Starcraft Hull design changes

[N1265]

Hi Guys :

A few years ago I remember reading about Starcraft changing the design of their Hulls ( or Hull support ) in the mid 80's ( if I remember right ) and the changes made were more prone to leaking than the earlier and later boats. I would of thought I read that here but cant seem to find it now.

A few years back I looked at a late 80's 18' center counsol that was still leaking at the kneel a day and a half after being pulled out of the water and put on the trailer, and now I am just trying to understand the changes better.

Can any of you guys elaborate on the changes made throughout the years and what the actual problems were ?

Many Thanks,

 

[jbcurt00]

Being hanging out in the Starcraft hanger for a while, dont ever remember anything similar to the leaking along the keel because if a design change.

Pretty sure they've always had a 1 piece hull bottom, w no seams, until you get forward to the bow rise.

 

[classiccat]

Being hanging out in the Starcraft hanger for a while, dont ever remember anything similar to the leaking along the keel because if a design change.

Pretty sure they've always had a 1 piece hull bottom, w no seams, until you get forward to the bow rise.

The only thing I can think of is the keel weep/drain hole.

There's a belief that the forward hole placement results in a pressurized keel piece when underway...forcing water into the keel rivets.

It may have been removed in later models (or relocated to an aft position)?

 

[SHSU]

Didn't they add some bracing from the sidewalls to the bottom hull for structural support on the bigger hulls? It wouldn't have made it more prone to leaking, but would have improved on earlier designs.

SHSU

 

[N1265]

What year did they start to put the gas tank in the floor ?

 

[Watermann]

What year did they start to put the gas tank in the floor ?

Belly tanks came about starting with the 1978 V5 models, the smooth sided front runner to the mid later 80's V models