68 Starcraft Starchief 18' Cuddy Restoration

[CheapboatKev]

Re: 68 Starcraft Starchief 18' Cuddy Restoration

Such a beautiful boat Bret..

I think muffs are better than a bucket though?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 68 Starcraft Starchief 18' Cuddy Restoration

Looks gorgeous. Good luck on your test run.

 

[wrfalpacas]

Re: 68 Starcraft Starchief 18' Cuddy Restoration

Thanks Guys,

Kevin, I was going to the local marina to buy a set of muffs, but got stopped by my marine mechanic. He said that muffs work but they don't test the water pumps so you will not know if they really work till you get to the lake. If you immerse the lower unit and let the pumps work as designed, you can test the cooling system too. the risk to that is overheating the bucket water, but I will take a pic and show you what I did to keep that from happening.

 

[wrfalpacas]

Re: 68 Starcraft Starchief 18' Cuddy Restoration

The name came in the mail today (From iboats graphics department) so I had to get it on. Also spruced up the outdrive with a fresh coat of paint. Kev, here is the bucket fill line, it keeps the tub full even with the splashingof the exhaust, and I could even idle with the prop in forward and reverse to check the shifting adjustment. FYI: The name pays homage to the WWII destroyer sailors as well as making a fun jab at the boat restoration materials.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 68 Starcraft Starchief 18' Cuddy Restoration

Oh wow Brett, super awesome!!!

Have ya got some more photos of er? Interior? I need some inspiration buddy!

Cheers

 

[wrfalpacas]

Re: 68 Starcraft Starchief 18' Cuddy Restoration

TO DO Before Launch List:

Get the trailer license

Apply Pinstriping and Side striping when it arrives

Install cabin solar vent fan when it arrives

Fix stripped out screw in power trim pump housing when the repair materials arrive

Get new tires to replace the dry rotted old tires that are on the trailer

Wax boat one more time

Don"t forget the transom plug

I was thinking about getting one of these for trolling, what do you guys think?

Invisibly turn a recreation boat into a fishing boat. These motors mount on the cavitation plate of your outboard or I/O lower unit without hindering performance. Once on plane, the EM Motor rides completely out of the water. Speed is controlled by a corded remote control and you can steer with the boat's steering wheel. All electronics are housed in a fully waterproof control module. Maximizer technology controls the draw of power at infinitely variable speeds to eliminate wasted energy and conserve battery power. Weedless Wedge II prop. is 100% weedless. Two year warranty.

 

[sprintst]

Re: 68 Starcraft Starchief 18' Cuddy Restoration

What a cool looking boat. You should be proud of yourself.

That Min Kota idea is real cool as well. I'll probably do the same.

 

[BobsGlasstream]

Re: 68 Starcraft Starchief 18' Cuddy Restoration

wrfalpacas,
Extremely sweet.
Great work
Bob

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 68 Starcraft Starchief 18' Cuddy Restoration

Um, does your wife know you are using her nice piano bench to get in and out of your rig?

Don't worry, I won't tell her

 

[wrfalpacas]

Re: 68 Starcraft Starchief 18' Cuddy Restoration

Jas,

You caught that huh?

 

[wrfalpacas]

Re: 68 Starcraft Starchief 18' Cuddy Restoration

Update: 2 days till launch

Trailer license taken care of today. I also got the pinstriping on tonight. I had a little helper for that

 

[timfives]

Re: 68 Starcraft Starchief 18' Cuddy Restoration

that is one great looking boat! Nice work

T

 

[bananaboater]

Re: 68 Starcraft Starchief 18' Cuddy Restoration

Outstanding Bret. Take video at splash...

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 68 Starcraft Starchief 18' Cuddy Restoration

Man is there anything you don't do awesome?

 

[MichaelP]

Re: 68 Starcraft Starchief 18' Cuddy Restoration

That looks so sweet, very classy! It kills me to see my 69 chief OB out back just calling me to get started. You wouldn't by any chance have the templates you used for the floors and bulk heads would ya? Pics of the hatch hardware along with other internal details would be nice for my reference library.

 

[wrfalpacas]

Re: 68 Starcraft Starchief 18' Cuddy Restoration

Michael,

I have a template for the front window, plenty of window u channel, and can dimension off the flloor pcs and bulkheads for you, and will photograph the details as well.

 

[brobrad]

Re: 68 Starcraft Starchief 18' Cuddy Restoration

TO DO Before Launch List:

Get the trailer license

Apply Pinstriping and Side striping when it arrives

Install cabin solar vent fan when it arrives

Fix stripped out screw in power trim pump housing when the repair materials arrive

Get new tires to replace the dry rotted old tires that are on the trailer

Wax boat one more time

Don"t forget the transom plug

I was thinking about getting one of these for trolling, what do you guys think?

Invisibly turn a recreation boat into a fishing boat. These motors mount on the cavitation plate of your outboard or I/O lower unit without hindering performance. Once on plane, the EM Motor rides completely out of the water. Speed is controlled by a corded remote control and you can steer with the boat's steering wheel. All electronics are housed in a fully waterproof control module. Maximizer technology controls the draw of power at infinitely variable speeds to eliminate wasted energy and conserve battery power. Weedless Wedge II prop. is 100% weedless. Two year warranty.

WOW, that is a great looking boat. i wish i could have kept my starchief, but the cuddy doesn't do good in South MS. As far as the trolling motor, i'm sure they are great for what they are intended. The only hang up witll be shallow water. I typically have my motor trimmed up when i am trolling, but i may be great.

 

[MichaelP]

Re: 68 Starcraft Starchief 18' Cuddy Restoration

I could definately use the windshield template and window u-channel. I'll send a message so we can talk about details.

BTW...I sent a copy of your finished work to my wife and she responded..... "Is ours going to look that good?!!!!!"

Mike

 

[wrfalpacas]

Re: 68 Starcraft Starchief 18' Cuddy Restoration

Woo Hoo!Splash! The Tin Can went for her shakedown cruise with the admiral and her Highness Katlyn. There were smiles all around and she performed nearly flawlessly, save for one stall while decellerating due to needing a little adjustment in the carburator float. As it is a virtually new motor we took it easy for the first hour or so then with gradual speed changes over the next hour to get a good seat in the rings. Managed to ease her up to 4500 rpm though and got a gps speed of 30 -32 KTS! not bad for a little 4 banger. had a chance to drop the hook and go for a little swim, got a couple of fish eye level shots of the boat and the happy admiral. The new solar exhaust fan in the cabin worked great and Katie was able to take a nap while we relaxed and enjoyed the day.

Video:http://s302.photobucket.com/albums/nn96/wrfalpacas/?action=view&current=starchiefsplash0005.mp4

 

[starcrafter65]

Re: 68 Starcraft Starchief 18' Cuddy Restoration

Very Nice - Looks Showroomy and Everything