1974 Starcraft V-Bottom Modification Project

[kristopher1270]

I aquired a 1974 Starcraft V-Bottom and trailer project ast summer. While it was a single-owner, it had been left mostly outside and had weathered much.

Over the fall, me and my son completely rebuilt the trailer. We had it sand-blasted, took all hardware off, replaced the springs/axel (due to rust problems). and then we had it powder-coated gloss black. Finally we replaced the bunk boards, electrical, whells/tires, and all the hardware was converted to stainless steel. The trailer looks great!

Now we are onto the boat decking project and hope to finish by late Spring for crappie fishing!

My wishes include:
dual live/baitwells
rod storage
2/3 pedastal seats
transom mount, foot controlled trolling motor
storage for battery, accessories, PFD's, etc.
Lights
12volt jacks

We don't have a gas motor yet, but I intend to add a quality used, tiller 20-25 horse Mercury or Johnson.

Since I have a resource for some scrap alumiminum and would like to due this decking project in all-aluminum (for weight and longevity consideration). I figure I'll need aluminum sheet, angle aluminum, aluminum piano hinges, rivets, and probably much patience!

Please check out the attached for a simple layout I put together this weekend and share your thoughts! (both good and bad!)
I'll post pictures as soon as possible, and I'll keep everyone updated on the project.

Thanks,
Kris

 

[dyeguy1212]

Nice layout... I look forward to seeing how you progess

 

[RStewart]

Welcome aboard. That is gonna be sweet. Looking forward to watching your mod.

 

[kristopher1270]

Thought I'd go ahead a post some pictures tonight.

The first pictures are of my 1974 Starcraft v-bottom boat as it sits today. I had it soda blasted since the previous owner had several coats of sloppy paint on. I'm wanting to using AwlGrip fairing compound (after an acid wash) to fill areas, and to smooth. Then I'll paint with quality epoxy paint, probably a light grey-green color. I'll probably replace the transom board first since it seems well rotted. My hope is to find new white Starcraft logos to put back on the boat.

Next step is to remove the center seat section. It will involve drilling out 12 rivets. I plan on tapping, then drilling small pilot holes and coming back with a larger bit to knock off the heads. I'd like to try not to go all the way through the hull to keep the rivet hole the same size. Any suggestions?

The last picture is when me and my son completed the trailer. Fresh black powdercoat, new axle, wheels, tires, bunks, wiring, all stainless steel hardware. We were so excited to finish that trailer!

I'm hoping this will be my son's one day since we took our time and tried to do it right!
I always appreciate any of your feedback on this project as we are excited to get started. Thank God for an unfinished basement in Indiana this time of year! It's been in the teens.

 

[muskiemike12]

Any update on the boat? I have the exact same boat and would like to see how it turned out.
Thanks!