Need expert advice on Starcraft renov

[opsman]

Ran across this forum and decided to join since there seemed to be a lot of Starcraft info on here.
I have a 2010 Starcraft SF 1620 Camp Side. I would love to take out the front bench and replace it with a floor mounted pedestal seat and maybe even put a small storage deck in the bow.
How will this affect the stability of the boat? Would I have to drill out the rivets that hold the seat brackets? Any info is appreciated.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Need expert advice on Starcraft renov

Welcome to iboats, opsman. First off, can you post some pics of what you're starting with? I don't see a SF 1620 Camp Side in the legacy catalogs on the Starcraft site.

 

[opsman]

Re: Need expert advice on Starcraft renov

Lol I figured that would be the first question. Unfortunately I have the boat stored for winter. I actually wasn't sure the exact model name but I googled the 2010 starcraft catalog and it is pictured there. Might be under utility boats, don't remember. It was pictured on the bottom left side of the page.
Has a center console and livewell amidship and two open storage/box seats in the rear.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Need expert advice on Starcraft renov

I suspect the bench is foam filled and adds some structural support to the hull.

EDIT: This is the boat that came up as a 2010 SF 1620 Camp Side, your's is a center console?

 

[opsman]

Re: Need expert advice on Starcraft renov

Yep, that's it. Looks really plain, but that's why I liked it. Got to add what I wanted.
Have a swivel seat mounts on both boxes to move seating where needed, put in a ton more rod storage, built in ice chest in front of console, fishfinder and other assorted toys.
Just thought it would be nice to take that front box out and mount a pedestal. Right now I have a swivel seat mounted into it. THought I could possibly put some sore of storage into the first foot or so of the bow to help replace structural integrity. No, it's a side console. You got the right one

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Need expert advice on Starcraft renov

I'd bet the bench is foam filled for flotation.

Post some pix of how it looks now w/ the added seats in the back & the cooler.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Need expert advice on Starcraft renov

Ya got me again, JB. :embarassed:

Is that a storage box or all sealed? I can't tell from the pics.

 

[opsman]

Re: Need expert advice on Starcraft renov

Well, I will try to remember to take pics when I get it out of storage first of March. That's why I was asking now, thought if it could be done, I would get the boat early and do the work myself
That front seat is all enclosed, just flotation material
The back two boxes that I mounted plates to are half open storage, half enclosed with floatation material.
Thanks anyway.

 

[classiccat]

Re: Need expert advice on Starcraft renov

I'm pretty sure that it's integral/crucial for the hull's integrity...especially without the gunwale caps. If you remove it, you're going to need to add a bulkhead in it's place...this is to prevent the hull from flexing/bending downward.

I've fished out of a similar tiller version. I recall that front bench being a bit out of place.

Stripers didn't seem to mind it though :lol:

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Need expert advice on Starcraft renov

I wouldn't do anything to the box. But you could use some ply, 5/8 - 3/4" to fill in from the top of the box to the bow for a deck. And you could add some hatches in the deck for under deck storage. Just a thought.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Need expert advice on Starcraft renov

Even fishing pix might show some details. Like having no gunwale cap, as BF noted.

I looked at the specs in the brochure where I got that pix I posted, and SC apparently made this rig out of 1/10th of an inch aluminum, 0.10, so it might not lose it's shape outward when out of the water. As BF noted, I'd be more worried w/ it flexing inward (from water pressing against it) w/ a large load upfront. Not unlike BF & his striper ^^^:watermelon:

A few have left the bench & built off it towards the bow.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Need expert advice on Starcraft renov

I wouldn't do anything to the box. But you could use some ply, 5/8 - 3/4" to fill in from the top of the box to the bow for a deck. And you could add some hatches in the deck for under deck storage. Just a thought.

ALA Bear's build:
14' Sea Nymph Oh Yeah! Now 1971 LUND 14-S

 

[opsman]

Re: Need expert advice on Starcraft renov



Not sure how to upload photos here

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Need expert advice on Starcraft renov

Many of us use a 3rd party server for pix, I use photobucket. That lets me post the pix nice & big so you can see them & they are IN my posts rather then attachments that have to be opened:

You've just chummed the waters. JigNGrub will be along directly.

NICE couple of crappies (lets see if the iboats filter lets that thru).