Please Help - Do you know what model of Lone Star this is?

[jjnebraska]

This is for sale for $250 but after talking to the guy he has agreed to give it to me for free. I have never restored a boat and know very little about Lone Star. He claims this is a 1960 Flamingo, but none of the pictures I have seen match that claim. In fact, none of the runabouts seem to have these "Head lights" that are present on this boat. I am going tonight to check it out in person but was hoping to arm myself with more knowledge before I bring home a project that is too tough to do. I am not looking to do a full restore. I want it functional and plan to use as a fishing boat.

​Thoughts / guesses?

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[jbcurt00]

It's likely going to need $1500-2000 worth of work to make it a safe, serviceable boat, IF it's got a running motor and controls.

But it can be resurrected.

They aren't headlights, their docking lights, and may have been added by the dealer at the time of purchase or by any subsequent owner over the last 50+ odd years.

The trailer could probably use a couple hundred in parts, plus tires and paint to be safe and reliable as well.

Free boats are rarely inexpensive to redo.

Welcome to iboats

I closed the other topic you started, please don't start multiple topics about the same subject or in multiple forums,

 

[jjnebraska]

Thank you for the feedback! A quick guess of $2500 in repairs is not bad. Apparently it has only had one owner, the guys father in law. It has been on that trailer and out of the water for 30 years. I was shocked how good it looked for being stored for 30 years. Anything in particular to look for?

Sorry about the duplicate post. I couldn't figure out how to post it here.

 

[jbcurt00]

Make sure the paperwork is in order for whatever state you're in. If the guy's father in law is deceased, his executor will have to obtain title that can then be signed over to you.

In many places it can be exceptionally challenging to title/reg an old boat, if the current 'owner' doesn't have a title he can sign over to you.

 

[Woodonglass]

Hmmm, I have a 61' Flamingo and the hull sure looks similar. How long is your boat. Flamingo's were 16footers. Check this out..http://www.fiberglassics.com/library/Lone_Star

 

[jjnebraska]

I should be picking it up tonight. I will post more pictures and probably need to pick your brains as I have close no idea what I am doing. I might be better off putting a trolling motor on a bathtub and keep things simple

 

[Woodonglass]

Lonestar made Great Hulls. You WILL have a nice boat when you're done.!!!!

 

[jjnebraska]

I looked at it last night but my phone died, so no new pictures. The wood floor is not rotted at all, the wiring is in good shape. I need a windshield - anyone know where to find one? Also, the rubber around the boat between the top and the bottom is worn and needs to be replaced. How do I do this?
​I am so excited to be an owner of this boat! I cant wait to post pics and start working on this beauty!

 

[Woodonglass]

You need to core sample the transom to ensure it's good to go. Vintage windshield are Hard to come buy. You may need to make one. The insert for the rubrail can be purchased right here on iBoats.

 

[jjnebraska]

I can't upload photos as they are too large . We got it cleaned out today and the seats removed. I'm going to replace the trailer wheels next. What is a core sample and how do I do it?

 

[jbcurt00]

http://forums.iboats.com/forum/forum-rules-and-guidelines/9938375-photo-upload-tutorial
Pix help ^^^
I prefer option #3 and use Photobucket for all the forums I frequent. IMO, its the best 3rd party site ad easiest to use.

 

[Woodonglass]

core sampling is simply drilling into the Transom about 1" deep with a 3/8" drill and bit to see what the shavings look like. If Light and dry then your'e ok. If Dark and wet then the transom will need replacing. Same thing for the stringers.

 

[mickyryan]

windshield wouldn't be too hard to make , you could make a form then heat plexi glass to the form if you were careful.

 

[jjnebraska]

I let it dry for a couple days and discovered the floor is soft in spots. I am assuming rot. Could I put a sealant on the floor and limp by a few seasons or do I need to tear this up immediately and replace? I haven't even begun to assess the engine but it looks like it will just need a tune up. I'll forget the windshield for now. Wiring looks great! Pretty impressed with the boat overall as it has been stored outside and uncovered for 10 years, outside covered for 10 years before that, and has not been in the water in close to 35 years!

Also, I have decided to name the boat "Little Doc" as this was the nickname of the original owner who passed away.

Pics to come tomorrow...hopefully

 

[jjnebraska]

Mickyryan and woodonglass- thank you both for your responses. I'm making my list of things to do. I have NEVER restored anything before and this is a project that I never anticipated doing. I will need all the help I can get as I get deeper into this project. I am hoping to do a float test in the next couple weeks.

 

[jbcurt00]

Lots can be hidden below a soft deck.

I wouldnt plan to get a season out of it. Transom is at risk if the deck is soft.

Dig into other restos, lots of good info posted in most of them. You'll quickly see how much damage can be hidden below even a small soft spot.

 

[jjnebraska]

Thanks guys! I'll do my research and start a new thread once I have some solid progress. I think this one can be closed for now.

 

[Woodonglass]

Lonestar made some of their boats with Aluminum Stringers!!! Maybe you'll luck out and have one.

 

[jjnebraska]

WOG, I read your fabricating decks post. Question - do I just take a saw and start cutting a half inch from the side all the way around? Any YouTube links you can share? I don't even own a saw

 

[Woodonglass]

You can usually find Cheap Circular Saws on craigslist. A Circular saw has a narrow side and a wide side. Run the narrow side along the hull sides and set your blade depth about 1/16 " deeper than the thickness of the deck plywood. This will keep you from cutting the hull, BUT if you do cut thru do NOT worry it's no big deal and can easily be repaired. drill a hole in the deck to find out how thick it is.