Question:
I was given a small older power boat the other day, and am trying to start a
rebuild.... I have rebuilt several older cars and decided to try something
new.... however I'm not sure what I even have!
the only badge that I can find on it says 'Starcraft', it's 17 foot bow to
stern. fiberglass closed bow. it has 'what's left' of a 65hp merc.
outboard. from what I can deduce from the styling, is that it is a runabout
from around the mid sixties. the hull is in very good shape, just needs
repainting, and some small repair...(why would anyone use drywall screws to
hold a forsale sign to the side of a boat!?!? HELLO) and it also needs new
interior.
any one with info about starcraft boats around this time period?
Answer:
-That rhetorical question about the drywall screws is certain to generate
a lengthy thread filled with crap here.
Have you tried a google search for starcraft boat ?
-Somewhere on it there should be an HIN (Hull ID #)...from that we can
determine the year it was built.
Old boats aren't like old cars...unless it's very rare and collectable,
there's absolutely nothing to be gained by restoring it to original
specs. An old boat is like an old house--you need to bring
everything--wiring, fuel system, etc--up to current standards. So
instead of trying to find out what it used to look like and how to find
replacements for original equipment, check out as many newer boats of
the same size and type as you can and shoot for that.
Unless a previous owner has painted the hull, it's never been
painted...the color is in a material called gelcoat. Before you paint
the fiberglass (and btw, automotive paint won't work on a boat), see how
much you can accomplish by wet sanding and buffing...if it's been stored
under cover, the oxidation may not be too deep. If you do have to paint
it, get plenty of advice from experts first.
