1977 Starcraft Cabin Cruiser 25'

[lakeerienewbie]

Hello, I am totally new to boating and do not have a boat yet. I was looking for advice, I am going Friday to look at a 1977 Starcraft Cabin Cruiser 25' with an inline 6 165Hp engine. Owner says it's water ready and is in fact docked. What are some things I need to beware of with this particular model or in general? I am attaching the photos from the ad.



I appreciate any help or advice you all can give!

Thanks in advance

 

[Levinz11]

Re: 1977 Starcraft Cabin Cruiser 25'

I would familiarize yourself with the search feature. There are about 6,000,000 threads dedicated to new boaters and what to look for on boats. There are also engine specific areas of this forum that you can search for info and common problems on that specific model.

Going big on your first boat, huh?

 

[lakeerienewbie]

Re: 1977 Starcraft Cabin Cruiser 25'

Duh, I apologize . . . I should've done that. From what i've read so far, I have 3 children and the cabin sounds like it's the way to go, I figure if I go with a small boat first I'll probably just be looking to go bigger soon so may as well just learn on the bigger boat. I'll look at the threads you mentioned.

Thanks

I would familiarize yourself with the search feature. There are about 6,000,000 threads dedicated to new boaters and what to look for on boats. There are also engine specific areas of this forum that you can search for info and common problems on that specific model.

Going big on your first boat, huh?

 

[ricohman]

Re: 1977 Starcraft Cabin Cruiser 25'

I would eventually like to find a Chieftan or Islander for a resto. Not sure if my wife would like that but it would be a long term project.
A boat this old is going to have issues and if you are prepered to deal with them one by one you could be ok but expect them.
Going this big is a different story. My old boats were all under 18ft and when I went to a 22.5ft it was/is a big jump in loading and unloading. Parking and storage are other issues.
I like old Starcrafts and they make great projects but certain years are better than others for cracks on rib ends. Better do some searching.

 

[bgc]

Re: 1977 Starcraft Cabin Cruiser 25'

Horrible choice of boats! Please send me the add information and I will go pick it up so that no one can get into trouble with it.....

(complete sarcasm)

Any Starcraft would be a good choice in my book. They are built well and very rugged. With an old Merc drive you should be able to find parts at a reasonable cost or retrofit her easily. Have a marine mechanic check her out thoroughly and don't expect it to be flawless, she's 35.
She is a bit on the larger size for a first boat,please take the "ABC" class from the US Power Squadron.

 

[lakeerienewbie]

Re: 1977 Starcraft Cabin Cruiser 25'

So I'm looking for honest opinions here, is this boat too big for a beginner boater? I'm here because of the experience in the forums so I will heed the advice given, I'd rather not get into something I can't handle when I could look at something smaller. I am also looking at a 1980 Cruisers Barnegat 22' so I'm not tied to any vessel yet.

Thanks

Horrible choice of boats! Please send me the add information and I will go pick it up so that no one can get into trouble with it.....

(complete sarcasm)

Any Starcraft would be a good choice in my book. They are built well and very rugged. With an old Merc drive you should be able to find parts at a reasonable cost or retrofit her easily. Have a marine mechanic check her out thoroughly and don't expect it to be flawless, she's 35.
She is a bit on the larger size for a first boat,please take the "ABC" class from the US Power Squadron.

 

[Levinz11]

Re: 1977 Starcraft Cabin Cruiser 25'

So I'm looking for honest opinions here, is this boat too big for a beginner boater? I'm here because of the experience in the forums so I will heed the advice given, I'd rather not get into something I can't handle when I could look at something smaller. I am also looking at a 1980 Cruisers Barnegat 22' so I'm not tied to any vessel yet.

Thanks

25' is larger than most people learn on. Can it be done? yes. Has it been done? Of course. Trailering a boat that size might be a chore.

 

[lakeerienewbie]

Re: 1977 Starcraft Cabin Cruiser 25'

I suppose the question is SHOULD it be done? I was looking at that boat because it was big enough to take the kids on comfortably for the day and probably enough to stand up to Lake Erie a little if I get stuck in some chop. I am decent at trailer pulling, I currently jsut have an atv trailer that is small, but i've always heard that the smaller the trailer the harder to maneuver, so i'm thinking a boat won't be too much of a hassle.

This is good though, that's why I joined the forum BEFORE getting a boat; to get advice!

 

[coastalrichard]

Re: 1977 Starcraft Cabin Cruiser 25'

You're getting some good points from knowledgeable folks. While it's probable that, in the end, none of us can tell you what you should do, I can assure you that the comments are aimed at helping you to have a pleasurable experience.

I have been boating all my adult life (yeah, it's a while) on boats no larger than 18'. It's pretty easy to handle a boat that size, even for one person. You won't need a heavy tow vehicle, easy to tow and launch/retrieve. Last year I moved up to 21' that is longer, wider and heavier than I was used to. Man...what a difference...everything became instantly more difficult and more expensive (some will say that costs rise exponentially with size).

To begin your boating life in a 25', 35 yo boat seems, well, ill advised. For one, you will find that the cuddy will become a large storage closet, not sleeping quarters...they are just a sauna most of the time. I'll also suggest to you that, if the first ride or two doesn't go well, you're gonna lose your mate and crew for the bad experience and you'll be getting constant resistance to future adventures.

