'67 Holiday 18' - Make it Usable

[Berdink]

They may have some used in good shape props that you could buy at a reduced rate and return for a different one if that one doesn't work out.

My guess with a light Holly 18', a 75 HP motor that a 17p x 13-1/4"d aluminum 3 blade would hit the mark.

Most likely they'll want to sell you the most expensive prop they have and if that's the case get the recommendation and come back to our sponsor for a new prop, free shipping and you can get a 5% discount "forum5".

Solas Amita Aluminum Boat Propeller #4411-133-17 for Suzuki 75 HP Outboard 1983 - 1997 DT 75 - iboats.com

Fast shipping and huge savings on Solas Amita Aluminum Boat Propeller #4411-133-17 for Suzuki 75 HP Outboard 1983 - 1997 DT 75

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Yeah, the local shop wants $250 new and $100 to $150 used - depending on condition.
.
I took the prop off today and the shaft feels nice and tight in the lower unit - no play at all.
But the prop has some play on the shaft itself - the fit is somewhat loose.
.
I guess I have a 13-1/2 diameter by 15 inch pitch prop. 13 spline shaft.
It says made in Japan and looks original to the motor.
.
My use is a fishing boat, I don't care for speed. I'm more concerned about not putting too much of a load on the old engine and being able to keep all my gear loaded up in the boat, along with the 4 of us fishing.

 

[Watermann]

With that much of a load then a 15p replacement would be a good choice.

 

[Berdink]

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.
I'm so happy the boat gave me no issues, and the motor runs so nice.
Hopefully the new prop eliminates the vibration.

 

[Stinnett21]

A quick internet search of your motor show rpm range to be 4800-5300. With your anticipated load of 4 buddies on board you want that zuke turning around 5300 when lightly loaded. That should put you into the sweet spot when fully loaded. A tach is essential when trying to dial in a prop. With the prop as damaged as yours I wouldn't run the boat again until another prop is installed.

 

[Berdink]

Thanks for the help.
New propeller should be here Friday.
I did some searching on a 2-cycle oil and went with this:

https://www.amazon.com/Pennzoil-Marine-XLF-Engine-Gallon/dp/B01M6YFXC0/ref=asc_df_B01M6YFXC0/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198091122898&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8240507278790827407&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9052589&hvtargid=pla-385842631621&psc=1

 

[BWR1953]

Thanks for the help.
New propeller should be here Friday.
I did some searching on a 2-cycle oil and went with this:

https://www.amazon.com/Pennzoil-Marine-XLF-Engine-Gallon/dp/B01M6YFXC0/ref=asc_df_B01M6YFXC0/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198091122898&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8240507278790827407&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9052589&hvtargid=pla-385842631621&psc=1

That's what I use too.

 

[Berdink]

Took her out to the lake today.
Only my second time out with her.

 

[classiccat]

Starcraft on the Water!!

She looks high and dry!

 

[Watermann]

Dreary day but it's great to get out there

 

[Berdink]

And we caught some trout. So it was a really good day. I'm feeling pretty good for never owning a boat before and that so far things have went good. Although, at the dock I asked my friends, am I missing anything. The teenager - (my friend's grandson) spoke up and said, isn't there a plug that goes in that hole there?'

 

[Berdink]

I have had my boat out a few more times. The motor, although being a 1985 motor is running beautiful and the shop said it has good compression.
But really, what's the point in buying a newer expensive boat. I can understand a newer motor, but the boat itself, I can't see what I would gain over this boat.
A newer car will have newer features, but I just don't see what I'm missing with my economy 18 foot aluminum StarCraft.

 

[Moserkr]

I looked at some $50,000 aluminum boats at basspro as I was rebuilding mine. The craftsmanship was hideous. When my motor works the boat is great haha. A new motor would be nice too, but wouldnt ever trade the boat itself for anything new. Its a great feeling to know every rivet, bolt, and square inch of the boat is done right to your own standards. Glad you are enjoying yours!! Share some more pics

 

[Berdink]

Was out on the Columbia and saw a few StarCrafts. To me it's like spotting a nice classic car.

 

[Berdink]

I think I mentioned it earlier, but there was a weird wiring issue where I was getting a tiny shock touching the aluminum. So I removed all the wiring except what was needed for the motor so I could continue to use the boat. Little by little I'm getting things hooked back up. Got the fish finder that was included with the boat going this last weekend. Everything checks out in test mode and simulation mode. Just need to get back out to try it for real. Hopefully some coho in the next couple weeks.

 

[havoc_squad]

But really, what's the point in buying a newer expensive boat. I can understand a newer motor, but the boat itself, I can't see what I would gain over this boat.
A newer car will have newer features, but I just don't see what I'm missing with my economy 18 foot aluminum StarCraft.

That's how sales and marketing stay employed.

Make what they offer now appear to be the best and that you would be crazy to not buy now but instead keep your old version. Never mind that worry about being enslaved to 5 years of debt.

Apple iPhones I would say are the best common example of marketing power to get people to buy new unnecessarily.

 

[Berdink]

Would a 4hp be enough for trolling with my boat?

 

[Berdink]

I had some fun with it this last spring/summer, but I realized I didn't like climbing over the windshield to get to the bow for anchoring. I came up with a rope system that worked pretty good, but still, I know it'll be easier to just have an open bow.
However, reading these forums I read of where depending on the kinda water you find yourself in, a closed bow is safer.
So I decided to make mine a semi open bow.
Lots of trim and buttoning things up to go, but here is what I settled on.
And with this I can make a hood or cover if needed.

 

[Berdink]

Then I can put a hinged hatch lid over the two storage spaces on either side like this.

 

[Moserkr]

I think a 4hp kicker would probably be minimal and would be over-worked in the long run, especially in currents.

Interesting half-open bow idea! Curious to see how it turns out. Definitely makes the space more useable and the anchor accessible.

 

[Berdink]

I could have sworn that I asked this before.
What would we guess my boat with 75hp 2-stroke and trailer combined weigh?
And how much would that put on my tongue with it on my single axle trailer?