First boat project- Need information

[dmbfan7810]

Good afternoon to everyone. I've found loads of information here and appreciate it all.

I recently purchased a '73 Starcraft 15', trailer, and 1964 Mercury 50 hp for $500.00. Being by first project boat ever, I was a little intimidated. That feeling quickly subsided when I found this forum. Man has this place been helpful.

Since bring her home last Tuesday, I've stripped the interior down to the hull, replaced the stringers, added lateral support beams, some fiberglassing, and put in new deck. The motor has new distributor and coil, just need to mount back on the boat.

Here are my questions:

1. What is the specific model of the boat? (All the title says is 1973 Starcraft, 15 foot, runabout.)
2. Where can I get a new manufacturer data plate? The one that was on there was torn in half. (All I could make out was the word "Craft" and the serial number, which by the way is 123456.) I am told that every boat has to have one.
3. Is it a requirement to have a USGS data plate on it?

I have a ton good ideas for the boat. I plan on taking more pics soon and getting them posted.

Thanks in advance for any input!

 

[dmbfan7810]

Re: First boat project- Need information

I fixed the image code so the pic could load.

Looking forward to hearing some feedback.

Thanks!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: First boat project- Need information

Unfortunately I don't have a lot of useful info for you. Most of us Starcraft guys have aluminum hulls. The only glass model I know of is the "American" and I think I've seen a "Capri". iboats member "Chinewalker" should have more info on the glass hulls. Nice looking boat! Good luck with your project.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: First boat project- Need information

That looks like an earlier version of my American 15 model. Older versions were essentially the same boat, but I think the model name would have been the V-150. If yours is a 1973 I think it would have the American model name...

They're one of my favorite hulls - good performers and ride very nicely for a small boat. A 50hp will do well on yours...

- Scott

 

[LonneyB]

Re: First boat project- Need information

It seems to be hard to find info on these i have a 73 and my serial number is on the right rear of the boat on the transom(outside)....also inside the boat in the cubby beside the steering wheel i have an emblem that says "American"....hope it helps....and i paid $500 Canadian for mine with a Chrysler 105 and a trailer ....but i live in Nova Scotia so i thought i got a good deal.....but yours looks a hell of a lot better than mine!!!

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: First boat project- Need information

Chad welcome to iboats and the Starcraft Club . As EZ said most of us here have Tin cans but there are a few with Glass Starcrafts . Chinewalker is probably our most knowledgable Glass Starcraft guy. Yours is an American . The USCG data plate should have been on yours up near the controls under or near the dash . I dont think you re required to have it if it has been removed or just plin come off at some point in the boats life . The only real info on it would have been the serial/model number the HP rating and the max persons and weight allowed on the boat.


Rick

 

[dmbfan7810]

Re: First boat project- Need information

Thanks for the tips guys!

Yeah, I searched this thing inside and out for numbers stamped into the glass and just couldn't find anything. According to the DMV, I won't have any issues because it's got clear titles and certificate of number, which is all the water patrol folks care about, so long as the vessel doesn't appear to overloaded with gear and passsengers.

I really wish I would have taken pics of the before and all the progress this little boat has experienced. Thanks to Chinewalker for the carpet tips, I got fresh carpet installed a couple days ago. Waiting on the seats to arrive to get them mounted, and the motor is just about finished with it's own overhaul. In the meantime, looking to clean and wax tomorrow, as well as rewire the trailer with new lights.

Should be on the water in a couple more weeks.