Rough and ready '74 Starcraft Chieftan 18' rebuild

[GA_Boater]

Re: Rough and ready '74 Starcraft Chieftan 18' rebuild

Every once in a while. :facepalm: Happy to help, Chem.

 

[Traxx]

Re: Rough and ready '74 Starcraft Chieftan 18' rebuild

Chem what are the external measurements of your fuel cell?

 

[laurentide]

Re: Rough and ready '74 Starcraft Chieftan 18' rebuild

Chem what are the external measurements of your fuel cell?

No idea, but I'll get 'em for you in a day or two. It's under a tarp in the rain presently.

 

[Streetgang]

Re: Rough and ready '74 Starcraft Chieftan 18' rebuild

Chem,

A few thoughts on your fuel tank. I am pretty sure based on design and age that the metal is terne plate. For this discussion we can call it galvanized. Originally lead and tin were used as a coating on carbon steel and later tin and zinc were used for coating.

The common problem is when welding the heads/end caps onto the tank or on the lap seam the weld burns through the coating and exposes the carbon steel. If your tank rusts or when inspecting you need to look at the internal welds.

I would also suggest a clear see through in line fuel filter so if any scale, rust shows up you can readily see it.

Cant hurt to fog tank during storage as condensation will form during the temp. swings.

Good luck, nice work.

 

[Watermann]

Re: Rough and ready '74 Starcraft Chieftan 18' rebuild

I'm going to hide my puny little fuel tank after seeing yours chem... is my tank envy showing?

Great work on your Cheiftan, I just about had like it earlier this week. Beautiful boats with sexy lines they are.

 

[laurentide]

Re: Rough and ready '74 Starcraft Chieftan 18' rebuild

Chem,

A few thoughts on your fuel tank. I am pretty sure based on design and age that the metal is terne plate. For this discussion we can call it galvanized. Originally lead and tin were used as a coating on carbon steel and later tin and zinc were used for coating.

The common problem is when welding the heads/end caps onto the tank or on the lap seam the weld burns through the coating and exposes the carbon steel. If your tank rusts or when inspecting you need to look at the internal welds.

I would also suggest a clear see through in line fuel filter so if any scale, rust shows up you can readily see it.

Cant hurt to fog tank during storage as condensation will form during the temp. swings.

Good luck, nice work.

Yeah, I read you man. I checked the interior weld seams and they're clean. I've also got a see-through filter should there be any issues. Thanks.

I'm going to hide my puny little fuel tank after seeing yours chem... is my tank envy showing?

Great work on your Cheiftan, I just about had like it earlier this week. Beautiful boats with sexy lines they are.

I don't think I'd ever seen a Chief before I got one, but, yeah, I love the lines now. It's a cool old boat for sure. As for the tank, I got lucky and my old one was useable. Otherwise I'd be using my portables I think, given my budget.

 

[laurentide]

Re: Rough and ready '74 Starcraft Chieftan 18' rebuild

Well guys, without going into detail on a public forum, I'm going to have to take a least a short break from the project due to some "life getting in the way" issues.

I absolutely plan to finish the boat this summer, but my time has to be devoted to other things for a little while. Damn...I'm soooo close, too.

Thanks to everyone who's helped me get to this point. There's no way I could have done this without your expert advice, humor, and encouragement. But, I'm gonna have to sign off for a bit and get some other things worked out right now.

So, to be continued......

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Rough and ready '74 Starcraft Chieftan 18' rebuild

Life happens, Chem. Hoping all turns out OK. Turn the porch light off and flash it a few times when you get back on the Chief.

 

[laurentide]

Re: Rough and ready '74 Starcraft Chieftan 18' rebuild

Life happens, Chem. Hoping all turns out OK. Turn the porch light off and flash it a few times when you get back on the Chief.

Thanks, and will do.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Rough and ready '74 Starcraft Chieftan 18' rebuild

Here's to a speedy return

Just make sure you've got the pix, tools, parts & pieces squared away so it's ready & waiting when you can get back to it and you can find it all.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Rough and ready '74 Starcraft Chieftan 18' rebuild

Take care CW, we'll be here when you get back buddy!

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Rough and ready '74 Starcraft Chieftan 18' rebuild

Your boat looks great CW, and the time will fly by until your return.

The best of luck to ya 'til you return.

 

[GT1000000]

Re: Rough and ready '74 Starcraft Chieftan 18' rebuild

Here's hoping everything turns out good and we'll keep the home fires burning till your return...
Best regards and good thoughts,
Gus

 

[saginawbayboater]

Re: Rough and ready '74 Starcraft Chieftan 18' rebuild

I 2nd, 3rd and 4th that CW.:watermelon:

 

[low277]

Re: Rough and ready '74 Starcraft Chieftan 18' rebuild

Best of luck, hope everything works out well and hope to see you back soon.

 

[laurentide]

Re: Rough and ready '74 Starcraft Chieftan 18' rebuild

Thanks guys, you're the best!

 

[dozerII]

Re: Rough and ready '74 Starcraft Chieftan 18' rebuild

Good Luck, hope everything works out for the best Chem.

 

[laurentide]

Re: Rough and ready '74 Starcraft Chieftan 18' rebuild

Well, despite life's inherent difficulties, I was able to find a little time to maybe get some boat stuff done. My return to this rebuild may be brief, but here's where I'm at, with questions.

As you can see, this is as low as the engine will mount, and it looks like the anti-vent plate is about even with the keel. However, before I seal up the old Merc mount holes and drill the new ones, I wanted to make sure this is gonna work:

It seems like it may be a tiny bit on the high side, but I can't go any lower. Y'all think it looks OK here?

EDIT: I was also planning to mount it up without a transom pad, unless there's a reason to use one.

Thanks!

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Rough and ready '74 Starcraft Chieftan 18' rebuild

Looks good to me!

 

[laurentide]

Re: Rough and ready '74 Starcraft Chieftan 18' rebuild

Thanks, wood! Hopefully I'll get it mounted this evening, then I can pull it out from under that tree and get the windshield installed.

Big step if I can this out of the way.