Chieftain vs. Starchief - differences?

[jcsnyder]

Hello all - had a Starcraft many years ago and looking to become a member of the "Starmada" again. Started looking locally here in the PNW, and am already facing choices between similar boats...from the posted brochures, I'm having a hard time distinguishing between a Chieftain and Starchief. Maybe the only dif is years of manufacture? Any comments appreciated!

John

 

[1973Chieftain]

Re: Chieftain vs. Starchief - differences?

Welcome to iboats!! We are always interested in more members of the starmada! I think the Chiefs were normally 21' vs 19' for the starchief but there might be others. Anyways, welcome aboard!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Chieftain vs. Starchief - differences?

Starchiefs were strictly 18'.

 

[barato2]

Re: Chieftain vs. Starchief - differences?

18'4".

jc--i suspect the difference between a Starchief and a 19' Islander would mostly be cabin size and headroom.....the islander tends to have a lower, "sleeker" lookin cabin while the Starchief is more functional, IMHO. i'm 6'4" and can sit up with headroom to spare and lie down on bunks in a Starchief. not sure that would work in a 19' Islander. OTOH, the Islander will likely have more open cockpit area.

 

[sbingen]

Re: Chieftain vs. Starchief - differences?

I believe the starchief is an outboard and the chieftain is an inboard, in addition to the length difference. I have an 18.5' starchief and I understand the Chieftains are 21'.

Hello all - had a Starcraft many years ago and looking to become a member of the "Starmada" again. Started looking locally here in the PNW, and am already facing choices between similar boats...from the posted brochures, I'm having a hard time distinguishing between a Chieftain and Starchief. Maybe the only dif is years of manufacture? Any comments appreciated!

John

 

[erwinner]

Re: Chieftain vs. Starchief - differences?

I believe the starchief is an outboard and the chieftain is an inboard, in addition to the length difference. I have an 18.5' starchief and I understand the Chieftains are 21'.

My '72 21' Chieftain-V is an outboard model.
Starchiefs are 18' as ezmobee mentioned.
I've seen a 25' Chieftain on the forum. Sweet hull.

 

[barato2]

Re: Chieftain vs. Starchief - differences?

both the Chieftain and the Starchief came in both I/O and outboard models. as well as, acc to the catalog, blank hulls so you could install your choice of obscure drivetrain

 

[CraigBarnard]

Re: Chieftain vs. Starchief - differences?

Glad this topic came up.
I have a 1965 Cheiftain that needs both windshields replaced. Upper and Lower.

Are they the same dimensions as would be found on a 1963 Starchief?
In other words can I take the windshields from the Starchief and install them directly onto my Cheiftain?

I hope so.

Thanks

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Chieftain vs. Starchief - differences?

Are they the same dimensions as would be found on a 1963 Starchief?
In other words can I take the windshields from the Starchief and install them directly onto my Cheiftain?

On the newer ones (the more angular ones) definitely not. However, on the older ones with the curves shields, perhaps.

 

[barato2]

Re: Chieftain vs. Starchief - differences?

this is just my gut impression but i'm almost certain the chieftain (if it's 21/22') has a wider cabin

 

[CraigBarnard]

Re: Chieftain vs. Starchief - differences?

this is just my gut impression but i'm almost certain the chieftain (if it's 21/22') has a wider cabin

You are correct. For anyone else wondering they are Not the same, close but not close enough.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Chieftain vs. Starchief - differences?

Glad this topic came up.
I have a 1965 Cheiftain that needs both windshields replaced. Upper and Lower.

Are they the same dimensions as would be found on a 1963 Starchief?
In other words can I take the windshields from the Starchief and install them directly onto my Cheiftain?

I hope so.

Thanks

I found this on CL the other day and posted in the SC parts thread. Upper Chieftain windshield. I don't know if it will fit your Chieftain. http://mansfield.craigslist.org/boa/2973566459.html

 

[CraigBarnard]

Re: Chieftain vs. Starchief - differences?

I found this on CL the other day and posted in the SC parts thread. Upper Chieftain windshield. I don't know if it will fit your Chieftain. http://mansfield.craigslist.org/boa/2973566459.html

Nope. But thanks!
My '65 has the one piece curved windshield.