What year is this Starcraft and what's it worth?

[Huron Angler]

I've been watching this 15' Starcraft for a few weeks now and offered $500 for the boat and the trailer. The seller said he would like $700 and was asking $900 originally. At this point(not sold yet) I'd like towalk away with this boat/trailer for $400 or less. Is it rude to offer $300?

I'm looking for an aluminum boat for fishing inland lakes and possibly tubing and skiing when my two boys are a little older(3.5 and 1).

Just curious if you Starcraft experts can tell me anything about it as far as the year(ballpark). The one issue I may have is that the boat has a huge splashwell that I believe takes up too much room in the stern but that may be a good thing to have to stay dry after decceleration.

This is the craigslist ad for the boat:

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/boa/1078689613.html

Thanks fellas!

 

[EMSMedic79]

Re: What year is this Starcraft and what's it worth?

My Uncle has a similar Starcraft and his was made in 1979. He bought it used a few years back for $800.00. It had a functioning 35hp outboard though.

 

[sschefer]

Re: What year is this Starcraft and what's it worth?

I've been watching this 15' Starcraft for a few weeks now and offered $500 for the boat and the trailer. The seller said he would like $700 and was asking $900 originally. At this point(not sold yet) I'd like towalk away with this boat/trailer for $400 or less. Is it rude to offer $300?

I'm looking for an aluminum boat for fishing inland lakes and possibly tubing and skiing when my two boys are a little older(3.5 and 1).

Just curious if you Starcraft experts can tell me anything about it as far as the year(ballpark). The one issue I may have is that the boat has a huge splashwell that I believe takes up too much room in the stern but that may be a good thing to have to stay dry after decceleration.

This is the craigslist ad for the boat:

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/boa/1078689613.html

Thanks fellas!

Trailer is painted and a little whimpy. It would probably fetch 300.00 by itself. The aluminum scrap would bring in another 200.00.

So, if you go get it, have him fill it with water and check for leaks. If it only leaks a little give him 700.00. If it leaks a lot give him 400.00 and your reasoning is easily justified.

If you're looking for a 500.00 or less ready to run boat, (just add motor and water), you'll be one of the very few lucky ones that actually do.

Fortunately this forum is Starcraft Heaven - We take dead Starcrafts and show them the light!.. There are plenty of experienced hands here to guide you through any problem you might have with it once you get it.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: What year is this Starcraft and what's it worth?

Offer 300 if thats what ya wanna do, all he can do is say no!

I got my 18 footer for 800.00 (he wanted 1,000)..But cash in hand right now is a good thing...

Best of luck to ya..If you do get it, like Sschefer said, you are in the right place to fix up that old girl!

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: What year is this Starcraft and what's it worth?

Thanks for the comments...as far as the trailer, I have a friend that just bought a 14' Cadillac aluminum boat that came with a trailer that needed to be rebuilt ASAP and he wasn't real thrilled about it- but did it for minimal cost.

With that in mind, I like this package because the trailer looks pretty sound to me but the new paint is probably misleading. Any ideas here? The gauge of steel used on the trailer(as big as our trailer that came with the old 1986 20' Sea Nymph Fish-N-Ski I fished on growing up) is what leads to believe that it is strong enough to use for the future.

In addition, what do you folks think about cutting out the bow and removing the windshield in order to go with a center/side console. Structural issues with doing this or good idea? My friend did this on the 14' Cadillac and it's worked out very well.

Thanks

 

[North Beach]

Re: What year is this Starcraft and what's it worth?

Sorry, I cant help with identifying this one. It's got the newer logos so it won't show up in any of my 60's literature. Man, that's a tiny trailer!

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: What year is this Starcraft and what's it worth?

The model is called a Holiday. The vintage looks to be maybe a 1975 or 1976 going by the side graphics.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: What year is this Starcraft and what's it worth?

Thanks for the comments...as far as the trailer, I have a friend that just bought a 14' Cadillac aluminum boat that came with a trailer that needed to be rebuilt ASAP and he wasn't real thrilled about it- but did it for minimal cost.

With that in mind, I like this package because the trailer looks pretty sound to me but the new paint is probably misleading. Any ideas here? The gauge of steel used on the trailer(as big as our trailer that came with the old 1986 20' Sea Nymph Fish-N-Ski I fished on growing up) is what leads to believe that it is strong enough to use for the future.

In addition, what do you folks think about cutting out the bow and removing the windshield in order to go with a center/side console. Structural issues with doing this or good idea? My friend did this on the 14' Cadillac and it's worked out very well.
Thanks

lol..You are going to buy it..You already have plans for her..
Be very careful about what you think you are going to cut for the exact reasons you stated..You could (emphasize could) put the integrity of the boat in jeopardy...
My dos centavos...
Hate to see a Starcraft butchered....but to each his own, just again make sure it's done safely..


