1976 Welded Starcraft?

[NK]

Hey folks, new to the site!!! Looking forward to participating in the community!!

Here is my first question: Did Starcraft manufacture a welded aluminum hull in 1976?

I will post a utube post of the boat in question; the seller says it is welded but I was not aware of them making welded boats in the 1970's. I would like to know your opinion of this boat.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FP4gc8nKmI

Thanks in advance for your assistance!

NK

 

[Kainon]

Re: 1976 Welded Starcraft?

From what I can see, the transom doesn't look good but that boat's an easy fix. (somewhat).. good engine, but IF it has the distributor with the rotor builtin and upside down.. I'd stay away.. but the engine does sound like it runs really good.. I'd want to know the compression.​

 

[NK]

Re: 1976 Welded Starcraft?

From what I can see, the transom doesn't look good but that boat's an easy fix. (somewhat).. good engine, but IF it has the distributor with the rotor builtin and upside down.. I'd stay away.. but the engine does sound like it runs really good.. I'd want to know the compression.​

Transom doesn't look good? Interesting.. I didn't notice that from the video. I will be seeing it this weekend and let you know.

How can one tell if a transom is "weak" - what are the telltales? It otherwise looks good...

So is it welded or riveted?

Thanks again!

 

[Kainon]

Re: 1976 Welded Starcraft?

Welded or Riveted, only one way to tell.. an up close and personal check..

as for the transom I saw some dark and not so good looking spots, but lighting, quality of the video..

This is what the inside of my transom looked like.

 

[Kainon]

Re: 1976 Welded Starcraft?

when the video gets to about 45-52seconds.. check out the pic of the video.. notice the area inside the red squares.

 

[Kainon]

Re: 1976 Welded Starcraft?

Definately ask about the floor and any wood that was replaced, if PT ( pressure treated was used ) and or if he used any CPES ( Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer ) good stuff.. and or any other sealer and paint.

If it's welded, I'd think it would be a hair better, as you dont have to worry about loose rivets that will leak.. some people have that problem, I've been lucky. Also look at the transom area below the water line for corrosion, also on the belly, be wary if it's been patched over.

 

[NK]

Re: 1976 Welded Starcraft?

Great info... thanks so much... i'll let you know how I make out!


cheers

 

[JimbC]

Re: 1976 Welded Starcraft?

I don't think Starcraft builds a welded hull. Not even the new ones today are welded. Now I could be wrong and some of their (bass tracker style) Semi V fishing hulls might be. But that 76 looks just like all the rest and that is a riveted hull. Now that doesn't mean that a PO (previous owner) might not have welded it. Also if you are looking to buy that boat make him take you on a lake run. Motors can run like a sewing machine on muffs (garden hose), But it could have other issues and not run worth a crap under a load. Like it might not plane the boat out. Just FYI take it for a lake run see how the motor performs. Good Luck. and don't pay too much.

 

[NK]

Re: 1976 Welded Starcraft?

I don't think Starcraft builds a welded hull. Not even the new ones today are welded. Now I could be wrong and some of their (bass tracker style) Semi V fishing hulls might be. But that 76 looks just like all the rest and that is a riveted hull. Now that doesn't mean that a PO (previous owner) might not have welded it. Also if you are looking to buy that boat make him take you on a lake run. Motors can run like a sewing machine on muffs (garden hose), But it could have other issues and not run worth a crap under a load. Like it might not plane the boat out. Just FYI take it for a lake run see how the motor performs. Good Luck. and don't pay too much.

Do you have concerns about that transom like the previous poster?

Thanks!

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: 1976 Welded Starcraft?

NK I cant get the video to load at the moment but the Transom on outboards isnt to bad to replace if need be thereis actually a how to up in the tips and tricks section here . I do agree that I dont think there were any welded Starcrafts in 76 so if it is welded it was done by a PO . The boat overall looks good but I would ask about what wood was used and if they replaced the transom when they rebuilt it and what was used to seal the wood they put in .



Rick

 

[JimbC]

Re: 1976 Welded Starcraft?

No I don't, as they are a relative easy fix in a aluminum boat like this. Like Rick said check out the tips and tricks here. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=342521 You can see that it really isn't that bad to remove then replace. keep us posted

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: 1976 Welded Starcraft?

NK I just got a good look at that video and theres alot of strange things going on with that boat for one it was not originally an open bow boat. Look closely at the open bow area in the Brochure pictures that North Beach put up and then at the openj bow and dash on the boat in the video somebody has done alot of work on that boat.


http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=356086



Rick

 

[Pugetsound]

Re: 1976 Welded Starcraft?

