MR180 hull vs 18' Holiday or starchief

[ctswf]

Hi,
I'm still on a search for a starcraft to match my 70HP OB here in connecticut
How does the MR180 compare to an 18' Holiday or starchief hull? I have not seen any of these in person.

My minds been set on a Holiday-like "deep v" hull but I just came across the MR180.
MR180 does not look as deep in photos but I can't really tell.

1972 18' holiday OB specs: (starchief being basically the same but has the top)
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i348/Cgauxboat/1972 Starcraft Brochure/scan0034.jpg

length 18'0
beam 82"
max depth 44" ***
transom width 75"
max weight 1900
max HP 140
hull weight: 880
interior side depth ???

1982 MR180 center console specs:
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww312/Lac_Huron/Brochures/1982 Starcraft brochure/198215.jpg

length 18'1"
beam 75"
overall height 45" ***
transom width 73"
max weight 1600
max HP 115
hull weight 705
interior side depth 24"


The specs are similar, but I don't know if "max depth" and "overall height" mean the same thing.
Do you think they are similar in depth?

Here's an ad for what I think is an MR180
1982 17' Starcraft

thanks

 

[dozerII]

Re: MR180 hull vs 18' Holiday or starchief

Welcome ct, my personal opinion is the 70hp o/b will be the lower limit for all of these boats, and performance will be poor at best. I sold a 18SS with a good running Yamaha 90 on it and the fellow that bought is putting more power on it. Just my 2 cents.

 

[ctswf]

Re: MR180 hull vs 18' Holiday or starchief

Thanks, I agree its on the lower end, but I think it will be ok as a fishing boat if I go 18' aluminum and stay under 900 lbs hull weight.
My cousin had an 18' (1970+) center console 70HP like that craigslist ad and it performed fine for 2 men and some beer, but I know I'm right on the limit with a 70

A full starchief is probably out of the question but ohh how i want one.

 

[tgp***]

Re: MR180 hull vs 18' Holiday or starchief

I run a 650 merc on my 16' Nassau (max is 75), Jumps up on plane and runs 32 to 34 mph w/ 15 pitch prop, can't troll with it though 2 mph to 2.3 mph is as low as I can go. I just picked up a 72' 18' Holiday, and the difference is pretty noticeable in hull size. I have a spare 650 I was going to put on it, but I don't think its going to push that tin can around. I hope I'm wrong.

 

[ctswf]

Re: MR180 hull vs 18' Holiday or starchief

hi tgp, how did it go with the 65?

 

[Gibbles]

Re: MR180 hull vs 18' Holiday or starchief

This spring I'll be trying out a 65hp (merc 650) on my 18ft starchief...

 

[ctswf]

Re: MR180 hull vs 18' Holiday or starchief

Definitely post your results! Ill do the same if I ever find something

 

[North Beach]

Re: MR180 hull vs 18' Holiday or starchief

I had two 22 footers and the Mariner 21 in my driveway at the same time. I will say the mariner was lower on the sides. I assume the same could be said for the 18 footers.

 

[1973Chieftain]

Re: MR180 hull vs 18' Holiday or starchief

I have not had my 18' Mariner next to a Holiday, but compared to the 22' SS I looked at a day or two before, I would say the mariner is slightly shorter at the bow. But that could be the difference between a 18' and a 22'.

 

[ctswf]

Re: MR180 hull vs 18' Holiday or starchief

Looking online at used hulls and old catalog specs, the 18' Mariners are generally a little sleeker, lighter, not as wide, and I think would do well with my 70hp.
Not sure if I should just drop the search for Holidays/Starchiefs

...and just now my craigslist program just popped up what looks to be a dirt cheap starchief only 1 hour way.