So I became a proud boat owner today.

[Wmcdonald]

Long neglected 1977 StarCraft islander 22. I can’t believe I bought this. It’s a project!

 

[flashback]

And a fine project it will be...

 

[Scott Danforth]

Remember, old boats take lots of cash to keep floating

 

[flashback]

Remember, old boats take lots of cash to keep floating

They do but the cash outlay can sometimes be spread so It doesn't hurt so bad. I've never bought a new boat, can't afford it, but I can prioritize the shortcomings of the old boat and hopefully keep it going awhile.

 

[silverbul]

for some reason, SS MINNOW pops into my head. lol

 

[redneck joe]

Any power on it?

 

[KJM]

View attachment 393860
Long neglected 1977 StarCraft islander 22. I can’t believe I bought this. It’s a project!

I'm sure it will be great when you are done. In hindsight, I wish I had gone aluminum instead of FG when I bought mine.

 

[Wmcdonald]

Any power on it?

I’m going through the electrical now. Most things work. Getting nothing at the starter. I think I’ll try a new ignition switch, the old one is suspect.

 

[airshot]

Great boat to start with, being aluminum is even better !! Many fond memories from my old Islander, loved that boat....but, do to life changes had to downsize. Look forward to your rebuild pics.

 

[flashback]

Jump the starter so you know it's good

 

[Wmcdonald]

View attachment 393860
Long neglected 1977 StarCraft islander 22. I can’t believe I bought this. It’s a project!

I’ve removed the old deck and cleaned it up in preparation for new decking. But not until I replace the transom.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

At least it isn't fiberglass.

 

[racerone]

Closed cooling on that OMC sterndrive.-----Inspect that drive carefully.-----They are not on top of the " hit parade " in many areas.----Picture of the ball gear wear ?

 

[matt167]

If you have to do the transom, it’s a perfect time to fill the big hole and do a switcheroo to Mercruiser. You can find a rotted 3.0L glasser and gain yourself 10hp without much issue. Some will say 4.3L but 2.5 and 3.0L is what StarCraft felt adequate with for years. Also the 4.3L is wider than StarCraft intended for the original seating in the rear. A few got an inline 6. If you were frugal you could find used mercruiser manifolds and parts to put on your OMC and then buy a transom assembly and lower unit. But cost may be similar to a rotted boat swap.

 

[redneck joe]

I agree to swap to mercruiser if you can.

 

[Wmcdonald]

Closed cooling on that OMC sterndrive.-----Inspect that drive carefully.-----They are not on top of the " hit parade " in many areas.----Picture of the ball gear wear ?

I’ll look closely at it.

 

[Wmcdonald]

If you have to do the transom, it’s a perfect time to fill the big hole and do a switcheroo to Mercruiser. You can find a rotted 3.0L glasser and gain yourself 10hp without much issue. Some will say 4.3L but 2.5 and 3.0L is what StarCraft felt adequate with for years. Also the 4.3L is wider than StarCraft intended for the original seating in the rear. A few got an inline 6. If you were frugal you could find used mercruiser manifolds and parts to put on your OMC and then buy a transom assembly and lower unit. But cost may be similar to a rotted boat swap.

Those all sound like good options. Price is an issue.

 

[jimmbo]

Interesting Angle that the Fuel Tanks sits at. The Supply fitting is on the High side, and since the Pickup Tube, is likely straight, a fair bit of Liquid, be it gasoline any likely water, are never removed from the Tank
I imagine the Wood inside the Tubing that the Engine mounts to is rotted and also needs replacing

 

[matt167]

Those all sound like good options. Price is an issue.

Rotten boats are everywhere. I gave $700 for a perfect running 3.0L in a rotted 1986 4 Winns. Putting that entire Alpha Gen 1 setup in my 70 StarCraft offshore

 

[jimmbo]

Keep in mind, that a Boat, is a Hole in the Water that you will be continuously pouring Money into. BOAT, is also Acronym for 'Break Out Another Thousand'