Junk Starcraft arrow

[Walshem]

Hello,
Grew up on small bass boats owned by my father and grandfather. So I have little/limited knowledge as far as boats go. However, I was offered a free Starcraft arrow as long as I came and picked it up. Even if it takes years, I thought it might be a cool project to learn and complete with my wife and son. We’ve been wanting to find a project along these lines to take on. I’ve attached some pics. Anyone have any input? Does it even look worth it? Just looking for some input from actual boat people. Thanks!

 

[matt167]

I love Starcraft, even having the sister boat to that myself, a Holiday 14. However the Arrow is a 14 foot fiberglass. It will be an expensive repair that will be basically worthless and outgrown quickly.. I have an Offshore V 18 as well. I bought the Holiday to be more portable, otherwise a Holiday 14 would be worthless as well

 

[roscoe]

I agree, look for a project boat with more space and will be a bit more useful after you pour $3000-$5000 into refurbishing, repairs, motor, controls, and seating.

Boats that size are remarkably tiny inside when finished.
Might be ok if you are all under 5'5" and 130#.

And a much easier restoration can be done with an aluminum hull, avoiding the fiberglass work completely.

 

[JimS123]

If it was your Grandpa's boat and your Mom can show you a picture of you sitting at the helm steering with Grandpa, the boat is priceless and no amount of money to restore it will be wasted.

If that's not the case, its not cost effective.

Old boats are a labor of love, not something to go fishing in every weekend.

 

[matt167]

Add the cost of a trailer in too, which is $800-$1,200 if your buying new

 

[Walshem]

I agree, look for a project boat with more space and will be a bit more useful after you pour $3000-$5000 into refurbishing, repairs, motor, controls, and seating.

Boats that size are remarkably tiny inside when finished.
Might be ok if you are all under 5'5" and 130#.

And a much easier restoration can be done with an aluminum hull, avoiding the fiberglass

If it was your Grandpa's boat and your Mom can show you a picture of you sitting at the helm steering with Grandpa, the boat is priceless and no amount of money to restore it will be wasted.

If that's not the case, its not cost effective.

Old boats are a labor of love, not something to go fishing in every weekend.

I would be taking it from a complete stranger, so no emotional attachment. I just had this vision of the three of us cruising around winnipesaukee in this thing. BUT, sometimes I also need a hand being realistic. So I knew I needed some advice from people who know what they are talking about. Thank you!

 

[Walshem]

Add the cost of a trailer in too, which is $800-$1,200 if your buying new

I have a hand me down trailer, just no boat yet! I think I might keep looking.

 

[Walshem]

I agree, look for a project boat with more space and will be a bit more useful after you pour $3000-$5000 into refurbishing, repairs, motor, controls, and seating.

Boats that size are remarkably tiny inside when finished.
Might be ok if you are all under 5'5" and 130#.

And a much easier restoration can be done with an aluminum hull, avoiding the fiberglass work completely.

Dang, I guess the photos we’re just a little deceiving as far as size. But it is also completely empty. Is fiberglass work complicated?

 

[matt167]

Not complicated at all. But it gets expensive

 

[NHskier]

I would be taking it from a complete stranger, so no emotional attachment. I just had this vision of the three of us cruising around winnipesaukee in this thing. BUT, sometimes I also need a hand being realistic. So I knew I needed some advice from people who know what they are talking about. Thank you!

Assuming you’re referring to Lake Winnipesaukee in NH, you’d quickly find that with a 14 footer you would be limited to fair weather (very light winds) and primarily weekdays. 10-15 mph winds generates some pretty good chop, and boat traffic in some areas particularly weekends creates serious chop that would really toss you around. That’s not to say it’s not safe or anything, but you‘d need to carefully choose your days and locations.

NHskier

 

[vickers57]

Read our rules. We do not allow this.