Starfire

[CabinGuy]

I am interested in a 74 Apollo Starfire with at 302 Ford MerCruiser. Really like the small size - but wonder about getting into buying this boat. Do not know (nor does current owner know) the history of the engine maintenance. Who can I talk to about this boat?

 

[jbcurt00]

No

The 302 Ford makes it a hard no.

Unless its free, and I'd suggest he pay you to take it.

 

[CabinGuy]

Thanks, why is that?

 

[jbcurt00]

Fords been out of marine business for decades, I'm not an I/O owner but I dont remember Ford ever offering a Mercruiser stern outdrive. Maybe the did, but long ago.... makes parts sourcing problematic.

Current owner doesnt know history, can he prove he's ever run it?

They all used to run, but it was parked for a reason.

Its nearly 50yrs old, and likely to need more work then you expect.

You didnt mention a price, but I was serious, unless the trailer is towable as is and you can drop it in the water and run it as is, its the type of deal where the owner should pay you to haul it off. Even for free, its likely to be the most expensive boat you ever own after a likely complete rehab stem to stern AND a new motor & outdrive....

A Huge investment in time and money

 

[CabinGuy]

Yes,
The boat runs and apparently has been running (saw pictures from last summer) The boat was taken to a boat mechanic who has tested it out. and he says it runs good. The guy wanted 2750.

 

[southkogs]

I mostly agree with JB, but will say that I've taken a chance with old / vintage / obsolete boats in the past and it's worked out. You'll have trouble with some parts already being listed as no longer available. Over time, that will just increase.

If you like the boat, it's in really good shape and runs well AND you like the idea of keeping, maintaining and working on a vintage (read that "obsolete") boat; then paying $2,000 or so for the boat is probably not too bad.

If you're looking for a boat to do PM on each year, trailer and go ... don't do this to yourself. I wouldn't touch it without taking a ride in it. And if there's a hint of substantial work to be done (or the ad reads "it just needs ..."), then default back to JB's "run away" plan.

 

[CabinGuy]

All very helpful comments - thank you

 

[matt167]

Mercruiser 888 was a Ford 302 in the 70's.. Many of the Ford specific parts are NLA, but most of the entire drive is still available.. Looks like the Apollo Starfire was a run of the mill 1970's speed boat.. You might find better boats with outboards where that type of boat was more popular

 

[Scott06]

I mostly agree with JB, but will say that I've taken a chance with old / vintage / obsolete boats in the past and it's worked out. You'll have trouble with some parts already being listed as no longer available. Over time, that will just increase.

If you like the boat, it's in really good shape and runs well AND you like the idea of keeping, maintaining and working on a vintage (read that "obsolete") boat; then paying $2,000 or so for the boat is probably not too bad.

If you're looking for a boat to do PM on each year, trailer and go ... don't do this to yourself. I wouldn't touch it without taking a ride in it. And if there's a hint of substantial work to be done (or the ad reads "it just needs ..."), then default back to JB's "run away" plan.

This is good advice if you enjoy doing some work on it go for it at price mentioned. If you really like the boat long term consider repowering it with the engine and outdrive from a newer parts boat. Would be an easy swap (as far as swaps go) to put in a 5.7 merc with an alpha outdrive.