread basically saying that it's worth a bunch to you and your family if you restore it and enjoy using the vessel.

The cost of a new boat would be around 30-40k+ so if you get this for $800 and put in a few grand and some sweat equity then you will be far ahead of the game.

Many people buy new boats and don't use them much, if you restore one and use it a lot then $$$/trip out becomes relatively insignificant over time.

At least that's my philosophy and it works for me

Check out some resto threads...wfralpacas did a great job on a tin cuddy. We do love big tin cans around here, don't let anybody tell ya different.

 

[elkhunter338]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 mk iv questions.

If you live in oregon I would be interested in giving you $1,000 or more depending on what type of trailer it has.
I have a 1986 21 foot chieftain and would like some extra length because alot of times the bar is closed at 22', so if I had a 24' I could go fishing.
If you like the boat and it fits your needs spending a few thousand on it is worth it.
Also depends on your location. The northwest oregon/washington boats cost more than the starcrafts on the east coast. Not sure why.
So you could probably spend 2 grand and if it is in really good shape with a decent trailer I suspect you could get 3 grand out of it. Depends on if you have someone looking for a 25 footer starcraft and how long you are willing to put a forsale sign on it.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 mk iv questions.

I think those are some really hard questions to answer. With your description and no photos I'd say you did really well. Sounds to me like you have a lot more than $800 worth of boat there!

That being said, it also sounds like it need some work to make it right. The time and money invested to get her in shape would be the big question. If you are up for the challenge than pretty much all the answers to your rebuild questions are right here on this site (this place rocks). Paying somebody else to rebuild your rig, forgetaboutit, way too expensive. You'd way be better off selling it and buying something that is turn key. You already have a couple of offers right here. So the big questions would be related to your time, your money and your work ethic.

This thread might be a good read for ya...

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=377356

Post up some photos so we can check it out eh!

Have fun!!!

 

[horsecapades]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 mk iv questions.

Thank you for your help. I will try and post pictures as soon as it quits raining. Additionally, you or another forum reader may be able to help. As I go through the boat , it would be nice to have an owners manual as well as a service manual. Does anyone have access to the manual in .pdf form or a printed version they would be willing to sell. I would also be interested in finding any original, or copies of, advertising or dealer information on this boat.
I would like to go through it and assess whether it is more than I can handle before I decide whether to keep it or sell it.
I passed this boat in outside storage for 2 years and always looked at it with some disdain. When he first offered the boat as a way to pay me back, I started to look at it more closely. As it sits here now, I can see the potential for this boat and that feeling of disdain is now disappearing. It has taken on a charm of its own. Thank you for any additional information your are willing to provide, William

 

[DANZIG]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 mk iv questions.

So, you need a stereo, a loo, and a floor? If you can't do that for a grand, you have paid someone else to do it.

However, that being said, there WILL be something else. Count on it.

If you have average skills, access to tools, and some time to invest, Go for it!
(the knowledge you need is right here on the board)

If you will have to pay someone else to do the work, you might want to pass it off to one of the fine folks here.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 mk iv questions.

You can head over to the IO section and find a free download of the manual for your motor. Right at the top of the Starcraft thread is a sticky with a whole bunch of brochures. The 1976 isn't there but a few that are really close.

You may want to update your profile and let us know where you are writing from. One of these guys just might make you an offer you can't refuse after you post some photos!

Have fun!

 

[horsecapades]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 mk iv questions.

Ok. I have the fever, been bitten by the bug, am seeing myself fishing and camping in this boat. It certainly seems as if there are plenty of reasons to keep it and only one reason not to. That one would be money. If I take my time, set a reasonable schedule for having the boat ready, I am confident I will enjoy this. I have a few pictures of the outside of the boat and will get more as the sunshine comes back and I can get the boat outside. These pictures are as the boat was delivered so I have pic's of the start and hopefully the restored end point.
I found a few documents that came with the boat. One appears to be a service manual for the 165 mercruiser motor and a few very ragged promos for the Starcraft line in 1976. Thanks for everyone's help, William

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 mk iv questions.

William, what you have there is a super dooper cool boat. I am excited that you are rebuilding her, she'll be one sweet ride!!! She is a big girl to be sure so be ready for the work ahead my friend!

Awesome, just one sweet rig you have there! Have fun buddy!

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 mk iv questions.

Wow that's one sweet huge tin can

And to think you doubted the love for aluminum boats around here! We love em

Should be a nice project and well worth the effort. Good luck with her!

 

[dozerII]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 mk iv questions.

