72 Islander Project

[LilAnxious]

Hello all. New to the site figured I'd make a post of my new boat project. First boat project, but have done cars before. Buddies dad was selling this thing, and I liked the size for when the big lake kicks up. Has a little more protection than the 178 Polarkraft we salmon fish in now. Hasnt been run in 7 years, but stored inside (pics are from his barn). Transom and floor are solid.

So far new solenoids, and the outdrive moves again, Hydraulic trim tabs electrical issues fixed and are working. New cap, rotor, coil, plugs, etc. Motor spins freely.

Fuel supply has been the only issue so far, Has twin 18g tanks under the seats and port tank was full. Whole top of steel tank corroded though. Starboard tank is empty. Got the port tank all ripped out, and will replace this winter once i know the motor & outdrive is all viable.

Hope to hook up some ears and light the fire (hopefully not literally)on the motor this week, and sea test it soon before they start pulling the docks on the smaller lakes.

 

[coolbikeguy]

Re: 72 Islander Project

looks like an awesome boat. i hope she fires for you. it looks like there is an SS sitting over to the side ??

 

[JimbC]

Re: 72 Islander Project

LilAnxious looks good. +1 it was stored inside. Welcome to the Starcraft Cult don't forget to check out the Starcraft get together threads. We will be waiting on the news, pics and videos.

 

[alumi numb]

Re: 72 Islander Project

you gatta find there fella, dang!

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: 72 Islander Project

Lil looks like a sweet find there maybe 2 as that looks like another Starcraft on the other side of the barn maybe even a Super Sport . Looks like it will be a fairly easy resto on her if she has been stored inside all her life should be pretty solid.



Rick

 

[Kainon]

Re: 72 Islander Project

Definately is a sweet find !!! What is the thing on the left of the steering wheel?? and the right ??? and what is the little panel in front of the Switch Panel? Bilge Pump Switch?

Can you post some pictures of the cabin ? I'd like to see what material they have. Thanks.

 

[Kainon]

Re: 72 Islander Project

That antenna on the cabin roof should get some HD Channels !!

 

[LilAnxious]

Re: 72 Islander Project

Definately is a sweet find !!! What is the thing on the left of the steering wheel?? and the right ??? and what is the little panel in front of the Switch Panel? Bilge Pump Switch?

Can you post some pictures of the cabin ? I'd like to see what material they have. Thanks.

I'll post some more pics. On the left side is the Bennet Trim tab controller, for the hydraulic tabs. The right is a Electronic speedometer, and tripmeter. And yes in front of the switch panel is a bilge switch, auto manual which just runs a manual bilge.

Speaking of bilges, planning to put two bilges in her a 1250 auto on a 1-1/4" line, and a 750 manual on the existing 3/4" line. Any suggestions on this. Is this enough? Mostly Lake Michigan fishing will be the main use of this boat.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: 72 Islander Project

Nice rig lilanxious...love those islanders

Where are you located...I'm a little north of lansing. She will handle the big lake like a dream, especially with dual 18 gallon tanks weighing her down a bit.

Is the other starcraft for sale as well? If it's an SS we could find a good home for her My garage is one possibility, just kidding.

Good luck!

 

[LilAnxious]

Re: 72 Islander Project

Here is a cabin pic, havent event messed with that yet.

And the location of the removed fuel tank. I am assuming this is the original design with the twin 18 gallon tanks, but not sure. There is a left and right switch on the dash powering a solenoid in the rear of the boat that switches tanks. Had to remove the left tank it had about fifteen gallons of orange varnish in it, and an inch of rust sediment. Well ventilated with multiple holes in the top. It was a steel Mirax tank.

Any suggestions on replacing the tanks. Thinking poly Moeller tanks. Is that the way to go?
And then im unsure whether to do smaller twins to balance, or a larger single, keeping 3 batteries and kicker on the opposite side. Any suggestions.

 

[efgolden]

Re: 72 Islander Project

That looks like an aircraft vhf communication antenna mounted above the cabin. Just noticed the other day that both tanks on my `74 Islander have been replaced ....tempo steel showing manufactuer date of `89 on starboard side and plastic on the other.

