1961 Starcraft 16' V hull

[WaterCop148]

This is my first jon boat, not my first boat. I had a 17' bass boat with a 115 Merc that I actually got rid of to get a boat like this. Growing up my father and I caught a lot of fish and memories in a boat like this one. The bass boat is a one trick pony and I want to fish some salt water as well. My thought is to give her a paint job, put a level floor in, and open up the interior to create some storage. I replaced the trailer it came with b/c it was metal and as old as the boat is :LOL2: Picked up the one in the pictures refurbed relatively cheap ($350). The motor is a 1973 Johnson 20 hp w/ electric start. Any ideas are welcome as this is my first post.

 

[jasper60103]

Welcome aboard, WaterCop148.
Nice project.. I have a 16' semi V too.
You'll love the open flat floor.

Be sure to put your location in your profile.
Enjoy!

jasper

 

[Kismet]

Very nice. =D>

Have fun, be safe.


Advice?

Use it quite a bit before you start modifying anything. In some cases I've seen, folks lose space by making frameworks to create space. In Florida, don't forget about center of gravity when creating seating--you get some serious waters down there that come up fast.

Gonna be fun.

 

[WaterCop148]

Thanks for the advice. I can't wait to start modifying, just need the time. My goal is to keep the center of gravity low, b/c the weather changes so quickly down here

 

[DuraCraft]

Cop, I like what you said about bass boat. I've never had one and don't want one. Give me one like you got any day! Very versatile. I'll keep my 14' DuraCraft I inherited from my Dad, and now want a bit bigger one just like it for some salt water.

 

[Texansfan87]

What kind of mods are you thinking of doing? Looks like a great deep boat to get started on!

 

[WaterCop148]

Duracraft,
Agreed, I am not putting them down (bass boats) I just prefere something more multi-functinal. I certainly do not want to modify the Starcarft into a bass boat.
Texas,
My thought is to get rid of the two center seating areas and open up some space. Probably will go with some type of sorage box along one of the gunwales (rodholder). I will extend the rear seat forward about a foot, and box in a battery compartment and fuel compartment. The bow seat I will move back about a foot and create some storage under it for life jackets and tackle. My concern is removing the two center seating boards my cause less support for the gunwales

 

[Ringo Steele]

Sounds like a good usable goal for your project. I really like the flat flooring I put in my 16' semi-vee Ouachita. It makes it easy to disburse things in the boat and also makes it a lot easier to walk around in. I chose to cut the middle section out of the center bench and keep the sides for hull support and flotation.

 

[WaterCop148]

Ringo,
Best floor mod I have seen, exactly what i had in mind except using plywood and carpet. How much weight did that add?

 

[WaterCop148]

Brought the boat up to my Dad's shop in Georgia. Let the fun begin!

 

[WaterCop148]

Paint job completed :shock:

 

[Kismet]

Nice work, very clean. =D>

Uh...looks like someone stole your floatation.

 

[Ringo Steele]

HI again WaterCop,
Sorry I lost track of this thread. As to your weight question, all 3 sections together weighed 78 pounds.