Convert 1975 Starcraft I/O to OB.

[rjp101803]

I just got a very clean old Starcraft 18 Runabout<br />that was stripped and the old dead I/O(merc)pulled. This boat is crying to become an outboard.<br />I'd love to know if anyone has succesfully completed the transition. I could go back to I/O<br />but prefer to fish in & around outboards. There needs to be additional bracing of the transom, and I'm thinking 70 HP as plenty of muscle.All<br />help and pics will be most appreciated. I will post the same as the project goes along.

 

[hayhauler]

Re: Convert 1975 Starcraft I/O to OB.

Here's a bracket on Ebay<br /><br /> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4502681725&category=50439 <br /><br />If the boat is aluminum 70 hp sounds OK to me. There's a lot to the transformation.

 

[gewf631]

Re: Convert 1975 Starcraft I/O to OB.

First, that topic's been covered here before, so I'd try the SEARCH feature at the top<br />- 7 matches for "convert I/O transom" in this forum<br /><br />Second, hayhauler gave you a similar answer to one you got over at the Aluminum Boat & Repair Board , about using a bracket.<br /><br />Third, you said that it was stripped and the old dead I/O(merc)pulled - I assume you mean the I/O as well as the motor are both gone. If that's the case, it would depend on how much money you want to spend. That eBay bracket doesn't look too bad, but I'd worry about the transom strength. If you're reasonably handy, and have the time, the other suggestions you got on the other board would be the way I'd go. Just remember, an I/O is setup differently than an O/B, so you may have a balance issue in shifting all that weight further back.

 

[rjp101803]

Re: Convert 1975 Starcraft I/O to OB.

Appreciate the help from all,I think I am going to do some aluminum fabrication for braces for the<br />transom and tie them in to the two logitudinal stringers, although as I said the boat was stripped and quite honestly the stringers that are left don't look like they would support much of an I/O unless they were braced/reinforced as well.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Convert 1975 Starcraft I/O to OB.

Hi RJP,<br /> What model hull is it? I've got several Star crafts and have a particular liking of the American series. I don't see if yours is alumuminum or glass. The American series were all glass models, whereas the aluminum ones of that era would have been the SuperSport (open bow) or Holiday (closed bow). I had a SuperSport 16 a few years back and it was a kidney cruncher, but my American 15 rides beautifully.<br /> As for your conversion, you'd have a lot of reinforcing to do, and it's likely that the stringers are rotted out (if it's a glass boat)...<br />- Scott

 

[rjp101803]

Re: Convert 1975 Starcraft I/O to OB.

This is a closed bow model so I would say it's a holiday. I would love to see an original piture<br />of the inside but have not been able to find one yet. This is a very clean hull and will be well worth the effort.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Convert 1975 Starcraft I/O to OB.

Hi RJP,<br /> Somewhere I have '74 and '77 brochures I picked up with my Americans in them, and I think they may also have the Holiday series in them. If I can find them, I'll scan in the pages for you...<br />- Scott

 

[rjp101803]

Re: Convert 1975 Starcraft I/O to OB.

That would be great. I am removing the transom wood tonite and will be taking measurements for braces for the aluminum. Thanks!!!!

 

[gewf631]

Re: Convert 1975 Starcraft I/O to OB.

There's a few over at Fiberglassics They're for slightly older models, but they do show the entire line.<br /><br />I've also seen a few pics over on eBay, and every so often one of them shows-up. In fact, there's a 1979 Starcraft Jupiter O/B in the completed auction section link <br />Don't know how long this image will be available

 

[rjp101803]

Re: Convert 1975 Starcraft I/O to OB.

Ed<br />Thanks for the heads up and the links.<br />Rjp