'79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

[jspano]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

nice pics, looks like a good time was had by all!!

mike is that a jack plate on the boat or a bracket???

any close up's of that??

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Great pictures and a real cute son!! Why is his hair rusted

LOL It's Scotch-Irish corrosion...the kid loves to play in the rain

Great photos of why we do it!

Thanks, and I agree 100%

Congrats on the sucess..But mainly that Huron Jr KNOWS to wear his PFD!!

As a former lifeguard I am a natural stickler for safety and I'm glad he complies!

nice pics, looks like a good time was had by all!!

mike is that a jack plate on the boat or a bracket???

any close up's of that??

It a CMC hydraulic bracket, 7800lbs of lifting power. It sets the Merc back 6" and I love it, just need to rewire the 40amp relays so it works all the time.

This thing runs about $600 brand new...so it was a real bonus as I paid 1k for the whole rig.

 

[jspano]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

thanks,
really, really thinking ahead i would like to get a jack plate for mine(the gulf is real shallow here) the ones i have seen looks like that, but it goes straight up and down and then of course you still have the t&t, about 900.00 for 115hp

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Wow things have really slowed down on my project since we started fishing on the rig

I have been doing lots of thinking about where to best mount the SS anchor chocks. I'd like them on the bow but with the rails it wouldn't be ideal.

I'm trying to keep the peak of the bow clear for climbing in and out while beached, so maybe I will just use the bow cleats for the anchor?

I have been frustrated by the trim/tilt and I will be totally rewiring the rig soon. Just need a 4-6 gang switch panel and a new relay box.

I'm heading out with three friends after work today so we will test the boat with a full load. Nice weather here finally since the rain stopped finally.

I have been selling unused boating gear including my 12' canoe(too small) and I actually managed to get my air-cooled 1.2hp Aquabug running the other day! I had it listed cheap on CL but it's value just went up

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Forgot to mention that I had a mini debacle. I lost the key for my Merc and had to buy one at my Merc dealer. Good thing is it only cost $4.77

They gave me a huge ring full of keys and told me "good luck"...the second one I tried was a winner

The other debacle that I haven't mentioned yet is that I hooked up the rack for the steering under the column rather than above...so my steering is backwards:redface:

This will be an easy fix since I've already torn down and assembled the entire steering system a half-dozen times already (I have learned alot about teleflex morse controls in the last month or so)

My favorite thing to do with the boat is to use my Merc as a huge rudder and steer the boat from thehelm while the kicker or Minn Kota is running. Who needs expensive EZ steers?

It works great as long as you don't need precision turning, and is way more comfy than sitting on the splashwell cross beam. If needed I just step back and get on the tiller in a second.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNLRJ0JpgMM&feature=player_embedded#!

This is my new theme song for the boat...it's a few of my friends in the band.

We've discussed the very real possibility of filming a video on the water using the SS, a pontoon(for the generator) and a few smaller vessels for the cameras

 

[fshngho]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Checking in with you my friend. I've been keeping up with you on your SS . It is amazing how your experiences mirror my own. I had a big smile on my face when I read about the backwards steering. Yeah, I did it too. But I didn't realize it untill I had launched my bass boat, fired up the 135 hp and tried to avoid a couple other boats No damage or contact to anyone..but did I look COOL!....not. I also knew, again from experience, that once you got your boat usable the resto would slow down a bit. And that's all well and good my friend. Its been a long winter and you have to enjoy your work, not to mention "test" everything You in a race? Take your time, do it right, but enjoy. Besides, you and your son aren't getting any younger.
Regards, Dale

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Here are a couple photos of the rig at my little fishing hole...which lacks a dock and is a VERY shallow launch. The SS barely floats thru the lilypads and no boat larger than this will ever fish here

My new(old) water skis! They are kinds ugly and I might do a little restoration work on these.

I got a hand-me-down freezer that we'll keep in the garage. Easy to load the coolers up with ice and fill it back up with fish when we get home.

I wonder how long it will take to fill it with frozen fillets? I was considering a kegerator conversion but it probably run too cold to be feasible.

The 5.5hp Johnson kicker in action.

 

[lakelover]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

The 5.5hp Johnson kicker in action.

How come you're not using the 80?

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

How come you're not using the 80?

LOL on that lake(40 acres) I'd better have the motor turned when I bring the throttle down or else I'll beach it pretty fast

I haven't fired up the Merc there yet since my trim/tilt needs to be rewired. I can use the manual tilt but haven't felt like dealing with the hassle yet.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

I have updated my list of things to do...I figured it would be good motivation to review what I've been ignoring while fishing.

For my own reference and anyone's interest I thought I'd post a list of what still needs to be done in approximate order...

Stuff that will be done very soon...

