'79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

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fshngho

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Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

C'mon Mike, how in the heck are you going to tow a camper AND a boat? Wait...I have both....nevermind.:rolleyes:
 

Huron Angler

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Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Well I don't have any updates as far as progress on the restoration...since we've been having fun throughout the "work in progress" phase:D

That's going to shift back to full-time resto mode soon enough as the temps drop and the water ices over:(

We had the rig out on Lake Ovid in Sleepy Hollow state park last thursday and I was happy that my kicker is running much better these days. It took some tweaking on the rich/lean settings and a bit of patience.

Yesterday we ran down the grand river from Lansing to Dimondale(about 7 miles) and had as much fun as you can with a motor spinning under 4k rpm:)

I've been gettin lots of "thumbs up" at the launch lately as folks love an old aluminum boat around these parts. One guy last night says, "Is that a '76?"

I replied, "79, close enough" and he goes on to say how much his family loved their old '76 SuperSport, which was an 18 footer. He was splashing a classic 'glass rig with a inline 6 Merc tower of power, but clearly he would like to have another old Starcraft based on his comments:)

I have been learning the spots in the river to avoid and we had a nice trouble free afternoon. I was a good captain and let the crew catch all the fish(I was busy keeping the boat in the best spots and avoiding the many pontoons and bass boats that frequent that stretch).

We landed 4 Northern Pike, 3 largemouth bass, a huge bluegill and a real nice pumpkinseed sunfish:cool: The fishing has been good with the temps dropping and water levels pretty low.

I'm looking forward to getting some work done on the boat soon, thanks to all for hanging in there while we enjoyed the rig this summer.

We have decided that the 16' SS is a great boat for our family for at least another couple years, so the focus will shift to getting a new transom installed, working on the Merc while it's off the boat, and making her pretty(paint, polishing, decals, and trailer).

I have some new ideas involving lots of aluminum and rivets for my under splashwell storage that I can't wait to get started on.

I hope to have some photos posted soon, I have them stored on various computers and have been slacking on posting them:D
 

Huron Angler

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Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

I forgot to add that I went to the best boating/hunting/fishing/camping garage sale of my life on saturday and myself and a buddy made out like bandits.

I scored a 70qt Igloo Marine cooler, complete with wheels, towing handle and built-in fish-cleaning lid w/ ruler to check if fish are legal length...for $20:D

Also brought home a late-70s vintage Plano tackle box full of old "Little Cleos"(the spoons with a naked lady on the back;)) and Mepps spinners for $10...and a brand-new fillet knife for $3.:)

My buddy saw the salmon fishing rods before me and got 3 9' rods w/ heavy reels for $100 total. He also scored a nice tree pruner/saw for $10 that he already sold for $40(american pickers style). We ran out of cash or else we may have bought a new fish smoker for $30 as well.

The new cooler would be a good candidate for a home-made livewell as it's pretty well insulated and has a good drain. I will be considering this over the winter, as my boys get a real kick out of watching bluegill swim around after catching one:D
 

Huron Angler

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Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

The rig beached on the shore of Burt Lake.

DSCF7595.JPG


Making sure I stayed out of the swimming area, running the Minn Kota.

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My two special ladies at the world's largest limestone quarry in Rogers City.

DSCF7614.JPG


This is a massive hole in the earth due to strip mining. My grandpa retired from Calcite, and my dad worked on the freighters that hauled it years ago.

I am hoping they can turn it into a very deep lake someday but it's probably not feasible.:p

DSCF7612.JPG


A view of the two islands on Lake Ovid. There were guys hunting for geese camped out on each one. We didn't know that and probably ruined the hunt.

DSCF7706.JPG
 

HopeSheFloats

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Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Great photos Mike, that camp ground at Burt lake looks awfully familiar :D
of course the only time I was there, I was boatless :( ...'boatless', I didn't say beerless ;):D

Nice scores at the sale too!
 

jasoutside

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Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Great shots there Mike! Great to hear that you'll be working on the rig again. I am way jealous of all that fun you had on the SS this summer:D
 

Huron Angler

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Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Great pics. I got sucked into thinking boats are for just working on.

Nice to see the boat in action...

LOL...well I did do some work on the boat while we were on the water. Nice to get some of the electrical squared away while anchored, sipping a beer and watching my bobber:)

Absolutely. Two classy ladies and water. What more could you want?

