Re: New Starcraft to us
I was glad to see your "restoration" classification of what you and your son want to do with your Jet. I see three levels of boat restoration. One is to restore it to original, one to do a "modification" restore and third to make it your "own" boat.
I come from a museum background and in that world we try to keep as much of the original with all the "warts" the object has acquired over the years. It gives the object its history and character. For my '64 Jet I am taking a track between original/modification. I don't have deep pockets so instead of having a marine upholsterer recreate seats like your originals I bought Wise seats with a similar pattern and they only came in red/gray, not red/white. And I went with individual seats up front and a bench in the back. I don't want to climb over a seat back to get to the stern.
I will replace the floor this winter and keep it as original as possible. My brochure shows a white floor with a dark speckle pattern. I will experiment to see if that works but if not I will go with something different. It is brick red now.
At some point in my boat's history the front seat mounting board was replaced but the rear one is original. I will replace the front but use the back one again. My deck was repainted to a red wine subtle flake and I will keep it instead of going back to the original red. I may or may not paint the hull. It is in fair to good shape. It was repainted probably when the deck was.
I have a 1961 Merc 45 HP motor that works fine. For me finding a marine mechanic that wants to futz with a 48 year old motor was critical. I was lucky to find one just 20 miles away. Parts are still generally available. If you want to keep it in the 1960 vintage those motors often turn up on ebay.
My Jet has a replacement Teleflex steering. Much better than the old pulley system but you may have to change out the steering wheel. For me that change is OK.
I looked at your pics closely and saw that there was a full cover at some time. Snaps are along the gunnel, windshield frame and splash pan with a frame. Did the previous boat owner (PBO) give you any info along with the boat? Pics, owner list, etc. Mine did and I have a binder with all that stuff in.
You will find others on this list that have only kept the structural integrity of their boat and made everything else to their own liking. None of the three approaches is right or wrong, just personal choice.
What ever you do keep the safety factor in mind.
I plan to join those at the Starcraft "Tin Stock" at Lake Anna in Virginia in June, 2010. To share our restoration processes and see your boat in person would make me happy.
I am currently trying to find a suitable vinyl cleaner for my rub rails and windshield seat. I googled and found someone using a Mr Clean Magic Extra Power Eraser. Tried it and it works but be careful around shiny surfaces. At $1.75 per sponge it could be expensive to do what my boat needs. Waiting for my delivery of Meguier's super vinyl cleaning juice. That is next attempt.
Plan to retreat the vinyl with protectant after cleaning.
This is a rewarding effort and I'm sure it will be a great project however you go. Good luck, Albert
The Starcraft club 
