1986 Starcraft Mariner resto

[FtPierceStarcraft]

I recently bought a 18 ft 86 Mariner in need of a lot of tlc and elbow-greese. So, I have been stalkin just about all of the Starcraft restoration projects for the past month or so to get an idea of what I have gotten myself into. I have really enjoyed the restos that I have seen and am very excited to get started. I am new to aluminum boats and have many questions. I will post some pics as soon as I get some.

 

[FtPierceStarcraft]

Re: 1986 Starcraft Mariner resto

Finally, with the help of the wife, figured out how to upload a picture. Here is my 18' mariner

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[FtPierceStarcraft]

Re: 1986 Starcraft Mariner resto

I got some more pictures of what I have accomplished this weekend. Removed carpet, old wood, and foam. Vacuumed out the dirt and remnants of plywood and foam. Filled the hull and checked for leaks... found about 12. I believe that all of the leaks are due to electrolysis and not loose rivets. I will get a closer look at it later.

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[jasoutside]

Re: 1986 Starcraft Mariner resto

Excellent rig Ft. Pierce! Very sharp! Looks like you made quick work of the cardboard/mulch deck you had there.

Welcome man! You have a really great project to work with, congrats

 

[FtPierceStarcraft]

Re: 1986 Starcraft Mariner resto

Thanks, Jasoutside! I'm really excited about this project. I'm currently working two jobs so progress will be slow until summer. But a much needed project indeed.

 

[sprintst]

Re: 1986 Starcraft Mariner resto

Keep plugging away. You'll get her done...

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1986 Starcraft Mariner resto

Great looking hull there FtPierce. Welcome to the Starmada and good luck with your project.

 

[FtPierceStarcraft]

Re: 1986 Starcraft Mariner resto

Thanks guys... I am debating on what to patch some tiny holes in the hull with. I have looked up Marine Tex putty (white and gray... any difference?) and plan on Gluvit-ing the rivets when I'm done patching. Opinions?

PS I really enjoy stalking all of your restoration threads!

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1986 Starcraft Mariner resto

How SMALL are the holes??

 

[Broadcast]

Re: 1986 Starcraft Mariner resto

Looks like a beaut! I'll be watch'in this one come together!

 

[FtPierceStarcraft]

Re: 1986 Starcraft Mariner resto

The biggest holes are about size of the ball end of a ballpoint pin, maybe a hair bigger. Big enough to pee a pretty good stream when I flouded the hull.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1986 Starcraft Mariner resto

JB Weld.

 

[FtPierceStarcraft]

Re: 1986 Starcraft Mariner resto

I like the price of JB Weld better. Is is just as good as Marine Tex? If so I'm all over it! Another question: Should I use marine grade plywood for the deck?

I have found descent prices for 1/2 marine Fir plywood, but the exterior A/C pine is half the cost. I would rather keep costs down, but I try and do things right the first time.

Thanks.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: 1986 Starcraft Mariner resto

Welcome to the SC fleet, nice Mariner project you have there.

I like arauco ply, I paid around $18/sheet for 3/4" and it has very few voids.

Marine grade is better but once sealed with epoxy resin both are strong and waterproof.

The A/C ply you refer to might be similar to arauco, basically a good exterior grade. Just don't use treated wood, not good for aluminum.

I like the Mariner layout, sometimes I wish my 16' SS was a CC.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1986 Starcraft Mariner resto

I like arauco ply, I paid around $18/sheet for 3/4" and it has very few voids.

Did you really Mike! Wow, that is a super deal!

Yah, I agree with HA here. Arauco plywood has marine grade qualities at a very non marine grade price.

Have fun!

 

[FtPierceStarcraft]

Re: 1986 Starcraft Mariner resto

Where did you buy the arauco plywood? Local or chain store?

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: 1986 Starcraft Mariner resto

Where did you buy the arauco plywood? Local or chain store?

I picked up the 3/4" at Lowe's and later I grabbed some 1/2" for my side panels at Menard's which is a Michigan regional type chain hardware store. Try calling a few Lowe's and check, there's one near me that carries it and one that does not for some reason.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: 1986 Starcraft Mariner resto

Did you really Mike! Wow, that is a super deal!

Yah, I agree with HA here. Arauco plywood has marine grade qualities at a very non marine grade price.

Have fun!

I double checked the prices, the 1/2" is $18...3/4" is $27. So I was mixed up on prices but still a very good deal on some good plywood.

 

[FtPierceStarcraft]

Re: 1986 Starcraft Mariner resto

Thanks for the plywood info. I will check out my local Lowe's store.

As for the JB Weld. Does it resist corrosion? The boat will be used in salt water for the most part. I checked out their website but it was not very specific about corrosion resistance. I did notice that they make a "marine" JB weld and I'm wondering if it is significantly different than the normal stuff... or maybe not?

Also, I am ordering some Gluvit and found it at Wholesale Marine for $38 a quart not including shipping. This way cheaper than at our local Marine supply stores. Is there anywhere else cheaper?

Thanks for the help.