MBD

[Scott Danforth]

Yeah, you're right, unfortunately they are not. I love the torquey 4.0 I-6 but the crappy old 3 speed torque flight auto trans is a slush pump at best and rob's a lot of efficiency slipping away nearly all the time. I have a 5.0L HO Suzuki Samurai that I am building that would have plenty of towing power and brakes (4 piston caliper FJ62 axles) but it isn't ready yet and despite the drivetrain upgrades- I don't think it will affect it's rated tow capacity. Maybe I will be forced to get a full size. If I go that route it'll be an old Bronco like my brother's bc for me there is no fun in owning a traditional pickup truck and life is too short to hate your ride. Or maybe one of the old V8 woody wagons! They were basically a wagon body on a pickup frame, love those classic old bombers.

get an extended cab pickup as a tow vehicle.

all others are too short to tow anything of weight and size

maybe you should read up on why short wheel base vehicles suck at towing.

hint: its not about power, its not about axles, its not about tires, its not about cool factor.

 

[Moserkr]

I think that TJ just needs some 60s under it, a stretched wheel base, and airbags for that 15 min tow… . Then go nuts on a boat too.

 

[motley crew]

View attachment 352025
This is current boat, 1970 Starcraft Starchief 18' O/BView attachment 352026

love your anchor i want one

 

[IslandExplorer]

Thread is dead, I know, but I am back. Sold the Jeep and got a V8 woody wagon tow vehicle to be ready to pickup a Chieftain 25 when I found it. A few months later, I found it and the 25 is in the yard! Only been working on it the past month or so. I will be starting a new thread for the restore shortly. Hoping there are still some knowledgeable Starcraft fans out there that'll be interested in giving me a few pointers along the way.

 

[Watermann]

Sure is a rare find to get a 25'r, lets see some photos of the big tin!

 

[IslandExplorer]

Sure is a rare find to get a 25'r, lets see some photos of the big tin!

It really is and was very lucky to find. Here she is! Just started a new thread today that will have loads of pictures as time goes on. 1974 Chieftain 25 Adventurer Restoration

 

[Scott Danforth]

Thread is dead, I know, but I am back.

Its your thread, you can come back anytime.

 

[ShoestringMariner]

Looks like a 98.

I’m more for cutlass

 

[ShoestringMariner]

(though with this large a boat, I'd use a 3/4 ton truck

I’m with you on this. 1/2 ton 4x4 minimum.

Anyone know what the dry weight of the boat is?

 

[ShoestringMariner]

It really is and was very lucky to find. Here she is! Just started a new thread today that will have loads of pictures as time goes on. 1974 Chieftain 25 Adventurer Restoration

I’m back tracking on older threads been away a while.
Do you have a big trans cooler on the woody? Did you have to add airbags?

 

[IslandExplorer]

I’m back tracking on older threads been away a while.
Do you have a big trans cooler on the woody? Did you have to add airbags?

Yes, I added a big ass trans cooler from a F350 Super Duty pickup in addition to a new rad. Added Monroe air shocks and a small compressor with dash gauge and control. Towed the boat great despite trailer not having brakes.

 

[ShoestringMariner]

Yes, I added a big ass trans cooler from a F350 Super Duty pickup in addition to a new rad. Added Monroe air shocks and a small compressor with dash gauge and control. Towed the boat great despite trailer not having brakes.

Perfect, are you going to add a surge tounge/hydraulic brakes?

 

[IslandExplorer]

Perfect, are you going to add a surge tounge/hydraulic brakes?

I don't know yet, likely not, at least for time being. Luckily I am only about 15 minutes from the ocean taking back roads so for now I will just be driving it to the ramp nice and easy. I have the original trailer axles that have hydraulic brakes but the spindle shafts need to be replaced. Sure would be nice to have em but also not sure how well they hold up to frequent saltwater submersion. Maybe a winter welding project. My focus is to get her into the water asap and then refine from there hopefully.