Looking for an older starcraft, need some advice

Bwana Don

Bwana Don

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Oct 20, 2009
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1,951
Re: Looking for an older starcraft, need some advice

You're not towing it with a 4 banger. My Ranger will tow my boat around the block. I worry about UP the boat ramp though. My wife has a 3.9 liter in the Freestar will tow my Offshore all day.

The boat Clark picked out for $4300 is really nice. If everything is good and you don't have to spend ANY money it looks great. It would be a real good deal for $3500. Let's see what the others say. There's safety in numbers.:)
 
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aarongreen123

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Jul 23, 2010
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Re: Looking for an older starcraft, need some advice

so i have a 4 banger thats rated for 2400lbs, don't hink its a good idea? i emailed the dude about that boat, i was thinking 3500 too.
 
Bwana Don

Bwana Don

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Re: Looking for an older starcraft, need some advice

I don't know, up the wet ramp worries me. I'm either going to use the wife's minivan or sell the 2.3 liter ranger.
 
Grandad

Grandad

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Re: Looking for an older starcraft, need some advice

Hi Aaron, I've been boating since building my first boat at age 14 (with Dad's help) in the early 60's. Around 1972, my wife and I took our 17' Winner Eliminator exploring south of Manitoulin Island in the waters between Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. We had a terrific time, but on a couple of occasions had at least 4" of green water wash over the foredeck, up the windshield and off the convertible top. I made up my mind to never consider owning a boat with an open deck. I now have a '72 Starcraft 21' Holiday 120 hp I/O and can tell you it's a great feeling to have that much freeboard and a closed deck. Having an open deck might be OK for some activities but it might limit where and when you can do them. By the way, my Ford Explorer (V8) tows our boat on a twin axle trailer so well, I can almost forget I'm towing something. You won't be sorry with a 21' Holiday. Watch for color choices with different years. I got lucky, 1972 is a Bermuda Cream hull and brown leather interior. A different year and it could have been godawful green, banana yellow or bright orange. - Grandad
 
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aarongreen123

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Re: Looking for an older starcraft, need some advice

Does it help that its all wheel drive? Its a subaru
 
D

djpeters

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Re: Looking for an older starcraft, need some advice

aarongreen123 said:
Does it help that its all wheel drive? Its a subaru
Click to expand...

I would say it would help a ton at the ramp. I don't think an 18'er would be a problem with your Subaru. An Islander or Chieftan is going to catch a lot more wind on the highway than a Holiday or SS would.

BTW...Welcome.
 
chuckndiscs

chuckndiscs

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Apr 18, 2008
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Re: Looking for an older starcraft, need some advice

Grandad said:
...Watch for color choices with different years. I got lucky, 1972 is a Bermuda Cream hull and brown leather interior. A different year and it could have been godawful green, banana yellow...
Click to expand...

I take serious offense! GOLDEN yellow is beautiful! :D

I like open bows because it always seems you throw crap in the closed bow and then wonder why crap is taking up so much space! :D My buddy's 19' Wellcraft closed bow feels more cramped with 5 guys than my 16' SS open bow. If I were splashing big swells mote often, I could see where they might be nice to have. My .02 cents!

Chuck
 
starcrafter65

starcrafter65

Chief Petty Officer
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Jun 9, 2009
Messages
645
Re: Looking for an older starcraft, need some advice

Aaron - where are you taking your boat? - finger lakes, ADK - or Lake Ontario? - I must say this - if you can swing the 18 - go with it - they are just so much more practical than 16's - wider, deeper, - I do take my 18 out on Erie on calm days - but mostly go to Kinzua, ADK, Chatauqua....the 18+trailer is pretty much 2000 lbs. A boat with gear is great - if you have to buy 8 life jackets, lines, anchor - all the coast guard requirements - you can drop another bunch of cash right there.
 
ezmobee

ezmobee

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23,767
Re: Looking for an older starcraft, need some advice

From what I'm reading here, I think an open bow 18' with an outboard is your ticket. I'm thinking outboard due to the weight savings (not just my usual bias).
 
Huron Angler

Huron Angler

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Apr 7, 2009
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Re: Looking for an older starcraft, need some advice

Welcome aboard aaron, sounds like you are going to want a 18' boat based on your towing limitations. If you had a truck I'd recommend a 22' Islander for Lake Ontario, but the 18 footer will be easier to store.

Keep in mind that if you do end up with a 18' SS(open bow) you can always get a nice bow cover to snap on and keep water out a bit.

These Starcrafts handle the water very well, I've had my 16' SS on Lake Huron and it did very well:)

Good luck to ya!
 
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aarongreen123

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Jul 23, 2010
Messages
133
Re: Looking for an older starcraft, need some advice

i think you guys are right, an 18 open bow is the ticket. how much lighter will one with an outboard be? how much space do you lose inside the boat with an outboard with the splashwell? or does it come out in the wash space wise? doesn't look like these boats are in short supply. Looking at outboards i'm thinking the transom might be an important thing to inspect carefully. Is there any specific procedure or set of thhings to look at when inspecting a transom? did any of these boats sold with outboards have tilt? seems like every one i find has no tilt. thanks a lot for your help, this is the best reception i've had on iboats or any other forum, you guys rule.
 
CheapboatKev

CheapboatKev

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Joined
Oct 4, 2008
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5,813
Re: Looking for an older starcraft, need some advice

The transom needs to be inspected no matter what method of propulsion you choose.
Possible slightly more important for an I/O, due to the fact there is a freaking HOLE just at or below the water line..lol

Take an ice pick, awl or philips screwdriver and poke the wood inside the bilge area, various other spots.
The BEST way is to drill a 1/4 inch or so INTO the wood itself..damp black shaving = cancer..Dry wood is good wood!
You will be able to tell if its mushy at all..I got lucky with mine..Many do need to be replaced, but can be a 2 weekend job.


The space of an I/O versus an OB, well I feel that the OB wins that because you dont have 3 1/2 feet of doghouse (engine cover) protruding from the stern.

I stand on mine when fishing, so it comes in handy!

It's all about the most amount of boat you can get for your dollar!
 
ezmobee

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
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Re: Looking for an older starcraft, need some advice

I'd buy it
 
J

Jayb123

Chief Petty Officer
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Apr 9, 2011
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Re: Looking for an older starcraft, need some advice

Ya seems real nice... has some awesome qualities Kev pointed out... A few bucks negotiating room doesnt hurt :D
 
jasoutside

jasoutside

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2009
Messages
13,269
Re: Looking for an older starcraft, need some advice

That is a very nice rig!

Man, how nice to buy a rig and then just run it;)
 
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