Rivet in remaining aluminum pieces in ski locker DONE!
Apply second coat of epoxy to bottom side of all plywood DONE!
Attach seat base backing plates w/ epoxy and drill holes Cancelled
Final cleaning of interior hull including limber drains DONE!
Attach deck to stringers and ribs using screws w/ 3M 5200 DONE!
Install vinyl on main deck DONE!
Install vinyl on sides of hull DONE!
Build seat box for helm Postponed/cancelled
Wrap all smaller plywood pieces in vinyl Ran out of vinyl!
Paint all interior aluminum w/ Marine Rustoleum yellow
Install helm, switches, steering Almost done!
Reinforce bow structure w/ riveted aluminum pieces
Attach windshield to consoles(still need foam/rubber to seat frame on)
Attach the rest of plywood to interior, consoles, bow
Get Merc carbs rebuilt, new plugs, impellar and other maint
Once Merc is running great---new decals and paint

Stuff that will happen pretty soon...

Hook up fuse box and wire entire boat with new wiring
Paint all yellow trim on gunwales, exterior
Attach transducer, speed wheel and mount Garmin fishfinder
Reinstall SS rails, cleats, lights, SS rod holders DONE!
Paint exterior hull some shade of grey or white...undecided
Remove Mercury and rebuild transom
Attach kicker bracket for 5.5 Johnson
Strip rust off trailer
Prime and paint trailer w/ Rustoleum
Attach Starcraft decals on boat and trailer

Stuff that will happen even later on down the road($$)...

Make side cushions and mount to bow gunwale sides
Make snap-in removable cushions for bow seats in front of consoles
Build storage box in stern for cooler/livewell w/ elevated seat base
Buy and attach teak swim platform/ladder
Buy additional rod holders for the bow rails
Buy bow-mount troller and install
Buy some downriggers and install
Buy canvas top and bow cover(someday hopefully)

Did I miss anything?!?

Stuff I forgot...
Clean and oil teak ski locker cover
Build new side panels after deciding what materials to use
Fabricate and install rod storage on shelves
Buy VHF radio and antenna and install
Cutout hole for Eclipse CD player(already have it), buy speakers and install
Buy teak boards and install on gunwales
Build platform over splashwell possibly removable
Noodles and foam under deck DONE!

 

[83mulligan]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Huron, you may want to really consider some of the track mount rod holders for the type of fishing you do. They are high quality and have infinite flexibility in positioning. Look at vector and trax tech. The flush mounts work great, but they are fixed and your rod tips tend to all end up on the same plane.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Huron, you may want to really consider some of the track mount rod holders for the type of fishing you do. They are high quality and have infinite flexibility in positioning. Look at vector and trax tech. The flush mounts work great, but they are fixed and your rod tips tend to all end up on the same plane.

I have to agree, some tracks would be great. My dad's big water rig has them and they let you do whatever you need as far as moving riggers or rod holders around.

I will probably wait on those($$) until I have a 18-22' rig, hopefully an Islander or Chieftain.

 

[Triton II]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

... until I have a 18-22' rig, hopefully an Islander or Chieftain.

Now you're thinking straight!

TII

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Checking in with you my friend. I've been keeping up with you on your SS . It is amazing how your experiences mirror my own. I had a big smile on my face when I read about the backwards steering. Yeah, I did it too. Regards, Dale

Hey thanks for sharing your experience Dale, glad it turned out ok for all. I figured I wasn't the only one

It's not bad actually since nobody else wants to drive the rig with it backwards. I got the hang of it pretty quick...but it's getting fixed asap

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Since it was the longest day of the year we had to get on the water last night. Headed over to another private lake that's really close by.

I usually don't boat there since you have to unlock a gate first, there's no dock, it's a no-wake lake and it's packed with houses all the way around. I like a bit more seclusion and quiet when I'm fishing.

The kids ended up playing on the beach the whole time(they felt like they were up north) and I tried to determine if there are actually walleye in the lake. They are stocked according to the guy in charge.

Hauled in some huge bluegill and a little bass, no wallies. Almost got chased off the lake by a storm threatening but it fizzled out.

I have been taking on a tiny bit of water and I'm going to replace my drain plug first to see if it's the culprit. It is bent a little so I'm hoping it's that simple of a fix

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Well I'm happy to report that I managed to accomplish two things last night

First I fixed my drain plug and the boat is dry again (just needed to turn the flip ring a few times to tighten it and no leaks again)

Secondly I caught two walleye and proved that they are in the little private lake as suspected! (just need to catch some big ones now)

I have to share the experience...we were catching bluegills like fishing in a barrel for a bit using waxworms. Water was glass, great night to be out.

I decided to tie on a spinner to try to hook into something more substantial and got a nice young walleye on the first cast!

I released the little guy to grow bigger(catch and release lake too) and launched the mepps back into the same spot. A bluegill hits it as it approached the boat and I caught two fish in two casts

It felt like we were filming a commercial for mepps spinnerbaits.

I hope to have some restoration progress to report soon, been putting in lots of time on the water and couldn't be happier about the boat so far.

 

[Broadcast]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

What? No walleye pics?

Gotta love it when your hard work results in relaxing time on the water!

Boat looks even better ON the water!

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Broadcast you almost spoke too soon...here's the baby walleye. Isn't he a cute little fish?

And we caught a black crappie. This lake is catch and release only, so we complied. Lots of action, and only one pontoon with an annoying dog barking relentlessly.

A couple shots of the lake...packed with houses.

 

[Triton II]

Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Hey HA, I've asked the mods to move this thread to the Freshwater Fishing forum...

Nah, only kidding! Nice little fish by the way!

TII