Re: This new Starcraft Islander is bringing me down on its first splash...pics!
Re: This new Starcraft Islander is bringing me down on its first splash...pics!
At least when Brunswick owned Starcraft in the late 80's Starcraft had this huge conglomerate standing behind them.
Check out the brands that Brunswick owned.
http://www.brunswick.com/brands/marine-boats/
When I bought my Lund Brunswick who also owns Mercury were forcing the Lund dealers to only use Merc's and other accessories owned by Brunswick. So independent dealers (like the one I bought from who had been in business 30 years) started dropping them and selling other O/B's like Yammy and Etec's.
Then in 1996 Brunswick sold Starcraft back to one of the Son's of the original owner. I figured it could go either way from there. Either the Son would try and resurrect Starcraft to it's former status as a manufactuer of great quality aluminum boats (the company started as a manufactuer of aluminum tanks) or it would go the other direction and the Son would buy it back and milk the Starcraft name as he ran the company into the ground. Like the OP's problems allude to it sadly looks like the Son has no interest in moving Starcraft forward.
But being the last of the Islander model (and as the op said his might have been even the last one) I'm sure as workers were getting pink slips . . . Quality, was not on the forefront of the last few boats they were working on.
The failing economy and up and down gas prices have been killing the boat business. Most brands have lower levels of quality with their workmanship as I'm sure they are hiring people who are working for much less money than the good years.
Still, the Islander is a great design and a fine riveted boat. Starcraft has turned out many boats which has had the paint blister. Some issues were caused by electrolyisis of some sort and Starcraft had to re-paint them. but this happens with cars too. I had a new Buick Regal many years ago and the paint practically fell off.
I've been in the market for a newer Islander with an OB since 2008. First I needed to upgrade my tow vehicle (I've been towing my Lund with a 4 cyl Saab 9-5 since 2007). I'm upgrading to a Toyota Highlander with a tow package. So I need to stay with aluminum.
If the O/P's rig was an O/B I would buy his rig from him in a heartbeat. I might have to drive out towards the West Coast from NY to find the model Islander I want.
Like the OP has already said. . . He wanted new to eliminate the headaches but with then quality of many American companies workmanship with most decent brands it 's going to be a work in progress getting it up to where you want it to be and most of the work done by yourself. But isn't that why most of us love boating? There iis always something to tinker or improve with our rigs.
At least you are starting with a great design and the engine is a Merc (the number #1 seller of marine engines) which is great for re-sale.
I plan on getting the same boat as yours, but still keeping my Lund too. Get the hose fixed, relax and enjoy the rest of the season.
I never read your other thread about your paint issues, didn't have to as it's been a known issue for years with some Islanders.
