Help identify this old Starfire

[shelton]

Rescued this old 14ft fiberglass "Starfire" being sold as "yard art" from a remote hilly farm in E. TN. close to Clinch River/lake. Has beautiful curves and looks like it is a 1950's or 1960's. No hull number that I can find. Pale blue color with white racing stripe on top and white "fins" on sides. Windshield missing but some hardware in place. 2 seat frames in front, port side steering wheel in bad shape, had pully type steering. Maybe a bench seat in back. Unknown outboard motor brand and horsepower used (not included). 5 or 6 bullet holes above waterline. Have you ever seen a boat like this or have any suggestions to find out more about her? Thanks. Shelton

 

[docmirror]

I'm going to take a guess at one of the Waconda models from early 1960s. The large vertical fins died out in 1960, and the horizontal character line models from the early 60s Chevrolet styling queues. They were known as very solid built FG hulls, which means it's still intact after 60 plus years since it was layed down. It also sort of matches the color palette they used back then. Either turquoise or pink, with white accent.

 

[Scott Danforth]

look in the fiberglassics library.

however depending where you are, without proper paperwork is is just a yard planter

additionally, if your intent is to use it again, all the wood coring will need to be redone in addition to dealing with the gel coat issues.

once you understand the cost of bringing that boat back to safe use, you will then understand why it is yard art

 

[racerone]

Some folks are up to a challenge and time and money is no concern.

 

[Willyclay]

Interesting history of the "Starfire" brand but no other info at the link below:

Garform - Classic Boat Library

www.fiberglassics.com

Good luck!

 

[shelton]

I'm going to take a guess at one of the Waconda models from early 1960s. The large vertical fins died out in 1960, and the horizontal character line models from the early 60s Chevrolet styling queues. They were known as very solid built FG hulls, which means it's still intact after 60 plus years since it was layed down. It also sort of matches the color palette they used back then. Either turquoise or pink, with white accent.

Thanks for the info docmirror. I do have some documentation and I'll do more research.

 

[shelton]

look in the fiberglassics library.

however depending where you are, without proper paperwork is is just a yard planter

additionally, if your intent is to use it again, all the wood coring will need to be redone in addition to dealing with the gel coat issues.

once you understand the cost of bringing that boat back to safe use, you will then understand why it is yard art

Scott I did get some docs and I'll do more research based on docmirror response. Since it has bullet holes I would have to make a sandbox instead of a fountain as you pictured!!!

 

[WesBll]

I live in East Tn. and was at the Starfire factory in 1961 or 62 with a friend who bought a boat from them. It was a really small operation with only the owner and a coupe of other workers making these boats. In my opinion they were quality constructed hand laid boats. They were made near Andersonville Tennessee near Norris lake. I don't believe they were sold by dealers at that time but directly from the small building where they were made.The pictured boats look to be 1961 or 62 models because they have no fins. The boat my friend bought was red and white. He used the boat for many years with a 40 hp Evenrude motor and had few problems with it. I always wanted one of these boats. Tennessee is a no title state for boats and can be transferred with a Bill of Sale from the owner at the local county court house. Good Luck if you go down that road.