1990 a bad year?

[pmillar]

Ok, I have been searching for a 16 - 18 foot O/B aluminum boat (most likely Starcraft) for (mostly) fun and fishing. Two questions come to mind in looking at a 16 foot bow rider from 1990 (not sure what model) First, given the financial problems with the company back then did boats of that era (1987 - 1990 or so) suffer any quality problems to be wary of? Second, is a 60hp enough motor for tubing and/or a bit of skiing? TIA

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250513980515&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

 

[JimbC]

Re: 1990 a bad year?

pmillar That boat looks like it's in very good shape. If you can get it for the price it is now that would be great. I wouldn't think the craftsmanship would change for any reason. Good Luck

 

[pmillar]

Re: 1990 a bad year?

Thanks. It was listed previously with a Buy It Now of $3,850 so the reserve is likely close to that. Anyone think it would be worth $3,500? Too bad it doesn't have an 85HP engine though

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1990 a bad year?

It looks to be in pretty darn good condition and should move nicely with the 60. I think $3k is the most I'd consider paying for it though. But a lot depends on the market in your area. If all you're seeing in your price range is a bunch of rotted out glass boats, I sure wouldn't mind paying a little extra for a cherry aluminum boat.

 

[pmillar]

Re: 1990 a bad year?

I am ignoring the plethora of crappy overpriced old i/o glass boats. It seems most of the aluminum are older and needing floors and/or interior work (starcraft) or newer (starcraft, lund, smokercraft, alumacraft) and a large step up in price. Oh well. I will keep looking. If I didn't already have a few street bikes to keep me busy tinkering I might be more interested in an older project boat.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1990 a bad year?

Well I'll tell you, the old SC's are pretty easy restores as these things go.

 

[pmillar]

Re: 1990 a bad year?

The following boat is interesting (even though my preference is for an outboard) Craigslist link followed by an e-mailed description from the seller.

http://lansing.craigslist.org/boa/1426048099.html

"...I purchased the boat from the original owner in 2004. Mechanically, it is in very good shape. A lot of things that wear out and need replacing on an older boat have been done.

It has one soft spot at the back of the boat on the passenger side. However, the transom is solid. I had a U-joint (I am not sure of the technical name) replaced two years ago. It is the connection between the motor and the out drive. They would not replace it unless the transom was solid.

I put a rebuilt carburetor on it, all new ignition wiring and tune-up, new intake propeller, in o-rings for the hydraulic trim system, and a new fuel pump. "

Any thoughts on an old i/o? I am leery from a maintenance/repair standpoint.

Pete

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1990 a bad year?

Those are good motors. Fairly bulletproof and plenty of parts support. You main issue with an I/O is going to catching up on deferred maintenance. Bellows and seals and stuff that need to be changed periodically. Once gone over though, I don't foresee it being a money pit.

The boat is a fiberglass boat. Looks nice and the price is certainly right. Your main concern on the boat will be wood rot. You want a solid transom and deck. ANY soft spots on the deck may indicate a much more serious problem below.

 

[pmillar]

Re: 1990 a bad year?

Looking at the picture I thought it was Aluminum (I thought it looked like rivets along the bow line) If it's glass I am not interested - for the reasons you mention. Thank you for the input on the engine too.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1990 a bad year?

Nope. Definitely a glasser.

 

[Northwoodsbound]

Re: 1990 a bad year?

I stumbled across this forum and wanted to let you know I am the guy who purchased the boat linked in the OP. Maybe I went a little high on price, but there is nothing this cool available for less than triple the price around here.

I am getting it next Sunday and am stoked. This looks like a great forum, so I'll probably be around some. I will for sure let you all know how the project goes. I am hoping for minimal repairs.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1990 a bad year?

Northwoodsbound, we are very glad to have you. As I said above, depending on the market conditions in your area I wouldn't mind paying what you paid for that boat at all. Looks like a great one. We'd love it if you started a new thread with pics of your boat. Welcome to iboats!!

 

[Northwoodsbound]

Re: 1990 a bad year?

Thanks ezmobee. I will be glad to start a thread with pics.