 

[Kainon]

Re: 72 Islander Project

My Islander had 2 18g Steel tanks, but I didn't have the shelf area behind the side boards, I used them for a while then a couple years ago started having rust problems in the tank, so I found a Moeller Tank that fit the belly perfectly, I was thinking about 2 poly tanks, but I wanted the deck space and wanted to go with 1 tank, no need to think about changing tanks mid cruise and I gained 4 gallons total and about 1-2 more reserve, as before i would have 1-2 gallons in each tank, for 32 usable, I should be able to go 36-38 usable at max. You can use the links on my signature to check out the pictures and tank info, the tank was $150 + $100 shipping from Greatlakesskipper in MI I think to Southern NH.

The 2 18-20 gallon side tanks would've been about $150-250 each. I thought about a custom aluminum tank.. $380 not including shipping. but I found out Ethanol doesn't like alum, would've kept the steel clean, but my tanks had issues and it would've cost about $100-150 to clean and seal them.. I'm just hoping the Ethanol doesn't go any higher as Moeller said their tanks are safe to 10% but not much more.. doesn't look good.

 

[Kainon]

Re: 72 Islander Project

I recently mounted my 1 current starting battery under the floor on the port side, back next to the engine.. pics soon.

 

[elkhunter338]

Re: 72 Islander Project

I have a 21 foot cheiftain (like an islander) it has twin 18 gallon alum. tanks one on each side with a manual valve on the back transmon. My tanks where in good shape and all I had to do is clean them and I did this before I ever used the boat. I have mixed feelings about the twin tanks, they work but if you use the tank opposite the kicker motor that side gets a little light. My kicker is on the drivers side and I have my batteries and outboard tank on the passengers side. I find my self always using fuel out of the driver side and use the other tank just enough to keep fresh fuel in it (always treat with stabilizer). On those 40 mile trips I have to use some fuel out of the 2nd tank, but not that often. If I had a tank go bad I would probably opt for a single tank in the belly of the boat. I would like a few more gallons of fuel say about 38-48 gallons. Make sure on your battery that you keep the battery fumes away from the alum. battery fumes like to eat alum.

 

[Kainon]

Re: 72 Islander Project

On the battery fumes.. Yea.. that would be a problem wouldn't it. the semi-static rear facing engine vent did withdraw from that area, maybe i'll put it back, i was thinking about cutting a hole more into the bilge area for the hose. hmm...

 

[Pugetsound]

Re: 72 Islander Project

Do I see some fairly good looking canvas for the boat?? Wow are you lucky . Canvas is very expensive to have made .That boat back in the water is worth big bucks compaired to any big aluminun boat that size.

 

[LilAnxious]

Re: 72 Islander Project

Do I see some fairly good looking canvas for the boat?? Wow are you lucky . Canvas is very expensive to have made .That boat back in the water is worth big bucks compaired to any big aluminun boat that size.

Yes the canvas is in good shape, side windows too. Just a few snaps to replace on the boat. I even think theres a back with a door opening for it. Been pretty fortunate with what I have found so far on the boat.

The guy I bought it from was about to give this thing to charity. He had been trying to sell it for a few years, just a little too much for him to maintain or take out alone. He wanted 500 bucks for it. I think he really just wanted it to have a good home.

 

[Kainon]

Re: 72 Islander Project

I hate you !!!!!! I REALLY REALLY HATE YOU !!!! .. ok no I'm not.. I hope to see you at TinStock so I can drool and oogle some more..

You have a very very very very sweet find there.. I'll give you 1000$ for it right now !!! sight un-seen.. well kinda !!

regards
Brian

 

[LilAnxious]

Re: 72 Islander Project

An update on the islander.

Rebuilt the carb (After it pumped fuel all over the place on a test start)
Fired right up on the next test fire. A little adjustement on the idle mix and it spins like a top.

Replacing the bilge pump and it should be ready for a sea test this week if the weather allows. If all the mechanics work well, I'll winterize it an start working on the interior & getting it ready for the spring Coho

After ripping out the left side tank.

The old fuel tank, seriously thinking about doing twin 27 Gallons, one under each seat.

 

[North Beach]

Re: 72 Islander Project

Nice lookin boat there LA, but your garage really sux