TII

Thanks Triton, and amen to that!:D

Great photos Mike, that camp ground at Burt lake looks awfully familiar, of course the only time I was there, I was boatless...'boatless', I didn't say beerless

Nice scores at the sale too!

Thanks Kenny, yeah we showed up with plenty of cold Labatt's and a few Bell's Oberon. Turns out all my cousins brought beer too so we had no problems in that department, well we did run out of time;)

Great shots there Mike! Great to hear that you'll be working on the rig again. I am way jealous of all that fun you had on the SS this summer:D

Thanks Jason, glad I could help motivate you for next spring buddy. I need to get some work done before EZ moves this thread over to dockside chat!:p
 

vegasphotoman

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Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Thanks Paul...every time I go back and visit up north it makes me really wonder why I ever left

Then I quickly realize that this is Michigan and without my job downstate the boating budget would vanish faster than a Detroit Lions lead at halftime

Let me know when you are heading back here again, maybe next summer eh?

Heya Mike! the boat looks great in that pic at the open pit mine....so does the wife! :)

if you look at the Merc in that pic the min kota kinda looks like a raven sitting on the motor! I'd love to see ya add some cool hub caps (spinners?) no just kidding, or alum rims to match up to the slick look of your rig (boat)

cool score on the fish.... Im definetly making time for some fishin while next in Mich....always a great place fish nearby from just about anywhere its almost IMPOSSIBLE to get skunked

Not sure when we'll make it back to Michigan.......trying to save up enough to buy a house outright here out west....clear up uncle sam :eek: from 07 and such too....might be a couple years but ya never know! :D
 

losdinspace

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Aug 23, 2010
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Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

I removed these two steel plates from the stern gunwales, I think they were used to hold either downriggers or a board across the stern that held downriggers.

DSCF5302.jpg


They were rusty as all heck and were mounted in probably the hardest to reach spot on the boat.



I think that these are for a bar that goes across to hold a rope for water skiing. I saw one when I was looking for a SS.
 

Huron Angler

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Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

I think that these are for a bar that goes across to hold a rope for water skiing. I saw one when I was looking for a SS.

Hey thanks for the info losdinspace, I never really knew for sure what those were. Was it a pylon that stood up vertically or just a horizontal bar?

I haven't done any skiing or tubing yet since my Merc hasn't been touched and needs some TLC.

I priced out a carb kit and was pleasantly surprised at the price($37.53) so if I get two of those and get to work this winter I will be able to hit actual WOT hopefully.
 

STARCRAFT16SS

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Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Hello Heron Angler....those ss rod holders at the stern....with the rods in the holders while trolling....do you feel that the rods might be yanked out with a snag or large fish??? I thought about putting something like that on my boat
but wondered if I should go with streight up and down 90deg holders or
angle them out to the side instead of toward the stern...it is something I should be concerned about??? how are yours working out??? :D
 

Huron Angler

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Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Hello Heron Angler....those ss rod holders at the stern....with the rods in the holders while trolling....do you feel that the rods might be yanked out with a snag or large fish??? I thought about putting something like that on my boat
but wondered if I should go with streight up and down 90deg holders or
angle them out to the side instead of toward the stern...it is something I should be concerned about??? how are yours working out??? :D

I think that the line would break or empty the spool, no worries of them being yanked out. I only use rods with pretty long corked handles so plenty of leverage there.

The holders are deep enough to allow for a good solid hold on the rod.

As far as the angle, since I have been trolling without downriggers it hasn't mattered too much, but I would angle them out more to each side. I have had lines tangle on turns with my setup.

The two I installed are 70 or 30 degree depending on how you look at it. The 15 or 85 degree might've been better, keeping the rod tip up is always a good thing. I ordered these in a hurry one day thinking that they were the 15's:redface: but they work well:D

I want to get a 90 degree to hold a net on the port side near the windshield, I wouldn't use one for a rod while trolling, too vertical for using when fishing while anchored with a bobber or jig.
 