Most of what was done looks like a very good job. I would like floor boxs like were built into it, but would never remove the bow. LOL To many rough trips on the Pacific with waves over the bow to have to worry about . If the price is right might be a very nice boat even if a little more work needed. I really like the rear,the way it was finished. Eastern prices still seem like a steal compaired to N W Washingtion State prices.

 

[NK]

Re: 1976 Welded Starcraft?

NK I cant get the video to load at the moment but the Transom on outboards isnt to bad to replace if need be thereis actually a how to up in the tips and tricks section here . I do agree that I dont think there were any welded Starcrafts in 76 so if it is welded it was done by a PO . The boat overall looks good but I would ask about what wood was used and if they replaced the transom when they rebuilt it and what was used to seal the wood they put in .



Rick

What wood would have been appropriate for this boat? I'm assuming that marine-grade plywood is the only way to go?

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: 1976 Welded Starcraft?

Either Marine Grade or exterior grade plywood sealed with fiberglass resin.



Rick

 

[Kainon]

Re: 1976 Welded Starcraft?

I used marine grade, but a AA grade exterior is fine, I also used CPES Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer from RotDoctor (cheap) 2 quart kit.. I epoxied the 2 peices then coated each side with 1qt (mixed 50/50), the peice that came out when I cut for my I/O.. if you tap it.. it rings like Crystal !!! .. and when I tried to Screw in some wood screws for some transom peices.. I broke a 18v DC Electric screwdriver bit.

 

[NK]

Re: 1976 Welded Starcraft?

NK I just got a good look at that video and theres alot of strange things going on with that boat for one it was not originally an open bow boat. Look closely at the open bow area in the Brochure pictures that North Beach put up and then at the openj bow and dash on the boat in the video somebody has done alot of work on that boat.


http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=356086



Rick

Well the guy did say that he completely refurbished the boat.. he does this to many boats.. not sure if its just a hobby or not..

BTW, speaking of price, he is asking $3,500... I think $3000 would be fair, assuming everything checks out ok... what do you think?

 

[motorpsykler]

Re: 1976 Welded Starcraft?

Seems a little steep @ $3500 to me. But then again, I'm cheap and a hopeless DIY'er that never factors in the cost of my time. The boat looks nice. But, I wouldn't buy it without a compression test and a test run on the water. I agree, running on the muffs is OK, but the motor could still run like crap on the water. For that kind of money, he should be willing to take it on the water, if not, run! That transom is questionable as well. Get a good look at it and poke around. If you think it might be bad, it probably is. Not a huge deal if you are able/willing to DIY, but definately a factor in the price you pay. Good luck and remember there are alot of these boats out there, especially if you are willing to fix one up yourself.

 

[NK]

Re: 1976 Welded Starcraft?

Seems a little steep @ $3500 to me. But then again, I'm cheap and a hopeless DIY'er that never factors in the cost of my time. The boat looks nice. But, I wouldn't buy it without a compression test and a test run on the water. I agree, running on the muffs is OK, but the motor could still run like crap on the water. For that kind of money, he should be willing to take it on the water, if not, run! That transom is questionable as well. Get a good look at it and poke around. If you think it might be bad, it probably is. Not a huge deal if you are able/willing to DIY, but definately a factor in the price you pay. Good luck and remember there are alot of these boats out there, especially if you are willing to fix one up yourself.

I'm not a DIY!! How do you get a compression test done? is there an instrument you can use? can you buy it?

$3000 would be an ok price in my market...assumin everything checks out

 

[JimbC]

Re: 1976 Welded Starcraft?

Not sure what area you are in but, You can rent a compression tester from most auto parts stores like auto zone. The way to do a compression test correctly is to run the motor a bit let it get up to normal running temp. then pull all the plug from each cylinder. The hook the compression tester into a one cylinder at a time with all pugs out, crank the motor over say 6 to 8 revolutions and read the compression gauge let it sit a couple minutes see if it holds the pressure. then move on to the next cylinder till all have been done. If that checks out fine then move onto a water test meaning take the boat to a lake and run it. And if all that works great and the wood is in great shape (like new) and he didn't use treated wood then you should be fine. But I would still try to get him lower. Make sure you look under the boat real good too see that the hull is in great shape. And don't forget to check out the trailer real well too. Now I aqm not sure of what a 150 merc compression should be but you are hoping for numbers like say 120psi and that to be the same are very close on all cylinders. Might want to call a marine repair shop and see if they will tell you good compression number for a motor like that.