What did i get myself into?

7

72jupiter

Cadet
Joined
Apr 15, 2016
Messages
6
OK. Bought a 72 Starcraft Jupiter for cheap. I knew there were gonna be some problems, but I found some issues I didn't see. The L bracket that fastens to bottom of boat and attaches to the transom is broke where it attaches to transom. How do I go about fixing this? Be gentle I'm somewhat new to boating. I tried to post a picture but it won't let me.
 
S

SkaterRace

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 20, 2016
Messages
792
:welcome: Pictures would sure help to give a better idea of what you are dealing with.
 
R

robert graham

Admiral
Joined
Apr 16, 2009
Messages
6,908
On an aluminum boat it may be a fairly simple matter to reinforce/weld that transom brace...a local welding shop should be able to do it....maybe $50 to $100...
 
7

72jupiter

Cadet
Joined
Apr 15, 2016
Messages
6
That's good news. The splash well is messed up too. Guy put caulk all over the place. I will work on getting some pics posted.
 
nola mike

nola mike

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 22, 2009
Messages
5,356
Actually, it has been updated; the first link in Don's thread is the one you posted, GA
 
7

72jupiter

Cadet
Joined
Apr 15, 2016
Messages
6
Going to take motor off tomorrow and start tearing down and ripping old transom out. The long piece of aluminum that goes over the top of transom is cracked in two spots, and I'm missing starboard end cap. Are replacement pieces available or does it need to be fabricated?
 
GA_Boater

GA_Boater

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
May 24, 2011
Messages
49,038
That knee brace can be fixed with some aluminum angle stock. As I said in the earlier post, not uncommon to see broken ones when the transom is allowed to turn to mulch and the boat is still used. That's also why the splashwell develops cracks, Is the transom wood soft?

One seller on Ebay makes replacement end caps, but I think he's switched to using some type of plastic, Another member with a Starcraft did find some AL trim to replace the top transom cap. I don't remember who it was.
 
Tnstratofam

Tnstratofam

Commander
Joined
Aug 18, 2013
Messages
2,679
As it hasn't been mentioned yet I will throw in when choosing wood for your repair no pressure treated wood should be used in your aluminum boat. Marine grade plywood or exterior grade sealed with epoxy with a uv stabilizer is best. You can also seal the wood with either Old Timers formula

fetch.jpg


Or helmsman spar varnish. There is a link to my transom replacement in my sig line. There may be some useful information there, also you should read through some of the other Starcraft rebuilds over on the Starcraft manufacturers forum. You should also check the inner transom skin and bottom hull for signs of pitting while you are tearing things apart.

Lots of great people here to help you out so ask questions as you go along.

Also :welcome: to the Starmada from one tin head to another.:tinfoil3:
 
7

72jupiter

Cadet
Joined
Apr 15, 2016
Messages
6
Got the kicker plate off and some other nonsense the previous owner bolted on. I need a motor stand before I do much more. I don't plan on putting anything where the kicker plate was, do I just put stainless bolts back into the holes to plug them up?
 
Tnstratofam

Tnstratofam

Commander
Joined
Aug 18, 2013
Messages
2,679
If you aren't going to reuse the holes you could fill them with jb weld or marine tech then sand smooth. With jb weld you want to get it laid down as smooth as you can because it is tough to sand. When you replace the transom wood it will reinforce the patch.

You can reinstall bolts buttered with 3m 4200 or 5200 if you want. It will leave the option of reinstalling a kicker later.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top