Looking to buy a starcraft! Questions !

[hbryant123]

I am looking to buy an older starcraft, I've always had glass boats and outboard engines, I thought it could be fun to try an aluminum hull with an inboard engine. Ide like to get something that I can mount a trolling motor on the front easily and build a removable platform with a swivel seat, my wife and I like to fish as well as cruise.

I am curious as to what to look for as far as engines , most I've seen for sale either have the 4 cylinder or inline 6 mercruiser, will an inboard achieve a little better fuel economy compared to an outboard?

Overall what are some things to look out for if I look at one? I dont mind fixing something up but I want to be sure to get a good base to start with!

 

[DLNorth]

I'm surprised there are no responses yet.

As for engines, the 4 cyl "Iron Duke" has a good rep for lasting a long time, and I suspect the 165 6 cyl does also. Neither are very spritely though. The consensus is to stay away from the 3.7 4 cyl Merc's, when running good they are great, but they have a few problems that are bad/expensive. Not sure about Ford motors, or if they are even in SC. If you go a bit newer, the 3.8 GM is a good motor.

Fuel economy? probably better then the old cross flow 2 strokes, maybe not with the newer injected 2 strokes or 4 strokes.
Oh, check for cracks. Not sure where you are, but here in MN when it gets cold, a lot of I/O's that haven't been winterized freeze and get cracks, often making the engine junk. It only takes 1 night. And it's easy to put off the winterizing for "1 more day", and then it's too late.

 

[jbcurt00]

Iron Duke was never used in a boat, similar were, but not that specific model

 

[DLNorth]

My mistake, I should have just said 4 cyl GM.

 

[SHSU]

I know you said you were looking at I/O as a change of pace from an outboard, but why inboard over an outboard? From my one sided experience I would think an outboard would be easier to replace then an inboard. Does it really give you any benefit (which I guess is one of your questions too)?

SHSU

 

[hbryant123]

I'm surprised there are no responses yet.

As for engines, the 4 cyl "Iron Duke" has a good rep for lasting a long time, and I suspect the 165 6 cyl does also. Neither are very spritely though. The consensus is to stay away from the 3.7 4 cyl Merc's, when running good they are great, but they have a few problems that are bad/expensive. Not sure about Ford motors, or if they are even in SC. If you go a bit newer, the 3.8 GM is a good motor.

Fuel economy? probably better then the old cross flow 2 strokes, maybe not with the newer injected 2 strokes or 4 strokes.
Oh, check for cracks. Not sure where you are, but here in MN when it gets cold, a lot of I/O's that haven't been winterized freeze and get cracks, often making the engine junk. It only takes 1 night. And it's easy to put off the winterizing for "1 more day", and then it's too late.

Thanka for the advice, I'm leaning towards the 4 cylinder, I've read alot of good about them. I'm in indiana I'm seeing alot of boats with cracked blocks. I'll definitely check for that issue.

 

[hbryant123]

I know you said you were looking at I/O as a change of pace from an outboard, but why inboard over an outboard? From my one sided experience I would think an outboard would be easier to replace then an inboard. Does it really give you any benefit (which I guess is one of your questions too)?

SHSU

Well I was thinking of going with an inboard for several reasons, onc i was hoping for a quieter engine, two I thought a 4 cyl 4 stroke would be more fuel efficient then a 4 cylinder 2 stroke, also not dealing with oil would be easier also, fill up at the station and go!! People also dont like the two smoke anymore ha ha

I am prettt mechanically inclined I believe changing out either wouldn't bother me. I'm more of a get a good engine and take good care of it kind of guy.

 

[hbryant123]

So far I have found one boat I may go look at, I'm awaiting response from the seller, it is a 1976 18ft holiday. I only have one side view photo. Were all the star craft holidays closed bow? I prefere an open bow for extra seating but could go without. I feel like an 18ft would be a nice upgrade from my current 16.

 

[Watermann]

I have both OB and IO Starcrafts. My fishing boat is OB so I can use it during the winter months. For cruising in the warm months the IO is perfect IMO, the motors are tried and true with way less to go wrong than an OB with 4 carbs, switch boxes, stators, triggers and constant issues with fuel delivery. Some don't like IOs because of the outdrive maintenance and winterizing is more involved but personally I enjoy the work and have all the special tools.

I'm into the GM V6 motors and love the venerable 4.3 L, massive torque over a 4 cyl and superb reliability.

 

[DLNorth]

Daxx, I did it again,
My reference above to a 3.8 GM was meant to be the 4.3 GM.
If I was going for an I/O, this is what it would be.

Dan

I'm into the GM V6 motors and love the venerable 4.3 L.

 

[GA_Boater]

HB - All Holidays are closed bow. SuperSports, SS for short, are open dual console boats mainly for recreation. Mariners are all open and depending on size are center or side console fishing machine.

Try to find a Mercruiser powered SS for parts and service. We have plenty of experience if dealers don't work on the older ones. Avoid OMC I/Os at all costs as parts and service is just about non-existent.