Restore 1983 StarCraft

[Kristenkoehler]

HI I would like to get my dad's boat running and restored. It's a 1983 StarCraft. It's been sitting outside and has been uncovered a lot. He said that it idled high and got stuck and wouldn't slow down, which sounds like a vacuum leak, but I think I remember him saying something about it being a wiring issue. He passed away so I can't ask him. And I don't know anything about boats. I don't even know where to start. Besides cleaning it. I'll post some photos. Any advice? Thanks in advance!

 

[Woodonglass]

Welcome to iBoats!!

I LOVE these kind of projects where there's sentimental value involved. A fiberglass Starcraft is a RARE BIRD on this forum. Most of our SC's are Tin Boats. What Motor is that? Based on your statements, I'd say you need to be prepared for a total teardown and restore. Looking at that big Splashwell on the back It's gunna be necessary for you to remove the top cap of the boat. You do this by removing the rubber rub rail out of its aluminum rail and then removing the rivets or screws holding the rail. You can then remove the top of the boat. You'll then remove the Floor/Deck to get the "Stringers" below and then "Core Sample" them to determine their condition. I'm betting they'll need to be removed and replaced. The transom is the back of the boat where the motor is attached. It too will need to be core sampled to determine if it's waterlogged and needing to be replaced. Once all the BAD is removed you'll then replace with fresh wood and new fiberglass.

You can expect to use 200 man hours for labor and approx. $1,500 to $2,000 dollars to get all of this done. Good news is...She'll be better than new and will last until your grandkids get rid of it.!!!!

 

[Kristenkoehler]

Wow! That sounds like a huge job, but it would certainly be worth it in the end thanks so much, and I almost forgot, its not an 83 as I had thought, it's a 75 thanks so much for your reply!!!!!

 

[Kristenkoehler]

The engine is an evinrude 140, 1632 cc

 

[redneck joe]

Welcome to the forum. If you have some basics skills you can do it, especially with help here. Just need time, the budget and preferably a garage . Good luck.