STARCRAFT16SS

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Mar 25, 2008
Messages
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Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

you said you are thinking about getting a holder for a net on the port side near the windshield...long term ...I think I will install a radio ant. there..
I did put a net holder in the walkway between the windshields..If I'm in the bow fishing with my brother in the stern...we both can get to the net...
also holds my 2 pliers for retreving lures out of Northern's mouths... when the
boat is on the move I prefere the net not be in the holder...or I use a
bungee cord to bundle up the extra net that flaps around in the wind
 

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Huron Angler

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Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

http://lansing.craigslist.org/boa/1973911008.html

Just saw this 3-blade prop for sale and I'm itching to go buy it.

I also want to get a tach rigged up so I can track performance with each prop, and also before and after rebuilding the carbs.

The kits are $37 for each...which isn't bad, and I know a guy locally that can walk me thru it...or just rebuild them for a reasonable fee if I need any help.

I've got buddies with auto carb experience willing to take things apart but I know that it's not the same.

I have some big plans and schemes that I've been hatching for my new transom/splashwell/bilge area that I'm ready to get to work on.

Spent the afternoon today moving tools from the garage to the basement with my 5-year old son. We are setting up a work shop indoors to make room for at least my AeroCraft to fit in the garage, and hopefully the SS.

I will have some photos later this week, I still need to get my rivet gun fixed before I can get to work.:D
 

fshngho

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Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Mike, don't sweat the carbs. They are really easier than you think. I know you are aware that a tach is a required instrument on any boat. Get one!
Since I'm picking on ya, where's the pics of the new paint job on the little boat? I mean, you haven't posted on your thread much lately, but to starve me of Pics? the pain..the pain
 

mrlassi1

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Aug 30, 2009
Messages
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Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Is your current prop a 2 blade model? Just looking at the recent pic of your ladies.

One of my past rigs was a 16' glass Kenner Ski Barge with a Merc 850. When I bought it from a relative the boat had a rotten transom, a tree growing out of the driver's seat and the engine had a bad lower unit. I located a blown tower of power 150 with power trim and a good lower unit including a 3 blade SS prop. Paid $500 for all - the guy threw in a new starting battery.

Retasked the lower unit to the 850 and had the 19" SS prop repitched to 17". The tower's lower unit has a higher gear ratio and straight cut gears vs beveled in the 850. The power trim system fit fine too. You have to love the engineering and quality OEM parts that went into the Mercs. After a new transom, interior, and paint job she looked respectable once again. That rig would run out right up there in the WOT RPM range (remember, tachs are mandatory equipment - SMILE and I love the way you simply plug the tach into the front side of the Merc control box).

Nice to read about your use of your rig and your planned improvements.

Keep up the good work.
 

Huron Angler

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Re: '79 Starcraft SS 16 restoration

Mike, don't sweat the carbs. They are really easier than you think. I know you are aware that a tach is a required instrument on any boat. Get one!
Since I'm picking on ya, where's the pics of the new paint job on the little boat? I mean, you haven't posted on your thread much lately, but to starve me of Pics? the pain..the pain

Oh I posted some in my AeroCraft thread:) Just a coat of zinc chromate so far. Hopefully we'll get the garage cleared out enough to finish painting this week so I can get back to work on the SS.

Is your current prop a 2 blade model? Just looking at the recent pic of your ladies.

One of my past rigs was a 16' glass Kenner Ski Barge with a Merc 850. When I bought it from a relative the boat had a rotten transom, a tree growing out of the driver's seat and the engine had a bad lower unit. I located a blown tower of power 150 with power trim and a good lower unit including a 3 blade SS prop. Paid $500 for all - the guy threw in a new starting battery.

Retasked the lower unit to the 850 and had the 19" SS prop repitched to 17". The tower's lower unit has a higher gear ratio and straight cut gears vs beveled in the 850. The power trim system fit fine too. You have to love the engineering and quality OEM parts that went into the Mercs. After a new transom, interior, and paint job she looked respectable once again. That rig would run out right up there in the WOT RPM range (remember, tachs are mandatory equipment - SMILE and I love the way you simply plug the tach into the front side of the Merc control box).

Nice to read about your use of your rig and your planned improvements.

Keep up the good work.

Thanks mrlassi, it's a 2-blade speed prop, which is ironic since my Merc isn't hitting the RPMs needed to actually use the prop correctly:rolleyes:

I'm looking at testing a 3-blade for kicks once I get a tach rigged, but working on the carbs is what is really going to make the difference in performance.

Compressions, spark, and fuel delivery need to be checked also before I tear into it too much.:)
 
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