repairable maybe?

[SS180Starcraft]

I am about to recieve this Starcraft ss180 runabout. It has been in my family for more than 20 years now. My parents inform me that the motor and electrical work the only thing is the interior. It has been sitting for about 2 years now and the only thing i have are pictures and what my parents "know." What i am trying to find out is if it is going to be worth it repairing the interior. There is a moss growing on the flooring. Does anyone know if the flooring is wood or not? My family can't help me at all. I don't want to get in over my head with this boat. I love it but if it is just going to be a over haul i don't have the time or money to do that. I am very handy, have worked on cars for numerous years now but have never worked on boats so i don't know how easy/difficult it would be. any input would be helpful. Bottom line just looking to find out if anyone knows about these boats or not.

 

[lowkee]

Re: repairable maybe?

If you are being given this boat and it runs, it is likely well worth it, so long as you have the time to put into a new floor, possibly stringers and maybe a transom. None of these are horribly tough, but they do take time and ~$1,000 to start. If you are getting for free, though, that makes it one heck of a good deal and some of us nut jobs consider resto projects fun.

The interior looks decent in the photos. Maybe just replace the wood (the floors, transom and stringers will be wood, btw) and keep the vinyl for a year or so until you save up for a proper upholstery job.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: repairable maybe?

An aluminum boat is almost always worth repairing. Yes the entire interior is wood and will have to be replaced but it isn't too big a job on an aluminum. Your boat is the same model I'm hoping to find in a year or so when I look to upgrade from my 16' closed bow. Check out the restoration section of this forum. Lots of Starcraft projects going on.

 

[SS180Starcraft]

Re: repairable maybe?

thanks for the help, once the boat gets here i will try to post my progress!

 

[HONKER1]

Re: repairable maybe?

I purchased a '86 Starcraft that was in need of restoration. First I was mad at myself for spending the money (yours is free), but after I got started on the project it actually became therapeutic. No one bothered me, because they knew I would put them to work. I sold things to get money to purchase parts for the boat, and the wife was wondering if I would ever put it in the water. I was having more fun working on it, and would always come up with something else that needed to be done. Findly I dropped the boat in the water after a year of restoration and everyone thinks the boat is brand new off the showroom floor. So if you like the boat, want the boat and can use the boat, GO FOR IT.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: repairable maybe?

Findly I dropped the boat in the water after a year of restoration and everyone thinks the boat is brand new off the showroom floor.

And you aren't going to let us see this thing? COME ON with the pics!!

 

[HONKER1]

Re: repairable maybe?

Thanks EZ...Through you would never ask. I did post it in the Starcraft section a while back, but had trouble with pictures.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=163722&page=4

 

[SS180Starcraft]

Re: repairable maybe?

Well, I finally recieved the boat. after tuning up the motor and getting the water pump and impellar replaced the engine ran. I launched her briefly to ensure she didn't have any major leaks and to let engine work a little. She did take on a little more water than normal, nothing the bilge pump couldn't handle. I took it back home and started the repair process. Here are some pics but i had some questions:

what is the easiest way to remove all the glue off the boat?
do i need to replace the styrofoam as well? It all still looks pretty good to me.
i am certain i will have more questions as I progress in the repairs thanks for everyones help

 

[SS180Starcraft]

Re: repairable maybe?

Here is where i ended up, since i am only able to post 5 pics i wasn't able to put all of them in the last thread

 

[ezmobee]

Re: repairable maybe?

Glad you got her running. If you are certain the foam is dry you can leave it. Best way to find you leak is to stick a hose in it on the trailer. I found a serious pin hole on mine that way. Where are you located?

 

[JimbC]

Re: repairable maybe?

SS180Starcraft good choice on keeping the boat. No turning back now. Don't worry about not knowing anything you can learn everything you need to know right here. Just make sure you rip all the rotten wood and clean up the bare hull real good with a pressure washer. then gluvit all the seams and rivets from the inside then replace all the wood. I will be using this in my boat instead of wood never rot. http://www.nyloboard.com/HOME/tabid/36/Default.aspx
Good luck and check the tips and tricks.

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: repairable maybe?

Honker thats a pretty boat.

SS180 if you decide its more trouble than its worth I am sure EZ or Kev or myself would be more than happy to come get it out of your sight for what you have into it .


Rick

 

[SS180Starcraft]

Re: repairable maybe?

JIMBC,

I am checking out that nylon sight, which particular board would you recomend? i notice there are about 6 different types

 

[SS180Starcraft]

Re: repairable maybe?

I am located in the Quad Cities, of Illinois and Iowa

 

[JimbC]

Re: repairable maybe?

SS180Starcraft well if I were you I would call them and talk to them. I have talked to them and was quoted 148.00 per 4x12 sheet I think 1/2" it may have been thicker. But the person I spoke with told me they mfg it right there so they could make just about any size and thickness I wanted. Like I said decide what you want and then give them a call. They will send samples. They also told me they have a product that some boat MFG's are starting to use for transoms and decking it comes already wrapped in fiberglass. I just can't see using wood in a boat with this product available. Never have rotten wood again, and wash the boat out all ya want get it as wet as you want.

 

[SS180Starcraft]

Re: repairable maybe?

well, here are a few snapshots of the transom. they are the best i can do until i tear more of the floor up. I believe it does need to be replaced. i tried searching "replacing transom" but didn't get much help. Any simpler instructions then watching someone mold a transom that has way more time on there hands than i do?!?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: repairable maybe?

Looks pretty good from where I'm sittin'

 

[SS180Starcraft]

Re: repairable maybe?

what is the proper way of going about removing the steering cable off of the steering column. I only ask this because I do not want ruin the cable taking it off while i redo the deck. This is what i have

 

[ezmobee]

Re: repairable maybe?

I kinda look at that thing as one whole unit and wouldn't try removing the cable. I bought a new system a while ago and the cable comes installed in the rack. You should be able to remove the rack from the helm though by removing the 4 bolts that hold it on.

 

[SS180Starcraft]

Re: repairable maybe?

Thanks, sorry to sound like a moron, i just dont want to screw up my Grandpa's old boat. I am going to be taking out the insulation next. Any particular kind of isulation recommended to replace the old? Here are a couple of pics of the area. I didn't remove any of the insualtion yet. Is there a particular kinda i need or a particular kind i do not want to get? Or does it not matter too much?