'79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

[Huron Angler]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

I vote for rivets, that is what it came with, right? Be sure they are the right length and well set. I had to drill some of my new ones out because they just didn't feel right. You could even use small aluminum/stainless washers if going through thin stuff.

Albert

I'm leaning towards rivets myself, thanks for the info

 

[HopeSheFloats]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Great idea test fitting everything first, that's why I over sized my deck sheets, just...in...case ...on those flat surfaces I use the orbital sander instead of the wheel, don't know if it makes any diff, but it just fits my hand so well...no...wait... it's just been in my hand so long now it feels that way, in fact when I comb my hair now I do it in vibrating circles{lol}

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

After lots of thinking I've decided to install the plywood on the bow benches in two pieces. I had considered doing it like agameforus with three pieces...or all in one piece.

The problem with doing it in one piece is that I would need a sheet of plywood 5'x8' which would probably cost more and I'm not even sure where to get bigger sheets.

So the plan is to have a portside piece and a starboard piece. The original storage under each side will still be factory. This should provide some good strength for the entire bow.

I plan to use these compartments strictly for life jackets and other safety gear. They have no hatches so the lifejackets can always be pulled out quickly if needed.

The bow section will get a lifting hatch and will make a great place to keep my anchors or a big deep cycle battey, haven't decided on that yet.

I've been eyeballing rustoleum's "aluminum" color paint, a light grey color. I might go with this for the interior since it will match the vinyl well.

After this week is over I will be able to take vacation time from work We are on a freeze currently due to the IRS deadline approaching. That means I will be able to take an afternoon or full day off next week and really crank out some work.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

I have some thoughts: If the existing "cubbies" will work for you that's great and will save you a ton of time and effort not having to create hatches. And for like jackets and what not they'll be fine. For a hatch in the bow section, I'd totally go with a pre-fab hatch like this http://greatlakesskipper.com/produc...ress-13-inch-x-17-38-inch-boat-cam-hatch.html to save even more time and effort. Just reinforce around it with some additional ply strips.

Stop eyeballing that aluminum paint color. It's shiney and will look cheap and horrible. Trust me on this one.

 

[vegasphotoman]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Hi Mike...just popping in for a HEY YOU! visit....that ne wwood looks good in there

bassing weathers around the corner....get that baby back in the water soon!

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Stop eyeballing that aluminum paint color. It's shiney and will look cheap and horrible. Trust me on this one.

I have ceased and desisted the eyeballing Thanks for the heads up, if I'm not mistaken it sounds like you have some experience with the faux "aluminum" paint LOL

I like that hatch, they seem sturdy and durable. I wonder if my anchors will fit in that opening.

Hi Mike...just popping in for a HEY YOU! visit....that new wood looks good in there

bassing weathers around the corner....get that baby back in the water soon!

Hey Vegas thanks for dropping in and checking out my progress(or lack thereof) If you visit your bro back here in Mich give me a shout

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

I wasn't able to get any pics posted yet but I did make some progress last night. I have been working on the plywood pieces that fit in front of the consoles and get bolted/riveted to the bow structure.

I managed to get one sized pretty well but my jigsaw decided to completely shred the edge on my very last cut. Since I have lots of extra plywood laying around it's no problem, I consider it a very well-built template and I will use it to cut two new pieces.

I did some research and found a store that is ordering some 6'x1"x.0625 aluminum for me pretty cheap. This is for the sub-floor I'm going to rivet down in my ski locker.

I picked up a rechargable 2,000,000 candlepower yellow spotlight as well since I like to stay on the water after dark.

On a more comical topic I somehow faied to take enough pictures as I dismantled the rig and I've got two pieces of aluminum that I have NO idea what to do with I've gone thru all my pics, even the ones I never posted and none have any clues as to their function.

I'm hoping one of the many other SS owners will be able to help me out here.

I guess I'm doing a good job of keeping things interesting.

Photos will be posted tonight.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

This piece will be my template as it needs to be tweaked a bit.

