'79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

[Huron Angler]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Here's a photo of the motor I'm going to buy. It's an 1957 30hp Evinrude Lark, I have been inspired by Bret's thread where he totally restored a '57 rig and the same classic Evinrude.

I absolutely love my '55 Johnson...so I know I will appreciate the simplicity and reliability of the 30hp 'rude as well. I need to pick it up, start a new thread for that motor, and then find the perfect Starcraft for it.

 

[HopeSheFloats]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Here's a photo of the motor I'm going to buy.

Photo is clear as a bell

edit: almost got ya, Mr fast typer you

Sweeeet!

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Photo is clear as a bell

LOL Try it again...I fixed it

 

[lakelover]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

I just spent some time reading through your whole thread-lots of great ideas & tips. Detailed threads like this, along with some others, are almost like a renovator's Bible to me on my first project. Consider this the book of "Huron"!

 

[deadstriper]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Any ideas on how close you are putting your driver seat to the console (in terms of inches)? I'm guessing you're not quite that far along but I thought I'd ask anyway. My seat is very far back so I need to move forward. In doing so, I do notice that it might be easy to knock knees on the wheel.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

I just spent some time reading through your whole thread-lots of great ideas & tips. Detailed threads like this, along with some others, are almost like a renovator's Bible to me on my first project. Consider this the book of "Huron"!

Hey thanks Lakelover, I appreciate the compliment. I've always thought that North Beach's Liquid Limo resto woud make a great book. Something to keep on the coffee table

Any ideas on how close you are putting your driver seat to the console (in terms of inches)? I'm guessing you're not quite that far along but I thought I'd ask anyway. My seat is very far back so I need to move forward. In doing so, I do notice that it might be easy to knock knees on the wheel.

I will get some measurements for you once the deck is back in the boat(for good this time)

My helm seat is a bit farther aft than the port seat. It was like that when I got it and I'm keeping the same layout since I am tall and need the leg room.

Eventually I will buy some sliding seat mounts since people shorter than me will be driving too(well, maybe if I am nice).

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

I got some work done on the rig yesterday(epoxy, epoxy, epoxy and hooked up the steering cable on the motor) in the morning and then got out on my new fishing hole, the private lake that I now have access to

We actually used one of the boats that stay tied to the dock, a nice beamy 12' Smokercraft. I brought my Minn Kota, Humminbird, and 5.5 Johnson and I liked the boat as it was more stable than my more narrow Aerocraft.

We were the only boat on the lake all day so we could troll any pattern that pleased us This meant following the old channel from a creek on one end to the dam/waterfall on the west end. This produced some good action!

My buddy trolled for the first two hours since I forgot all three poles I intended to bring This is the result of my great idea to hide them from myself to avoid delays on the SS.

My wonderful family brought the poles for me and hung out on the dock for a while. This lake is a real gem and I feel like I'm at a remote wooded lake

We caught some bluegills and crappie and had a blast all afternoon. The lake is so free of weeds and snags that we can troll small rapalas and just wait for the fish to strike.

Two of the crappie were very large and I have some photos to post. I think this lake holds some trophy size fish and we will hopefully be getting a few master angler award candidates.

I have two more edges to finish on the main deck pieces and then it's time to get it installed. This should be my biggest week of progress on the rig, still hoping to have it ready to fish for saturday.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Hey you got some work done on the rig AND some fishing, no harassment necessary!

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/boa/1745388016.html

Should I get this 12 gallon aluminum gas tank for the SS? I have been getting more and more concerned that I only have one 6 gallon merc tank.

I could just buy two more 6 gallon merc tanks and be good at 18 gallons but that would cost the same and I would not be mixing 50:1 for three seprate tanks or switching lines...or running out of fuel at potentially inopportune moments(like bad weather or if in a strong current).

What do you guys think?

 

[jasoutside]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/boa/1745388016.html

Should I get this 12 gallon aluminum gas tank for the SS? I have been getting more and more concerned that I only have one 6 gallon merc tank.

I could just buy two more 6 gallon merc tanks and be good at 18 gallons but that would cost the same and I would not be mixing 50:1 for three seprate tanks or switching lines...or running out of fuel at potentially inopportune moments(like bad weather or if in a strong current).

What do you guys think?

I'd say go for it but that is a heck of a drive for you! Do you have some family down there or something?

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

I'd say go for it but that is a heck of a drive for you! Do you have some family down there or something?

Not exactly...but my sister lives in the Kalamazoo area and I'm going to be there this weekend.

It would still be an hour one way to get the tank...but if I am bringing the SS(meaning it's ready for a splash) then it would be a heckuva an excuse to get out on the big lake

I'm covering for an office my company has in Portage this friday so we are staying all weekend for some fun

 

[deadstriper]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

I will get some measurements for you once the deck is back in the boat(for good this time)

My helm seat is a bit farther aft than the port seat. It was like that when I got it and I'm keeping the same layout since I am tall and need the leg room.

Eventually I will buy some sliding seat mounts since people shorter than me will be driving too(well, maybe if I am nice).

No worries on the measurement. After trying to position my seat, I realized that the steering was the bigger problem so I'm focusing on that now.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Here is one of the larger Black Crappie that we caught. They are some nice looking fish.

 

[deadstriper]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Looks like thumbs are good bait

 

[ezmobee]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Should I get this 12 gallon aluminum gas tank for the SS?

I wouldn't. You can get a brand new "portable" 12 gallon tank that you won't have mess with plumbing on for $60.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

I wouldn't. You can get a brand new "portable" 12 gallon tank that you won't have mess with plumbing on for $60.

Knowing that was one of the more difficult things you've accomplished and you speak from experience I should just keep it simple.

I have a new plastic 6 gallon and I could buy the merc fittings for it and be all set with 12 gallons. If I get sick of switching the hose I can take your advice and get a bigger one.


Here's another photo, we weren't the only ones fishing, this Heron was hungry too

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Here is my monster Crappie

My buddy caught it's much larger cousin.

Like I said, I didn't have my poles the entire time so he edged me out in total weight

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

And just in case you think I'm sitting around looking at pictures of fish and stuff...I have resin curing on the top edges of all three deck pieces. One more rotation and I'm done with the edges. The helm dash piece is almost done too.

My helper is sick of dealing with the epoxy. We've had some minor annoyances...like when I dripped a bunch of resin on my portable fish finder transducer cable while it was coiled and when I spilled a bunch on the garage floor :redface: or when I bumped into the wood and almost knocked it over right after a nice coat was applied.

Seems like I am the problem...I sure am glad she is here to help prevent all my disasters from spiraling out of control

 

[HopeSheFloats]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Those are some great fishing photo's!


























What did I ever do, to deserve this punishment......kidding, luv to see em, just want to be in one some time this decade

 

[ezmobee]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Haha I have epoxy all over the friggin' floor.