Also..Welcome Aboard
CBK

 

[sschefer]

Re: What year is this Starcraft and what's it worth?

One thing nice about the Starcraft's and probably the one reason so many of us like them is the hull structure. There are lots of ribs and a solid cap structure.

Once you replace the deck you can pretty much build it out anyway you like. If you want to open the bow up you only need to look at the way it was done by Starcraft and you'll see how easy it can be.

If you can't find a Starcraft nearby, have a look at a Tracker, Lund, Monark, Lowe or Crestliner. They all inherited a lot of the Starcraft structural qualities when Brunswick owned them.

 

[ddrieck]

Re: What year is this Starcraft and what's it worth?

One of the most liked things about the Starcraft boats are the simple flowing lines, well for me anyway. You just can't go wrong with an old aluminum Starcraft Deep V hull. Transom and deck are the only wood items to really rot out and its so much easier to replace than the deck and stringer on a fiberglass hull.

as for the price, I would buy it in a minute.

Just my 2 cents,
Darren

 

[ezmobee]

Re: What year is this Starcraft and what's it worth?

That boat's probably worth close to what he's asking. However, he's clearly got it sitting on like a jetski trailer or something!

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: What year is this Starcraft and what's it worth?

In my opinion, if you want a side-console boat, buy a side console boat. They are out there and can be had for similar $$$ if you're willing to look...
- Scott

 

[erikgreen]

Re: What year is this Starcraft and what's it worth?

Obviously a lot of starcraft fans here

Here's my 2 cents.

The trailer looks ok from the one pic, but check for functional lights, any rust, etc. and if you can find out how the bearings sound (lift one side of the trailer up and spin the wheel).

The interior of the boat looks fairly trashed.. I think that's a paddle sticking through the one seat.

I don't see mention of a motor.

Given the age of the boat and condition it's worth just a bit more than scrap value if it holds water. Starcraft boats were built well, so that counts in favor of more $$ (less structural work probably needed) .

If it were any other brand of boat I'd pay scrap value... $300 to $400 assuming it came with the trailer.

If you like starcraft boats and want to restore it, it may be worth paying the $500. $800, someone has an emotional attachment to this boat and wants to be able to look at a wad of cash to feel better about selling it. If that's the case he's not easily going to come down to $400 unless it's on the market a while. Which it might be in this economy.

I'd say let him stew on the price a bit, and look around. There are better boats if you want to convert to a side console that can be had at less than he's asking. It's very much a buyer's market, don't jump to pay a price higher than you'd like just to get a boat *now*.

Erik

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: What year is this Starcraft and what's it worth?

In my opinion, if you want a side-console boat, buy a side console boat. They are out there and can be had for similar $$$ if you're willing to look...
- Scott

I'm pretty sure that a side console aluminum boat is hard to come by for under 1000. I've seen over fifty for sale between a thousand and fifteen hundred but I'm not looking to spend that much on just the hull. Not from lack of looking at least.

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: What year is this Starcraft and what's it worth?

I would show him the $400 and be ready to dish the extra $100 if he balks. I think that it is buyable for $400 and very much worth the $5-$700 asked.

I bought a boat once that was advertised at $900 for $325 and many really good cars for just a few hundred. You just gotta ask nicely.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: What year is this Starcraft and what's it worth?

Thanks for the advice, it is appreciated. Hopefully I will be talking to the owner soon and working out some kind of deal.

I will keep you updated on the restoration if I do buy it. I'm still torn as to whether I would cut the bow out because I do really like the windshield.

I also found out that it is rated for a 70hp outboard and has vinyl flooring.

The owner told me that he'd let it go for $600 now. I may offer $400.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: What year is this Starcraft and what's it worth?

Just wanted to give an update...the boat is now relisted for $850.

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/boa/1123196481.html

 

[ezmobee]

Re: What year is this Starcraft and what's it worth?

What a loon.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: What year is this Starcraft and what's it worth?

Yeah,,, what a kook. Doesn't he know the old $700 add is still showing

I've been watching this 15' Starcraft for a few weeks now and offered $500 for the boat and the trailer.

Just wanted to give an update...the boat is now relisted for $850.

Sounds like your next offer needs to be $350 to offset his price hike

I think you are right with your $300-400 buying price, trailer too short, no outboard, messed up interior...

 

[fishrdan]

Re: What year is this Starcraft and what's it worth?

double post