Thoughts on '71 18' SS w/120 I/O

[djmeaney]

The search for an open bow Starcraft goes on...

Found an ad for this one about 3 hours away in New England. The owner is asking $1,200 (firm). Says it has a 120 hp Mercruiser I/O that runs great. Have to admit that don't know much about I/O's and what to look for when buying. A little more comfortable looking over the motor -- compression check, leaks, etc.

Here is some additional info from the seller:

"71 starcraft aluminum hull deep V 18' super sport-V I/O 120hp 2.5l inboard/outboard mercruiser that runs great has a 4 blade composite adjustable prop new floor 2 years ago great all around boat just don't use enough seats 8....the trailer has bunks w/ keel rollers some of the rollers could use replacement, i have never had it in salt water the 6 years iv owned it and it doesnt appear to have ever been in salt water, the engine cover still needs to be rebuilt (plywood, foam, and marine vinyl) have 1 sheet of marine grade plywood that will come with the boat, the bow seat cushions need to be recovered the other seats have no cracks or rips, the front seats unfold to lay flat, the out drive was rebuilt 5 years ago."

And some pics....

Looking to the experts to see if this a good value -- assuming the mechanicals are okay.

Thanks

 

[JD in Milwaukee]

Re: Thoughts on '71 18' SS w/120 I/O

Well, you won't know until you see it in person. If the floors and transom are good that's a definite plus. Does he have a receipt for the outdrive rebuild?

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Thoughts on '71 18' SS w/120 I/O

If the engine checks, $1200 would be a very fair price for that SS

 

[dozerII]

Re: Thoughts on '71 18' SS w/120 I/O

That is a great boat, I know this because I have the exact same one in a 72 edition. I was a little afraid of buying my first I/O as well but they are really not hard to work on. All the manuals can be had for free, and parts are not that expensive, heck if the boat is in real good shape you can buy a Brand new Mercruiser drop in from pulley to prop with waranty for $6500. try finding a deal like that for the equivalent O/B. Honestly it is a great boat, handles big water no problem and very economical to operate.
Glen

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Thoughts on '71 18' SS w/120 I/O

That photo is so awesome Glen

 

[barato2]

Re: Thoughts on '71 18' SS w/120 I/O

agree with both Glen and Jas. work o' art that pic is. if we had a pic on the main page, that should be it.

dj, yes, the boat is well worth 1200 if floors and transom are OK and drivetrain has no major issues. biggest thing i'd look at on the outdrive are that it shifts OK and condition of all the various boots and hoses (exhaust, shifter, etc) in the gimbal housing area. you're looking for something that still feel like it;s made of rubber rather than hard plastic, and any cracks are VERY BAD. these are kinda a PITA to replace. water pumping is also good to check but i plan on doing a water pump on any used motor i buy anyway.