A little mock-up of the consoles...starting to look like an SS again!

These are the mystery pieces of aluminum...

 

[jasoutside]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Nice! Starting to take shape!!!

 

[McGR]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Your making good progress... looking good. I like your color coordinated noodles.

 

[bananaboater]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Some ideas on those mystery pieces. I'm sure you have thought of these.
With just one edge with rivet holes they don't look structural. Although they are pretty heavy gauge. Look to me like infill panels to block a void somewhere. Are there any stains/paint on them you can match up to another part?

Hopefully another SS restorer will know for sure.

Albert

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Looks good HA..
Ya just HAVE to have a fishing pole laying on her dont ya..lol

I bet ya stand in her with the pole making splashy water sounds..

SPLASH GLURG ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ there goes the drag..listen to it SING...Oh Oh yaaa Come on Big Boy!!! Yaaaa Bay-Beeeee

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

I went ahead and made the two new pieces for the consoles. These have a different shape under the gunwales and are to spec(we found the best template that we made back in January with rotten wood right after I finished these)

Miraculously I designed these correctly the second time around and they match the factory design.

They block the wind from whipping thru the gunwales. These will be more snug after they are epoxied and wrapped in marine vinyl.

I went "Mr. Miyagi" on my older son tonight and had him "sand floor" and help out a bit. Notice he has great technique for a 4-year-old

He loves sanding and always picks up bits of wood that are leftover and works with them. He has a ball.

He washed both the caravan and the explorer today for us as well

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Nice! Starting to take shape!!!

Your making good progress... looking good. I like your color coordinated noodles.

Thanks fellas

Some ideas on those mystery pieces. I'm sure you have thought of these.
With just one edge with rivet holes they don't look structural. Although they are pretty heavy gauge. Look to me like infill panels to block a void somewhere. Are there any stains/paint on them you can match up to another part?

Albert

I agree...they are not load-bearing or structural and the gauge is thicker. There was no paint on them, I haven't hit them with the wire wheel yet and they are bare metal. Good eye there and good suggestions

Looks good HA..
Ya just HAVE to have a fishing pole laying on her dont ya..lol

I bet ya stand in her with the pole making splashy water sounds..

SPLASH GLURG ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ there goes the drag..listen to it SING...Oh Oh yaaa Come on Big Boy!!! Yaaaa Bay-Beeeee

LOL there are three rods and reels laying on the boat...to keep me properly motivated and out of reach of the little guys who would be making splashy noises and playing around

 

[jasoutside]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Ooohhh, sand a floor Danielson. Yooosh.

Great progress Huron!

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Keep in mind that this is only a mock-up prior to sealing all the wood with epoxy. If I plan on having more than one starcraft that means this will be stored outdoors so I want her to last

I've decided to go back to a three piece design for the bow plywood. Doing it with two pieces and putting a hatch in the bow would not be structurally sound.

Hopefully I will get these cut tonight and get ready to seal the ply. My order to clarkcraft is in.

 

[SnowHunter]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Good progress there, H!!! Good to see the youngin helpin out too!!!!

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Good progress there, H!!! Good to see the youngin helpin out too!!!!

Thanks SnowHunter

We try to keep the kids busy and out of trouble if we can. I'm hoping they will be able to help out a bit more when I get a 26' Starcraft Islander to work on

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Here's an inside view of the port console front piece. I think the mystery aluminum pieces might fit here as a wind block like Bananaboater suggested.

I got the placement done for the ski locker. Then I set in the seat bases for the heck of it to make sure everything looks ok. It does.

I will cut the ski locker out prior to epoxy. The noodles are in the way a bit for the helm seat base but I will just apply force and compress the foam. It should make the seats very solid.

I'm not sure if I'm going to put the stern seat base there or build a box back there as a casting platform. That will be decided later on.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Check out those fishing rods at the ready leaning on the splashwell, looks like you are ready to make a few casts at any second!