old starcraft splashwell modification question

[doghausbass]

Hello all
I am currently rehabbing a 1970 Starcaft (18') and want to get rid of the enormous splashwell to reclaim some space and set up better storage. Will making this modification hurt the structural integrity of the boat? I do plan on fabricating a smaller, more modern splashwell.

 

[Bondo]

Re: old starcraft splashwell modification question

Hello all
I am currently rehabbing a 1970 Starcaft (18') and want to get rid of the enormous splashwell to reclaim some space and set up better storage. Will making this modification hurt the structural integrity of the boat? I do plan on fabricating a smaller, more modern splashwell.

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... Ya haven't explained yer modification, so it's hard to say...
other than, Yes, the splashwell IS structural....

 

[jigngrub]

Re: old starcraft splashwell modification question

Pics of the boat and the splashwell area will help too.

There has been folks that have modified their splashwells in some restoration threads on here, but I can't remember which ones they were. Maybe one or two of them will chime in.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: old starcraft splashwell modification question

Howdy! No doubt, the splashwells in some of these old Starcrafts are ginormous!

Yup, like Bondo mentioned, it's structural. But! Yah, you can modify so long as you keep that structural integrity.

You can click on the Jet Star link in my signature to see how I shaved about 1/3 (almost 1/2) off my splashwell. You can also check MichaelP's project as he chopped off a big chunk of his splash well. He did an awesome job. Click on the "Starcraft Rebuilds" thread in my signature to find his project.

Cheers!

 

[doghausbass]

Re: old starcraft splashwell modification question

thanks all
jas- i have been slowly catching up on your projects. thanks for all the pics and helpful info. My biggest project fear is painting so i have been trying to read as much as i can on that topic. I will definitely build something that keeps some structural integrity. I like the way the newer Starcrafts and other aluminums designed the rear of their boats. I'm looking for an extra 12-18 inches- a flat surface that can double as seating/ casting/ storage underneath/ etc. I just want it to be able to take a wave (Lk Erie). I also have a ski pylon pole to work in when the kiddos want to tube.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: old starcraft splashwell modification question

This link might help with your painting research...
"Paint Your Boat for Under $100 Bucks"

 

[a1964rn]

Re: old starcraft splashwell modification question

Here's some more info on painting your boat you might find interesting:

Boat Painting, Part One - fiberglassics.com

Boat Painting, Part Two - fiberglassics.com

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: old starcraft splashwell modification question

Here's some more info on painting your boat you might find interesting:
Boat Painting, Part One - fiberglassics.com
Boat Painting, Part Two - fiberglassics.com

Interesting, yeah.. Relevant to repainting an aluminum boat? Not great.....

I think the web address indicates it's for fiberglass boats, and doesn't mention either ZC/self-etching for bare aluminum, or an acid bath for pre-prep on bare aluminum, which ARE covered in WOG's paint link...

But for final paint, roll & tip or roll & roll tips, yes helpful..........

 

[doghausbass]

Re: old starcraft splashwell modification question

here are some pics. I got the boat, motor, trailer for $1000. the previous owner replaced the floor and looks like he did a halfway decent job. I had her on Lake Erie pounding waves. floor holds well. not a leak anywhere. Transom is ok. replaced axle, hubs, and tires to bring trailer to 3500# (Paranoia from bending an axle on another boat). I really like having the port side console out. Makes so much more space for fishing and family. I plan to redo the windshield on the starboard side and add a grab rail so I can stand when in choppy water. Going to replace front/back seats with pedestals (multiple spots) and redo storage/ rod boxes along the sides. The bow does have the platform insert for fishing, but no cushions so I will be searching for a solution there. I will be rewiring this winter and adding additional batteries for a trolling motor. I love these old Starcraft boats! they make excellent Lake Erie boats and you can still trailer to smaller lakes.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: old starcraft splashwell modification question

I love these old Starcraft boats!

Yah me too!

Hey, I think you did darn good for 1K there:thumb:

 

[jigngrub]

Re: old starcraft splashwell modification question

That's a real nice boat!... and there's a couple of other things I would consider doing to make more room before modifying the splashwell.

1. Decking over the "bow rider" seating to make a large bow deck and install one or two pedestal seats on it. This will also make more storage area below the deck.

2. Remove the back to back "ski boat" seats and installing pedestal seats instead.

The beauty of pedestal seats is that you can add or remove them depending on the number of people you're going to have onboard. You can also add extra seat bases so you can arrange the seats as you see fit.

 

[doghausbass]

Re: old starcraft splashwell modification question

Jig
one step ahead of you (if you read my previous post)

 

[VenisonSteaks]

I'm looking to remove the splashwell and add a tiller. Is it possible to completely remove the splashwell if you kept the structural integrity by adding a structural thwart in the rear end? And then add splashguards in the rear or would you need to completely rebuild the transom in order to accommodate a tiller?? Right now I'm exploring any way possible of converting a 18' starcraft offshore to tiller and removing the splashwell.

 

[64osby]

Steaks,you would get much better response to your question if you posted a new thread of your very own.

That and it is against iboats policy to post on a thread that is over 90 days old.

There are lots of Tin heads and a big Starcraft Aluminum boat following here (Starmada) Start your own thread post pictures and your a member.

There is also a Starcraft section under the manufactures section at the bottom of the main page. Tons of great work in process and completed projects to reference and lots of knowledge/ experience to help with your project.

Welcome to iboats.