21' Starcraft Chieftain Redo (getting started)

[watr]

Just brought her home a couple weeks ago. Needs work but looking forward to it. Its a 1963-64. Has a B20 volvo (115hp) old penta drive. Thinking of dropping a 250 straight 6(170hp) in with merc tilt and trim drive out of a 71 cutter(1000hrs on orig motor). Can buy hole boat as a doner and get all the wiring, gauges, and steering and controls. Going to strip everything out and start over. Even some marine rivets( someone replaced with regular old pop rivets) I hope the 250 motor is a good choice!

 

[zip34788]

Re: 21' Chieftian Redo(well getting started)

Re: 21' Chieftian Redo(well getting started)

I am not sure how much effort your conversion is going to entail, but the GM 250 is a great choice. I have owned several of them over the years. The basic Cheyy/GMC 6-250 engine has been around since the 1950's. Should it need an overhaul they are relatively inexpensive to rebuild and parts are readily available. In the event a major would be required, see if you can find a 292 block. Same engine, just more cubes.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 21' Chieftian Redo(well getting started)

Re: 21' Chieftian Redo(well getting started)

Cool boat! Welcome to the forum. There are LOTS of Starcraft enthusiasts on here. Make sure you make your way down to the Starcraft section of this site if you haven't already.

 

[watr]

Re: 21' Starcraft Chieftain Redo (getting started)

Thanks I think it will be awesome. I have run a smaller 15' Starcraft for 15 years with a 30hp Yamaha Outboard. This is the break to a i/o. I am a sucker for a Starcraft boat. Thats what my Grandfather ran. Going this weekend to look at the 250 motor. Talked to the guy last night sounds good. How do you make your pics full size?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 21' Starcraft Chieftain Redo (getting started)

Host them on photobucket.com and link to them from here.

 

[North Beach]

Re: 21' Starcraft Chieftain Redo (getting started)

I really like the early 60's cuddys. Can't wait to see how this one turns out.

 

[watr]

Re: 21' Starcraft Chieftain Redo (getting started)

I got my donar boat with the 250 6cyl today. Heard it run sounds good. The guy said it hadn't ran since last fall when it was fogged out. Time to start gutting the 21'. Wiring and everything will go. Will have lots pics of both. Really can't wait to get it down to the bare bones.

 

[North Beach]

Re: 21' Starcraft Chieftain Redo (getting started)

I just realized, is that a starcraft logo on your steering wheel cap? Can we get a close up? Please?

 

[watr]

Re: 21' Starcraft Chieftain Redo (getting started)

Ya it is, I will get a close up for you . I have a bunch of pics to take tonight. I will try to make them larger too.

 

[Cold Steel 7]

Re: 21' Starcraft Chieftain Redo (getting started)

Did you by chance run across an electrical schematic for that critter? I have a 71 of the same model, could use some teamwork with a schematic.

Thanks,

Cold Steel 7

 

[JCNailen]

Re: 21' Starcraft Chieftain Redo (getting started)

Nice trailer too - triple axles!

 

[watr]

Re: 21' Starcraft Chieftain Redo (getting started)

Electrical in the starcraft was a disaster so it has been completly removed. The wiring in the new boat looks really good so it will be switched over with the gauges and motor. As fo lights and other I will do all new. I did get the original manual for the 71 160hp Merc and it has the electrical diagrams/firing order stuff around the motor. I have the whole inside of the boat gutted now and am going to give it a major pressure washing. Thought I could have a local guy corn blast the paint (sand blast with ground corn husk and cobs, the new green way) off but he said that it is still to course and will pit the finish. So looks like I will be trying the spray on paint stripper , wait 5 min and pressure wash off techneque. This sounds like the best way to do it. I have used it on wood lots of times but not on metal. Is there any thing I should know before I try it? I think it will be pretty straight forward. I will have to stay a safe distance from everything with paint on it . Will for sure kill the grass. Let you know how it turns out. Have more pics soon.

 

[North Beach]

Re: 21' Starcraft Chieftain Redo (getting started)

Watr,
I just did the stripper and power washer technique on my 22 foor Islander and it worked pretty well. I still had some sanding to do to get it really clean. A lot of guys have been going the stripper route here with good results.

 

[watr]

Re: 21' Starcraft Chieftain Redo (getting started)

North beach, thats good to here. I will try it next week.

 

[fshngho]

Re: 21' Starcraft Chieftain Redo (getting started)

Welcome Watr. Waayyy too cool steering wheel! I likey a LOT! If you ever decide to get rid of it, consider it sold. As far as stripper I strongly suggest you get the paste type. I have used both, and the spray works well but you will have it go everywhere. You MUST cover your skin and eyes. The paste works great too, goes farther, and is safer IMO.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: 21' Starcraft Chieftain Redo (getting started)

Nice rig there, if I'm not mistaken it's a Starchief not a Chieftain.

I can't believe fshngho beat me to it, I want to buy that steering wheel myself

Let me know how much he bids on it and I will pay $5 more

Welcome to the fleet, this is a great place to hang out and learn about boats!

 

[fshngho]

Re: 21' Starcraft Chieftain Redo (getting started)

Carefull Mike, you don't know how much I like it.
Besides, I'm sure it isn't for sell............is it?

 

[watr]

Re: 21' Starcraft Chieftain Redo (getting started)

Its been a long time but I am back at her. I had to build a barn to work in and now its under way. ordered stainless rivets and have started replacing. its going well. nice to be back at it and cant wait to finish.......long way to go!

 

[rheagler]

Re: 21' Starcraft Chieftain Redo (getting started)

Welcome back. The Starmada will be hounding you for pics

 

[North Beach]

Re: 21' Starcraft Chieftain Redo (getting started)

Need a close up shot of that steering wheel I'm coming to Canada to pick up.....