A couple weeks ago I was taking one of my several-times daily walks through Craigslist when I caught this listing for a 1984 Starcraft SS 160. The motor appears to be a 1981 Mercury 70 hp based on the SN. The price was $750 so I sent off an email, expecting the few-hours old listing to have sold. While I wasn't first to send an inquiry I was the first to reply to their reply to my inquiry and set up an appointment. Tools loaded (including compression tester) and off I went to the storage facility where he parked it. The hull looks great, one little dock kiss that I saw and the original decals still mostly intact though oxidized. Floor solid, seats falling apart. Trim switch works down but not up or trailer buttons.
He pulls out a folder with receipts for a transom replacement and motor work which includes the note "compression OK". Also a receipt for his last Winterization. Call me a trusting fool but the receipts told me I didn't need to check the motor out. Included in the sale is a Minn Kota Power Drive V2, probably worth almost half what he's asking. So of course I bought it for his asking price.
At home upon closer inspection ... the motor is CLEAN! Plugs look new, flywheel turns by hand easily, compression tested all three cylinders at 125-130. I just got a new fuel line connector and fuel line to the pump but haven't started it up yet.
I also have a 1974 Starcraft SS160 I found a few years ago from the original owner in a similar manner for $300 because the powerhead was shot. Two free Evinrude 65hp Triumphs later and we had been using that one until we hit a rock last season. I just need to pressure test it and check the seals but I think it's good to go. Picked up more Type C lube to fill it back up.
So my yard currently has a 1974 SS160 and 1984 SS160, both mostly original. Like with the 1974, I just want to get this one running and safe to use for the season. I'm going to remove all upholstery. I've got three new seats to replace the two b2b lounges plus it came with a pedestal and seat. I'm thinking of putting jump seats and storage in front of the splashwell to also use as a casting deck.
I'll post the pics/vids of my progress, though this is more like a refresh not a restoration. If all goes well I think the Admiral would like to move the '74 out of our possession. Maybe it will stay in the family with my brother or a nephew ;-)
He pulls out a folder with receipts for a transom replacement and motor work which includes the note "compression OK". Also a receipt for his last Winterization. Call me a trusting fool but the receipts told me I didn't need to check the motor out. Included in the sale is a Minn Kota Power Drive V2, probably worth almost half what he's asking. So of course I bought it for his asking price.
At home upon closer inspection ... the motor is CLEAN! Plugs look new, flywheel turns by hand easily, compression tested all three cylinders at 125-130. I just got a new fuel line connector and fuel line to the pump but haven't started it up yet.
I also have a 1974 Starcraft SS160 I found a few years ago from the original owner in a similar manner for $300 because the powerhead was shot. Two free Evinrude 65hp Triumphs later and we had been using that one until we hit a rock last season. I just need to pressure test it and check the seals but I think it's good to go. Picked up more Type C lube to fill it back up.
So my yard currently has a 1974 SS160 and 1984 SS160, both mostly original. Like with the 1974, I just want to get this one running and safe to use for the season. I'm going to remove all upholstery. I've got three new seats to replace the two b2b lounges plus it came with a pedestal and seat. I'm thinking of putting jump seats and storage in front of the splashwell to also use as a casting deck.
I'll post the pics/vids of my progress, though this is more like a refresh not a restoration. If all goes well I think the Admiral would like to move the '74 out of our possession. Maybe it will stay in the family with my brother or a nephew ;-)
