86 Starcraft SS 160

[eddy622611]

Just bought this off eBay. 86 SS 160 with a 89 Evinrude 90hp. The paint is faded, but hull is in great shape other than two small dents from the rubber stop on the winch stand. The floor and transom are solid, the seats are stained.
I took it to the mechanic yesterday to have the engine checked out. The P.O. said it ran great. My plan is to run her a little before we decide how we're going to lay out the interior. I want a fishing boat. The wife and kids want a ski boat. Thanks, Brian

 

[InMotion]

Re: 86 Starcraft SS 160

Hey Eddie welcome aboard! Nice looking rig there! Sounds like you're gonna end up with a nice fish and ski boat!! Good idea to run it a bit and get a feel for what you are looking for in terms of layout and equipment.

Enjoy.

Jim

 

[eddy622611]

Re: 86 Starcraft SS 160

Thanks,Its boats like your Jupiter that gave me the tin fever. I'm worried that imperfections are going to standout when polish the paint, I couldn't imagin stripping one bare. eddy622611

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: 86 Starcraft SS 160

Really nice SS 160

The SC mob will be around shortly to help welcome you to the Tin-sanity

 

[dozerII]

Re: 86 Starcraft SS 160

Real nice 16SS Eddy, and the 90 is a great motor for it. Welcome to the Starmada.

 

[eddy622611]

Re: 86 Starcraft SS 160

Thanks, job I really like the classic lines of these boats. It's hard to tell if it is an 86 or an 76. I wanted to start with one good shape so I would not be overwhelmed. Eddy622611

 

[eddy622611]

Re: 86 Starcraft SS 160

Thanks, Dozer I have hundreds of questions for you,but I have to go right now. Talk to ya latter. Eddy622611

 

[cj8mule]

Re: 86 Starcraft SS 160

Welcome aboard Brian! Nice looking SS you have there.

 

[Grandad]

Re: 86 Starcraft SS 160

Hi eddy, Nice clean looking hull. I noticed what looks like an aluminum rail mounted to the top edge of the gunwale from windshield to the stern. Is that a mounting rail for side curtains and top? My older Holiday and others I have seen don't have this feature. - Grandad

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 86 Starcraft SS 160

She's sweet, welcome!

 

[eddy622611]

Re: 86 Starcraft SS 160

Cj8mule, Do you have a scrambler. I plow with a cj-5. Eddy622611

 

[eddy622611]

Re: 86 Starcraft SS 160

Grandad, I noticed that too, it goes around the whole cockpit. I assumed that it was for a cover or a top. Maybe someone else can answer better? Eddy622611

 

[eddy622611]

Re: 86 Starcraft SS 160

Jasoutside, Thanks the mechanic called yesterday,but it was to late to call him back when I got home. I'll stop by today hopefully the engine checked out fine. I'll let everyone know as soon as I find out. Eddy622611

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 86 Starcraft SS 160

Hi eddy, Nice clean looking hull. I noticed what looks like an aluminum rail mounted to the top edge of the gunwale from windshield to the stern. Is that a mounting rail for side curtains and top? My older Holiday and others I have seen don't have this feature. - Grandad

My SS has the exact same rail...... it was standard but, nothing can really mount to it.

Nice find!

 

[smacd11]

Re: 86 Starcraft SS 160

My SS has the exact same rail...... it was standard but, nothing can really mount to it.

Nice find!

To me that rail looks like its intent is to direct water from the gunwales to the stern and prevent it from coming into the boat.

 

[eddy622611]

Re: 86 Starcraft SS 160

Bad news from the mechanic. Even though the engine starts.right up and idles, #2 cylinder only has 75# of compression while the other three cylinders have 100#. I'm kind of committed to this boat. I paid $1000.00 for the boat,motor and trailer. Tax,transfer and registration was another $236.00 and I put $200.00 into the trailer for new bearings,lights, 2" coupler and a jack.
I don't mind spending money on this boat if in the end I have a nice looking, sound,dependable boat. I'm learning fast that if I'm not careful and go into this without a plan I could create a money pit.
You guys that have done this before. What is a realistic budget? Is this a good boat to start with? What are my options for the motor? Rebuild this power head, remanufactured or repower?
I've lost a little of my confidence with this setback and just want to make sure that I'm pointing this project in the right direction. Thanks, eddy622611 a.k.a. Brian

 

[dozerII]

Re: 86 Starcraft SS 160

Don't write that motor off yet, do a decarb on it with Seafoam, and then run it if you can,and redo the compression test.

 

[InMotion]

Re: 86 Starcraft SS 160

Agreed with Glen there... you may need to run it through a couple of times. If you are unfamiliar with how to do that with Seafoam PM me... Also in worst case, you should be able to get it rebuilt for $1000 to $1500.

Jim

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: 86 Starcraft SS 160

Seafoam is available in pourable (for the fuel can) and as a spray (for a quick shot in the carbs & thru the spark plug hole) from NAPA

 

[eddy622611]

Re: 86 Starcraft SS 160

I'll give the sea foam a try. I've had good luck in the past. What ratio do you suggest for a decarb? I tend to jump to conclusions. There was a new head gasket on that side of the motor and looking thru the spark plug hole you can see and feel some slight damage on top of the piston. The compression came up a little bit when we squirted some oil in the cylinder Thanks again, Brian