Rough and ready '74 Starcraft Chieftan 18' rebuild

[laurentide]

Thanks for sharing Chem, always great to see pics of a Chief on the water!

They're sweet rigs!

 

[GA_Boater]

It just can't get any better, Chem! :thumb:

 

[laurentide]

The canvas installment plan continues...this year it's the camper back cover. Mostly just for storage in the yard so I don't have to mess with breaking all the canvas down and tarping (well, except when the snow flies). Next year will be the final installment of rear clear drop curtains for winter fishing. I'm happy with the results here: The tarp is technically better for keeping water and tree litter off the whole boat, but it's a PITA.

All the wood save the transom (which is pretty well sealed...and to eventually be replaced with composite) is covered up when not in use.

And, hey, maybe I'll actually camp in it someday :sleeping:

 

[laurentide]

Ya know, this will probably work just fine for winter trolling with a little jerry rigging. Now I'm glad I opted for the window.

 

[pckeen]

Where did you get that canvas frame and top made?

 

[Watermann]

No better friend to a fisherman than cover from the elements, even if it's nice out the sun gets really oppressive after a few hours.

 

[laurentide]

Where did you get that canvas frame and top made?

http://clothncanvas.com

The bimini is from ANP in Canada. If you're going to have an enclosure made, I'd just have the shop do it all for a better fit.

No better friend to a fisherman than cover from the elements, even if it's nice out the sun gets really oppressive after a few hours.

Absolutely. My top doesn't ever come down on the water. I don't need any more sunburns after a youth spent on the water with no skin protection. Gotta keep the dermatologist visits to a minimum later in life.

And yeah, it really tires you out on top of the engine noise during long trips.

 

[oldhaven]

Very nice work. I like what you have done there and now I have some pictures I can show when it is time to do one for us. Knowing you we will see a picture of you out next Christmas and toasty warm.

Ron

 

[laurentide]

^^that's my collection of antique junk towing a new $40K trolling rig back to the ramp. He had a no-crank situation on his big Merc, one battery, no kicker. He had just enough power to get me on the VHF, I was way out of sight range. He was drifting in 250' of water in 3-4' seas with a strong north wind...no anchoring there. We had a couple of hairy moments tying up a tow harness.

I just ordered a handheld VHF. Even with 4 batteries and a kicker on my boat you never know. Really the only downside of the new 4 strokes is their voltage sensitivity, they need a certain amount of juice to run the fuel injection. And your hardwired VHF is useless without house power.

I also just ordered an Auto Tether, which is a wireless kill switch for my kicker. One of my nightmares is falling overboard while solo and helplessly watching my boat troll away in gear.

I got to check out his new Alumacraft 17.5 when we got back to the ramp. It's really sweet, very much a dedicated fishing boat with an extreme forward helm and a huge cockpit for a boat that small. Today's incident notwithstanding, I love the simplicity of a single big engine that can troll all day. Just needs another battery :lol:

 

[GA_Boater]

I bet he was happy to see you show up, Chem. How long was the tow?

 

[Watermann]

He was lucky that day and I'll bet you felt pretty good pulling up in your 42 year old tin pot with an old smoker to drag him back in.

I thought about VHF but here where I boat the granite mountains are towering 1000's of feet above you and you can always paddle to shore if need be. I have a kill switch on my SN and will put one in the SS. Guess I should think about it for the Chief too it would be super easy for it.

 

[laurentide]

I bet he was happy to see you show up, Chem. How long was the tow?

Six miles uphill, but that's better than surfing down with a tow!

He was lucky that day and I'll bet you felt pretty good pulling up in your 42 year old tin pot with an old smoker to drag him back in.

I thought about VHF but here where I boat the granite mountains are towering 1000's of feet above you and you can always paddle to shore if need be. I have a kill switch on my SN and will put one in the SS. Guess I should think about it for the Chief too it would be super easy for it.

Ha, yeah, I ribbed him about the 2 stroke exhaust.

We don't have SeaTow or TowboatUS here, so we have to use the buddy system, which relies on a working VHF. We do have a CG station, but they'll only come if you're in the water or sinking, etc... About all they'll do is issue an MARB, which is just broadcasting your situation to potential good Samaritans in the area.

But the buddy system works well. I hope I never need it but I know every single cold water angler here would do the same for me.

I never used to attach my kill switch lanyard or wear a PDF. Now I use both unless it's flat calm. The inflatable PFD's are pretty easy. Guess I'm old now . The wireless switch is pretty cool, I'll post up some pics when I get it and install the unit.

 

[laurentide]

Just a goof video of my dog enjoying some bilge water. I hope you guys are having a great weekend.

Cheers!

 

[GA_Boater]

Chem - Leave a water dish out for the pooch! LOL

 

[Watermann]

Oh man too funny, typical pot licker :lol:

 

[laurentide]

Well I'm callin' it a season. I thought I'd be doing some late season fishing but the wind just never cooperated on my days off. Just gotta go grab some fresh bungies to sew up the tarp.

I got on the wait list for a drop down curtain, so hopefully early spring will be more comfortable. Good luck to all you guys working on projects.

 

[GA_Boater]

Just how is the puppy gonna wet his whistle now!

Always sad to wrap 'em up for winter, Chem. :blue:

 

[laurentide]

Ha! Believe me, those dogs are well taken care of!

 

[Decker83]

Those dogs look like their spoiled..
The weather here is 70 degrees today.. But Christmas is only a few weeks away.. Think the Admiral will let me buy boat stuff and forget the grandchildren..:lol:
Don't think I'll let her see this post..

 

[Watermann]

Yeah that's a sad reality for those of us in the north. I winterized my Chief 2 months ago... ugg 5 to go...