The well traveled 1979 Starcraft 18' V5 SS

[Toby VT]

I just got a '71 16' SS in September and am truly inspired by your build. Unfortunately in Vermont, with no garage, not much more work until spring. Again Kudos on your efforts.

 

[Watermann]

Thanks for stopping by to help and the support. So I did a test fit on the windshield and found that with the console legs squared up everything should fit right. I had to break down the side window frames as the port glass was broken so I figured I would make a template from the existing starboard glass. Man was there a ton of nasty dirt stored inside the frames and it was a bit of a learning curve when I went to put the starboard side back together. It was only 4 x 5/32nd blinds but to get the frames lined up and all back inside with the seals it was a challenge.

Wow it was cool seeing the boat with the windshield on it for the first time and a bit of a let down when it came right back off. I need to come up with some foam tape to put between the WS frame and the console/gunnels. I see Taylor Made makes some 1/4" thick x 3/4" wide with adhesive on one side just for boat windshields but iboats doesn't have it in stock right now. I may have to look for something locally. I also have to come up with some of the accessories like the window door latch and door catch as mine were broken or missing.

 

[Patfromny]

I found 1/4" window foam at my local ace and it worked great. it was an exact fit for my window. waterproof, not sure. figured it was resistant at least since it Said "window" on it. I have seen the plastic hardware so I know it is available. just not sure where I saw it. sorry bud.

 

[Watermann]

I believe I found the best way to set the SS console legs in the proper position so they'll be even, level to each other and the windshield will line up just fine.

First secure the consoles to the gunnels. I used the original holes and 3/16" x 3/8" solid rivets for strength.

Start off by squaring the console legs to the deck, it helps to add some weight on top so they don't just flop around.

Square up the legs to each other and measure the distance between them just to verify they're square to each other.

Check for square on both sides and again for square to the deck before setting screws. I put one screw in at a time and kept checking to make sure I didn't move anything.

I always pre-drill a pilot hole for screws into plywood and never just sink them in. I used #10 SS pan head screws 1/2" long. The factory used 2 screws per side but I think adding 1 or 2 more per side is best. You can even go the extra step and add some 5200 to the threads. I used the factory 1/2" ply so things may become more difficult or not line up at all if thicker 3/4" ply is used although I've heard 5/8" will work alright.

 

[StarTed]

Fine looking job there Watermann.

Your work is first class.

 

[budski]

Very nice, can't wait to see it with the windshield on.

 

[Watermann]

Very nice, can't wait to see it with the windshield on.

Thanks fellas, I'll have to wait a couple weeks since our local glass company has to order out specialty tempered glass for that port side window.

 

[Decker83]

Nice detail on how to align the consoles up..
Thanks for the tips..
Looks great..:rockon:

 

[Watermann]

Thanks for checking in and taking a look guys.

I sourced some WS seal stuff locally at HD this morning. 10 year guarantee even. :thumb:

 

[oldhaven]

I used this type EPDM seal between the bottom edge of the splash well and the transom on my Chief. It pulled up nicely to a small bead when I tightened the well down and took paint neatly along the bottom edge. It saved the mess of 5200, can be removed much more easily later if necessary. It was shat i used on the upper windshield to cabin top joint. Inexpensive and it works.

 

[Patfromny]

Happy Thanksgiving Watermans. Enjoy the holiday bud

 

[Watermann]

Thanks for the well wishes and back at you & yours.

 

[Decker83]

Hope you had a great Thanksgivings day..

 

[Watermann]

I took after the CMC project today, said heck with it I'm putting it on. It wasn't easy as there were several measurements that had to all be square with each other. Then there was the drilling into a transom that was without a single hole in it. Used the drill guide so the holes would go through square, starting with 1/4, 3/8 and finally the 1/2" bit as to keep things square and the chipping to a minimum on the inside wood.

I picked up a lower and the upper washer plate made by CMC from extruded AL, all the others are cast AL. Yeah the top one was turned around backwards so I don't have to see their advertisement. :lol:




The holes were generously coated with 5200 and a small bead on the outside of the holes. 4 new 1/2" dia x 3.5" long SS bolts, nylocs and flat washers anchored the unit..

I do have some more work to do like cutting an extruded 1/2" plate of AL to go below the attachment for a clamp on type motor like the 79 TOP and drilling the lower motor mount holes.

The glass company didn't get me the replacement window on time like they said so still waiting on it. I had hoped to be able to get the WS on this weekend.

Hope everyone who has thanksgiving had a nice holiday weekend.

 

[budski]

Looks great, hope you had a great thanksgiving.

 

[Watermann]

Got my replacement glass yesterday for the port side window that was broken. Put the frame back together and now to get the port side windshield installed. Perfect day for it today too, I got the heat on in the hangar and it's a nice snow day here in the Great PNW.

 

[Watermann]

Starting to look like a boat again and not just an old tin tub. :lol:

 

[StarTed]

Looking good there Watermann. Looks like you may have more snow there than us.

At least you're progressing.

 

[ezmobee]

Looks sweet!

 

[Ratherbboatin]

You can keep the snow there in your area, I don't want any here...ha ha ha...no really! Good luck getting the windows all back in, hope it goes easy. My lower window is still fighting back, one of the small bottom track bolts is shorter than all the others and I can't get the washer and nut on. Looks like I will be pulling it back out.