Repowering a 1972 16ft SS

[motorpsykler]

Hi, I'm a newbie here. I just picked up a 72 Starcraft SS off craigslist for $500.(Pictures to come) I've always admired the hull design and I have big plans to convert this to a modern style walleye type fishing boat(sorry purists). I already own a 16ft Lund Pike with a good 99 Yamaha 25 HP four stroke. My question is, does anybody have an educated opinion as to how this motor would perform on my SS? The hull is rated at 85HP. The Yamaha pushes my Lund to 22-23 mph, which is sufficient for me. I know the Starcraft is wider(the reason I am changing boats), but honestly, it doesn't seem much heavier than the Lund. Is it worth doing the work to swap motors? I'm not looking to tear up the lake, but I don't want a barge either, I want it to get on plane. What do you guys think?

 

[xxturbowesxx]

Re: Repowering a 1972 16ft SS

what is your lund rated for? that will tell us a little more about the differences in design. I would guess its barely adequate to hold a plane... I would personally look for a well used 85hp(you can always drive slow) and I think if you ever decide to sell the starcraft you may turn a decent profit and have more interest..

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: Repowering a 1972 16ft SS

Welcome to iboats and once we see pics the Starcraft forum ( dont show the pics to Kev pics of Super Sports make him angry and you wouldnt like him when he is angry ) ROFLMAO .


Ok onto your question I personally would keep an eye out for a minimum of a 50HP outboard . Andy on here has a 50 on the back of his 16' Jupiter and in his shakedown runs was barely in the mid 20's at WOT . You really dont want to go less than 70% of the hull plate rating ( according to EZ and I trust his knowledge ) . Make sure you check out our little 2010 get together thread as we are planning a Starcraft owners get together for June next year.


Rick

 

[motorpsykler]

Re: Repowering a 1972 16ft SS

Thanks for the response, guys. The Lund is rated at 50HP. I guess I figured as much that the 25 wouldn't be enough. I'm going to sell the Lund when the Starcraft its ready, so I guess I'll leave the 25 on it. The Starcraft has a 50 Evinrude with a Panther tilt unit. I'll sell those too and put the money together towards a new motor.

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: Repowering a 1972 16ft SS

Motor if the Starcraft already has a 50 on it with power tilt why not just run it and see how it handles .


Rick

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Repowering a 1972 16ft SS

It will do well with a 50. Optimum would be a 3 cyl 70-75. Great power to weight ratio. I have a V4 85 on mine and it goes great but is a bit stern heavy. There a couple videos of mine on the water mixed in with the pictures in my signature link.

 

[motorpsykler]

Re: Repowering a 1972 16ft SS

Motor if the Starcraft already has a 50 on it with power tilt why not just run it and see how it handles .


Rick

I actually did Saturday, and it ran out pretty good. All it needs is a starter. When you crank it, the pinion disengages as soon as it begins to fire, not giving it enough of a shove to start. Replacing the starter isn't a problem, I will do it before I sell the motor. I just won't ever trust a 37 year old two-stroke. I'm a four-stroke guy, always will be. Plus this motor has electric shift, which is actually pretty cool but it's another thing that can fail out on the water.
I understand why you guys like to see Johnson's and Evinrude's behind old Starcrafts, they look RIGHT. But as much as I like old boats, I like modern motors. This will be the second boat that I have built to fish. And my main focus is building a trouble free and convenient package so I can focus my energy on fishing. I love looking at pictures of your restored boats though, they are cool as hell.

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: Repowering a 1972 16ft SS

Ok that makes sense to me . I understand the desire to have a more modern motor hangin off the back .


Rick

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Repowering a 1972 16ft SS

Plus this motor has electric shift, which is actually pretty cool but it's another thing that can fail out on the water.

Actually from what I understand if it fails it defaults to forward.