Ratherb's 74' 21 Ft Starcraft Islander

[Mikeopsycho]

Hi Ratherboating from a fellow BCer. Nice looking boat you got there.

 

[laurentide]

I really like the higher cuddy and flat side rails on the Cheifains.

Does anyone want to give there opinion on the side mounted aluminum fuel tanks that are factory in the Islander? I see most do not use them and change to in floor?? Any reason? I am not sure if other years have the dual side mount fuel tanks?

I'd say that's up to you based on preference and $$. I can't tell where your tanks are, but in general the above deck tanks allow you to fill the whole area under deck with flotation. Under deck tanks will give a better ride, more stability, and potentially more deck space. It also depends on the condition of your tanks including a simple pressure test. I'm sure someone with better knowledge of this conversion will be along. I left mine above with the original repainted tank due to budget.

 

[airshot]

Nice looking boat, once done your gonna love it, I certainly like mine, best boat I have ever owned in 50 yrs of boating. Please keep us posted on your progress as we all like looking at pics. As far as fuel tanks...how far you going to travel? Mine has the 140 hp mercruiser with a 25 gallon tank, it will give me more than a full day of cruising and three days of fishing big lake erie out of Toledo Ohio. Enjoy and looking forward to your updates.

 

[Watermann]

I put a belly tank in my Chief mainly for the capacity and stability of having the weight as low as possible. I guess you know the pros and cons of each so it's up to you to decide. Fuel tanks aren't cheap so guys want to reuse them but I would closely inspect and pressure check any older tank that's AL or steel for pitting or holes.

 

[hadaveha]

That will be a great looking boat

 

[Ratherbboatin]

Found an Alternator around $200 bucks not cheap. Part# 18-5957 Still looking for a cheaper unit.
I oiled down the cylinders, tested the oil pump and it pushes oil up to the filter. Tested the Coil, so far it all looks good. I still need to check for spark after I clean up the minor corrosion on all the distributor wires.
Does anyone have a close up photo of original Alternator wiring hookup? The alternator was missing when I got it and the connectors have been changed.

 

[Watermann]

I had some alternator wiring troubles too and used this diagram.

 

[Ratherbboatin]

Thanks! that is exactly what I needed.
I am also looking for info on the Solex downdraft carb. Anyone taken one apart? My set up is the dual solex carbs, the rear carb has a clog in the main overhead jet. Looks like it is fed by the plunger mechanism. The overhead jet is a push in fitting ( I though a little strange) I pulled it out and gave it a good dose of carb cleaner. Hopefully it will break down the clog....ha ha I can only hope. The other works as it should.....as far as I know, although that doesn't count for all that much.

 

[dozerII]

Sent you a PM Rather

 

[Watermann]

Try this, they even sell it on Wal-Mart.

 

[WeldZilla]

Glad to see you are going to bring her back to life!! Should be fun to watch.

WZ

 

[Ratherbboatin]

Some photo updates
Took side panels off to access side fuel tanks. Pulled seats out, except for the post which don't want to unbolt.

 

[Watermann]

I hear ya on the things not wanting to come loose, every last screw, nut and bolt fought me tooth and nail on the Chief. Then there's the PO's fascination with using ferrous metal fasteners and everything is rusted solid. I went through a can of PB before just deciding to go uni-brow and bust or twist everything apart with over sized implements of destruction. That made things go so much faster after I figured that one out. :lol:

 

[Ratherbboatin]

I have only ran into a couple tough fasteners. For the most part that was left Factory except for the dash add-ons which were the first things to go. The seat post are pedestals and the alan screws just keep turning, so maybe I am doing it incorrectly. I am not sure how they were installed. Maybe bolted underneath somehow???

 

[Ratherbboatin]

My biggest decision is with the Engine power. It currently has a AQ 130c with dual downdraft carbs that I should be able to get running in the next little while. Has the 270 leg with the power tilt, no power trim. Is this engine strong enough to power this boat? 21 ft, about 2200lbs with a couple people in it, fuel and gear? Anyone have this engine in a similar starcraft? Is not having a power tilt an issue? I was thinking of re-powering with a 4.3 or something like that.
My other 2 previous boats were fibreglass hull and had the powertrim which I found very useful. I do not want to replace the transom only to re-do it again the next year.

 

[dozerII]

My biggest decision is with the Engine power. It currently has a AQ 130c with dual downdraft carbs that I should be able to get running in the next little while. Has the 270 leg with the power tilt, no power trim. Is this engine strong enough to power this boat? 21 ft, about 2200lbs with a couple people in it, fuel and gear? Anyone have this engine in a similar starcraft? Is not having a power tilt an issue? I was thinking of re-powering with a 4.3 or something like that.
My other 2 previous boats were fibreglass hull and had the powertrim which I found very useful. I do not want to replace the transom only to re-do it again the next year.

A 4.3 implant would be a good choice for that size Islander, is the Volvo a 130 hp? if so it would be marginal at best and by no means fast.

 

[Ratherbboatin]

Yes its a B20, AQ 130c 130hp rated with dual solex downdraft carbs. Maybe I should pull it and sell it, buy a 4.3 ltr. It would be a lot easier to get parts for!!

 

[GA_Boater]

My biggest decision is with the Engine power. It currently has a AQ 130c with dual downdraft carbs that I should be able to get running in the next little while. Has the 270 leg with the power tilt, no power trim. Is this engine strong enough to power this boat? 21 ft, about 2200lbs with a couple people in it, fuel and gear? Anyone have this engine in a similar starcraft? Is not having a power tilt an issue? I was thinking of re-powering with a 4.3 or something like that.
My other 2 previous boats were fibreglass hull and had the powertrim which I found very useful. I do not want to replace the transom only to re-do it again the next year.

The AQ was probably a fine choice 40 years ago, but parts aren't all that easy to come by anymore by looking around the V-P forum. If you can find a 4.3 Mercruiser donor, I think you will be miles ahead. And the added benefit of tilt and trim. When you get the AQ running, parting out will probably pay for the donor with some leftover cash in hand.

I would have to think real hard about keeping the V-P when replacing the transom. Like you said - Double work when you can do it now and live up to your username. :smile:

 

[Ratherbboatin]

4.3ltr's are hard to come by here unless they are crap and needing rebuild.

I have come across this package - Mercruiser 165 hp 6cyl motor Merc Alpha Gen I drive leg Good running condition motor and drive both in good shape. $1000
I have heard bad things about the Alpha 1 leg. Although it looks like it might use close to the same opening in the transom. The straight 6 cyldr engines seem to run forever.

 

[dozerII]

4.3ltr's are hard to come by here unless they are crap and needing rebuild.

I have come across this package - Mercruiser 165 hp 6cyl motor Merc Alpha Gen I drive leg Good running condition motor and drive both in good shape. $1000
I have heard bad things about the Alpha 1 leg. Although it looks like it might use close to the same opening in the transom. The straight 6 cyldr engines seem to run forever.

I'm not sure what you are referring to about the Alpha one, they have been around for a long time and if maintained are a very reliable drive.