Probably best to invest in a smaller, open-style boat for day cruising and fishing. Yeah, you'll soon get "two-foot-itis" but you'll also likely have the rest of the family wanting it too. Good Luck.

 

[bgc]

Re: 1977 Starcraft Cabin Cruiser 25'

"Should it be done?"
That's a tough one to answer and only one that you can answer for yourself. If your heart is set on this old gal than get it! Being a seasoned Starcraft she will bring many years of fun. Plus that lake is NO place for beginners in small boats.....

Take your time learning the rules of the road and how she handles, join the US Power Squadron, they can help with both . Shes heavy so handling her on the water and on the road will take some time to learn but not impossible.

What city are you near? We launch from Marblehead and Cleveland. Theres video of my old Starcraft on the lake on this link.. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=533149&page=2

 

[Aquaman-PSD]

Re: 1977 Starcraft Cabin Cruiser 25'

It really depends on what waters you will be boating in and if you plan on trailering it everytime. If you are fishing in a big lake (great lake) and plan on renting a slip the it will be fine as long as you practice a lot on pulling into and out of the slip. Definatly take a boaters safety course and remember that common sense is king... When you go to look at it picture yourself pulling into a slip or trailering it in a 20mph wind. The larger the rig the more wind it will catch and the harder it is to control.If you think you can do it, or learn quickly, then go for it. If you know someone with a boat or anyone that has a good amount of captain time ask them to take you out and show you the ropes before you buy so you'll see how its done. That being said I'll say I would go with aluminum for sure at that age range.

 

[lakeerienewbie]

Re: 1977 Starcraft Cabin Cruiser 25'

I'd be launching out of the Lorain area for the most part, boat launch is about 10 min away so I won't have far to trailer.

"Should it be done?"
That's a tough one to answer and only one that you can answer for yourself. If your heart is set on this old gal than get it! Being a seasoned Starcraft she will bring many years of fun. Plus that lake is NO place for beginners in small boats.....

Take your time learning the rules of the road and how she handles, join the US Power Squadron, they can help with both . Shes heavy so handling her on the water and on the road will take some time to learn but not impossible.

What city are you near? We launch from Marblehead and Cleveland. Theres video of my old Starcraft on the lake on this link.. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=533149&page=2

 

[bgc]

Re: 1977 Starcraft Cabin Cruiser 25'

You have an ocean of area up there to learn how to use her and Rt. 20 is a good one for learning how to tow her.

 

[Maclin]

Re: 1977 Starcraft Cabin Cruiser 25'

Comparing that boat to a Cuddy cabin is not a good comparison. That one is a Cabin Cruiser so the cabin is way taller and roomier and has real windows that open, not just a hatch and some portals, so it will be have much better utility than an enclosed Cuddy.

What are you going to tow it with?

 

[lakeerienewbie]

Re: 1977 Starcraft Cabin Cruiser 25'

I have an '01 dodge durango 4x4 with a 4.7. That was also a concern of mine that I raised with the seller in our emails. he hasn't replied to that one yet, but I figured i'd ask. I do nt have far to tow at all, maybe a 10-20 minute ride or so not on the highway.

Comparing that boat to a Cuddy cabin is not a good comparison. That one is a Cabin Cruiser so the cabin is way taller and roomier and has real windows that open, not just a hatch and some portals, so it will be have much better utility than an enclosed Cuddy.

What are you going to tow it with?

 

[Chip Chester]

Re: 1977 Starcraft Cabin Cruiser 25'

If it's in good repair, and if it's affordable, you might look for a place you can leave it in. I think ultimately you'll use it more, if it's not a production to get out on the water. You'd be able to cross off 1/3rd of the main issues of boating... trailering, vehicle expense/wear, launch/retrieval delays, storage in driveway/yard. Your family will enjoy the immediacy, too. 25' is pretty big on-land, behind your trailer. Not so big out on the water. But it should suffice for Lake Erie boating in family-friendly weather.

If you decide to pass, please PM me the seller's info...

Chip

 

[lakeerienewbie]

Re: 1977 Starcraft Cabin Cruiser 25'

I know it's not a good comparison, I was just saying i'm not tied to any decision yet, still weighing what is best for me. I like the cabin because it has the room for my kids, but i like the cuddy becuase they're a little smaller and most of my boating will probably be without the kids anyway.

 

[lakeerienewbie]

Re: 1977 Starcraft Cabin Cruiser 25'

well i'm going to look at it tomorrow morning I think, so if I pass I'll let you know.

 

[emoney]

Re: 1977 Starcraft Cabin Cruiser 25'

Best advice I could give you is to take someone with you that's owned boats before. The difference between a "water ready" boat and a "project" boat is often times hidden from sight. Don't know a lot of sellers that are going to be quick to point out those differences, either, sadly enough. As for "learning on a boat this size", well that's all on you. Lots of vehicles will tow lots of boats, that's not the issue, it's stopping and the wear and tear on your truck. Don't forget, accidents happen closer to home. Best of luck and keep us posted.

 

[Stevens520]

Re: 1977 Starcraft Cabin Cruiser 25'

I have the same boat, just a couple years older. The biggest problem I've found so far is soft spots in the floors. Am going to be redoing them and the transom this fall.Like You, this is my first boat that I have owned; but been around them my whole life. Haven't had any problem yet trailering,launching or operating it so far. I tow mine with an 01 Expedition with a 5.4 under the hood and you can definitely tell there is something behind you.