Awesome deal you got, that will be a great boat when you are done.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 mk iv questions.

If I'm not mistaken those have a sweet little galley, any pics of the interior?

That hull will handle all kinds of weather, and keep you dry

 

[horsecapades]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 mk iv questions.

I will get some detailed pictures of the interior. I have decided to start working on it today. I will of course be in the deconstruction mode for at least a couple of days as the boat is rougher than I thought. No doubt I could use it as is, but......... well, you guys know. First, should I move this discussion to a different forum or leave it here
Has anyone done a complete tear down of the inside of this model of boat. This is my plan but if someone can offer insight into what my priorities should be that would be appreciated.
I will take extensive pictures and measurements as I go. I intend to remove all of the interior panels and mark them. I will be recovering all of the vinyl - faux leather - naugahyde panels myself( have to learn sometime). Any suggestions on what to use. At this time I will also remove any of the electronics while leaving the instrument cluster intact and in place. I will leave the galley in place for now
Once this is complete, my next move will be to remove the floor. Here is where I will need help. What should I be looking at as the floor comes up and what improvements should I be making to the hull. I intend to inspect the transom but am really hoping I don't have to tackle replacing this part. Is their a good way to know what I should be looking for in this area.
I am quite certain that this will keep me busy for a very long time so if you have comments or suggestions, please let me know now before I really get into it. I will post pics later today. Thanks, William

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 mk iv questions.

I will get some detailed pictures of the interior. I have decided to start working on it today. I will of course be in the deconstruction mode for at least a couple of days as the boat is rougher than I thought. No doubt I could use it as is, but......... well, you guys know. First, should I move this discussion to a different forum or leave it here
Has anyone done a complete tear down of the inside of this model of boat. This is my plan but if someone can offer insight into what my priorities should be that would be appreciated.
I will take extensive pictures and measurements as I go. I intend to remove all of the interior panels and mark them. I will be recovering all of the vinyl - faux leather - naugahyde panels myself( have to learn sometime). Any suggestions on what to use. At this time I will also remove any of the electronics while leaving the instrument cluster intact and in place. I will leave the galley in place for now
Once this is complete, my next move will be to remove the floor. Here is where I will need help. What should I be looking at as the floor comes up and what improvements should I be making to the hull. I intend to inspect the transom but am really hoping I don't have to tackle replacing this part. Is their a good way to know what I should be looking for in this area.
I am quite certain that this will keep me busy for a very long time so if you have comments or suggestions, please let me know now before I really get into it. I will post pics later today. Thanks, William

Lets see if I can cover a couple of your questions...

Yup, if you plan on doing a total rebuild than starting a thread over on the restoration side would be a great idea.

I don't believe that I have seen yet a rebuild thread on a 25 footer. To my knowledge your closest comparison would be TS's Chieftain, wrfalpacas Starchief, timfives Islander or jasoutside's Islander (mine). Certainly all of the Starcraft restoration threads have relevance in your project though. Click on the "Starcraft Boats" link in my signature and pour yourself a cup of coffee. There is more information there than you can digest in an entire boating season!

You asked about priorities. I'd say first and foremost on the list should be the drive line. I'd be taking that to your local marine tech and doing a complete run through of the good, bad and ugly. (maybe you did that already and I missed it) Having an ABSOLUTE idea of what you have for your motor and outdrive I think would be critical knowledge to your project. Having to invest in a new drive line STARTING at several thousand (and go up from there) should be very important information for you. On the other hand everything might be peachy keen! That would be great information too! I'd say don't guess, have a bonefied mechanic tell ya what you have.

From there, transom and deck. I know that you mentioned that you were hoping to not have to deal with the transom, but, if it needs to be done than it needs to be done. My guess, after 34 years, it's time (unless it's been recently rebuilt already). Shoot, if you are ripping everything out, now would be the time to do it too!

After that, everything else. There is a lot going on in that big girl so your carpentry skills will surely come into play there. Heck, you have a bathroom, living room, bedroom, kitchen all rolled into one there! That is essentially like rebuilding a small house! Love it!

That is a great rig and I'm looking forward to watching your progress!

 

[horsecapades]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 mk iv questions.

OK.... I am going to move this to the restoration section. I've taken pictures of the boat as it was delivered. Take a look and let me know if anything you see alarms you. Thanks for your help and see you in the resto forum, William

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: 1976 Starcraft Chieftain 25 mk iv questions.

Very happy you have decided to keep the girl!
I will be watching and help on anything I know about..err..so not a whole lot..lol