Starcraft Islander Project Questions

[TinPig]

Hello all!!!

I have been doing my reasearch on looking for a boat that could fit all my needs at one time. After looking on line and at several boat yards, I have decided to find an Islander. At first I was just gonna look for a good hull and trailer. However after realizing that they're hard to come by where I live, I did manage to find one. I'm hoping to buy it this week. There is quite a bit done to this boat, but there are a few things I'm not experienced in doing that I will need some of you guys to talk me through.

I've read a few threads, and found you guys to be an energetic bunch when it comes to your Starcrafts. Therefore, I hope you'll allow me into the fold if I do in fact get the old Islander('74).

And Yes, I will attach pics troughout the proccess.

If I'm not mistaken, this is probably the most durable fishing/family boat available, especially if towing capacity is a major factor and I have limited experience boating. Am I right?

 

[timfives]

Re: Starcraft Islander Project Questions

Tinpig,

I hope you get that islander! once your get it be sure to start a thread regarding that boat. I am currently in the process of refitting one myself. These are great boats, and like you i'm hoping my family has a great time on it once i get it finished.

good luck and let us know how it goes!

Tim

 

[Kainon]

Re: Starcraft Islander Project Questions

I love my 21' Islander, and yea, if towing cap is a concern the Tin Ones' are a good deal compared to (glass) where as you can get a little more size in comparison. The engine options aren't as broad till you get newer with the V6's, I think they're better on gas, having the smaller engines, and lighter boats.. but can still carry a bunch !!! I have a 10y old daughter, and she loves the boat and drives it (with me) when ever we're out.. My nephew almost sunk it on me but I was able to get back to the dock even though it was upto the floors with water ( 1" hole up front where the head inlet/outlet was )...

I am experienced with GM Engines, but had no clue about doing a transom let alone removing a gimbal housing and replacing and haveing it all line up.. well I guess I got lucky cuz I feel I'm within 98% of perfection... (ok I said it.. but it really aligned almost perfectly I think as I had a good set of spline grease marks all the way around ! )

Seach my posts and you'll find a bunch of info.. also check out my gallery and website (lengthy reading thought.. )

congrats !!! and welcome !!

 

[fshngho]

Re: Starcraft Islander Project Questions

Welcome TinPig. I hope you get the Islander. You will find if you post pics you will get all kind of help and encouragement. Its an addiction to some of us, and even worse to a few more, lol. Just remember when you get it you have to post pics for us to see, kinda part of membership requirements I believe. Kev takes care of monetary dues for first two years I think. ( He must be made of money)
Don't forget to check out the get together. Dale

 

[elkhunter338]

Re: Starcraft Islander Project Questions

you are going out on a limb stating ss are the most durable and reliable. They are rivited and made of thin alum.
Go with a northriver, alumaweld, or other all welded boat for something more durable. However now you come to $$ that is why I have a 21' ss Cheiftain. I like the boat but would trade it in a heard beat for a similar priced, similar model of a northriver or hews craft.
I could not afford the 26' Northriver with the cuddy cabin so I settled for the starcraft.
Fiberglass boats are probably more durable than starcrafts, but then you come to the weight factor. Weight cost money to tow and push through the water. Everything has its advantages and disadvantages.
My cheiftain is very simiar to the islander and I like the boat, but I do wish it was built a little better and with heavier alum.

 

[Kainon]

Re: Starcraft Islander Project Questions

blasphemy !!!! - you should be banned from this group !!!

 

[Gnarly]

Re: Starcraft Islander Project Questions

Im with elkhunter on this one, .125 5086 and the use of chromate and rivets installed with pro seal wet would have gone a long way with these boats, they are what they are , reasonably priced but certainly not what I would consider well built.

 

[North Beach]

Re: Starcraft Islander Project Questions

I don't know about all that. Mine was 43 years old before I tore into it. Just because a boat is made with thicker aluminum, doesn't necessarily make it better. Perhaps starcraft hit the nail on the head with their mix of materials and craftsmanship and did it for a decent price.

Granted, except for the last few years, my boat was well cared for. But shouldn't they all be?

Tinpig, buy yourself a Starcraft in decent shape and there's only so much you'll have to do to make it a boat that will last you a lifetime if you use it as intended.

 

[Bwana Don]

Re: Starcraft Islander Project Questions

Good luck on the Islander. From what I hear they are very versatile fishing boats.

I am interested to see your restoration, I"m eying the Islander series myself. Hope you get the boat so I can get some pointers from you. I look forward to your rebuild.

 

[TinPig]

Re: Starcraft Islander Project Questions

Guys,
I had to pass on the Islander. The guy selling it was way out of touch with what was done to it and what was needed to do the boat justice. We spoke over the phone for over an hour and he talk about what he did to it and what is had. He said the restoration was half way done. He couldn't have been more wrong. It was more like half ripped apart and half rotten(trailer included). It wouldn't have been a big deal if the price was right, but he thought he had a gold mine. For only a couple of bucks more, I can buy one already complete and ready to go. Next I will insist on pics before I drive an hour and a half to check it out. My fault due to inexperience. I will keep an eye out for one around here(New England), but they are far and few in between. I might just say the hell with a project and towing issues and go fiberglass. A 24 ft trophy has caught my eye. But If I still go Islander, you guys will be the first ones notified!!!

Happy Holidays to all you boat lovers.........

 

[Bwana Don]

Re: Starcraft Islander Project Questions

Trophy is a damn nice boat. You pay for it but they are sweet. I see a few running around Lake St. Clair and I get a little envious.

Keep looking, I see a few Islanders here and there, actually quite a few this way (Michigan/Ohio/Indiana). Check along Lake Ontario, Buffalo maybe. I don't know how far that is from you though.

 

[Bwana Don]

Re: Starcraft Islander Project Questions

Check out the 22 SS thread. Apparently there's an Islander for sale further down in the thread, in addition to the 22 SS that is.

It's in VA.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Starcraft Islander Project Questions

Check out the 22 SS thread. Apparently there's an Islander for sale further down in the thread, in addition to the 22 SS that is.

It's in VA.

Hey TinPig!!!!

Here...LOOK..Sa-WEEEEEET!!!!!!!!!!!

http://richmond.craigslist.org/boa/1481899932.html

 

[TinPig]

Re: Starcraft Islander Project Questions

Thanks for the help guys.

I am however going to get the Trophy. I went rough it with a fine tooth comb and it is in GREAT shape for it's age. And way underpriced. I can't pass on it. It comes w/ everything I could ever want in a fishing boat, minus the 1000lb. Tuna of course!!! Wish me luck!!! It's only a couple hundred bucks more than the guy wnated for the destroyed Islander. I gotta do it.

 

[Bwana Don]

Re: Starcraft Islander Project Questions

Good for you. Like I said, damn fine boats. Post a picture for me, I love looking at them.