1977 StarCraft 18' Super Sport Needs Rehab [SPLASHED 2017]

[Watermann]

Been awhile thought maybe you finished and were out on the lake in the mean green machine. :lol:

 

[pckeen]

Side panels look good - like the Nautolex vinyl as well. And do those seats give a hint as to the final exterior color?

 

[Old Irving]

Pckeen,
Not sure I thought about the exterior color. Maybe a green side swoosh with grey hull? That will have to wait until next year.

 

[Old Irving]

No Title


After my summer hiatus it looks like I will be working on the boat again soon. I don't particularly like the way the 18 gallon flat fuel tanks sits in the boat and blocks access to the bilge. Has anyone ever used the 21 gallon tank from Moeller? It seems like it would make the most of the aft space and allow plenty of access to the bilge. Any thoughts? The old gas tank image was obviously a pre rehab image.

 

[Watermann]

If you're going to buy a new tank my advice is to go below deck.

 

[Old Irving]

Waterman, too late for the below deck option.

 

[Watermann]

Waterman, too late for the below deck option.

That's right your decking and covering are in. That tank would use the space more effectively if the dimensions are correct for the space under the SW.

 

[Old Irving]

Now that it is fall I thought I would get to working on the boat when boating season is nearly over. These are a few items I addressed today.

1. Pulled the 1985 Evinrude 115 hp engine off the donor boat with help from my uncle. Anyone want a free stripped down 1975 Crestliner with no trailer or engine?
2. Pulled the engine off with my home made lifting harness. It was from a flywheel puller kit. Of course the kit only came with two screws the same length so I had to make a spacer for the longer bolts.
3. Installed the new transom cap I had made at a local fabrication shop.
4. Previous owner must have had about three different engines on the boat. Of course the new engine will have to have new holes drilled. I will also be putting in a quarter inch marine plywood transom protector and the Starcraft transom is about a quarter inch narrower.
5. I will be busy plugging holes with bolts and 5200. Any other suggestions?
6. Let's hope for more nice days next week.

 

[Watermann]

Are the holes your plugging old mounting bolt holes? Will the bolt heads interfere with the 115 being mounted?

 

[Old Irving]

Most of the holes are old mounting bolt holes. About 4 will interfere with the new engine mount. I plan to recess a small area on the wooden transom pad so that it is flush if needed.

 

[Old Irving]

I was able to install the Evinrude 115 today. I filled in a few old mounting holes under the transom board with 5200 and used the other holes to affix the transom saver. I filled in a few old holes not covered by the board with 5200 but I don't like how it looks so I will come back with Marinetex and redo. Those crappy screws will not be there long, couldn't find the ones I bought.

If anyone was wondering, the steering cable from a 1976 85 hp Mercury fits a 1985 115 hp Evinrude.


.

 

[Watermann]

Another milestone to have the power back on. :encouragement:

Hole filling with 5200 doesn't work too well on it's own as far as looks go but it won't leak.

 

[Decker83]

WOW!! Had no ideal a merc steering would fit a rude.. I'm always learning something new here..:encouragement:
The rude looks great hanging off the transom.. Getting closer to splash..:high5:

 

[Old Irving]

No Title

Progress is still at slow but at least I got rid of the old original trailer and put in the new trailer. Jacked up the aft and slid two saw horses in place, Lowered the jack and lifted up the bow. Slid out the trailer and put the new one in. I still have a few adjustments to make with the rollers but all is good for now. Next time I will be able to work on the boat is May due to it being over an hour away. If the Admiral will agree, I will try to fit in our garage but garages in Chicago were not made to store boats.

 

[Watermann]

Man that looks nerve wracking to me!

The easiest way is to just leaf frog the boat from old to new. All you have to do is remove the winch tower from the old and drop the tongue on the ground, then with your tow rig back the new one up to the bow as close as you can, hook up the winch strap and winch the boat onto the new trailer.

 

[Old Irving]

I towed the boat from it's palatial surroundings at the farm to my tight fitting two car garage in Chicago. The Admiral stated very clearly who's car would be parking on the street. I already miss all the room but now I can work on it more than once a month.

I ordered my gas tank and fit it in. I think it looks pretty good and fits fairly well. There is about 5 inches space between the transom and tank so I guess I can store lines there. It is not as long as the flatter 18 gallon tank many of us had on these boats which allows me to access the bilge much easier.

 

[Candutch]

Fits like a glove, I like it.

 

[oldhaven]

I like it, but how did you get it to levitate like that?

 

[Watermann]

How much fuel does that new tank hold? Looks right at home under there.

 

[Old Irving]

I like it, but how did you get it to levitate like that?

It is levitating on the hopes and dreams of me completing the boat this spring. Or due to the fact that it is beveled on the edges.