New to the site...16' starcraft ss

[db367]

Hey guys, found this site the other night and its like a dream come true! I have a 77 starcraft v bottom "ss". It has a 70 hp merc and is older than dirt, but really is in mint shape. Im looking to do some serious remodeling, and was wondering if the rear splash guard can be shortened or modified to fit gas tanks and batteries with easier access?...or if anyone has messed with a boat like this? Any other advice would be awesome, im looking to deck the front with livewell and a few seats here and there, not set in stone yet...i think ive got a livewell plan so far. Thanks alot for any advice!

 

[db367]

No takers?

 

[reedjj]

Thats a great old boat. If you look on the links to modifications thread you might find one similar to yours. I know I have seen people on here modify the splash well in the matter you are speaking of. That is how newer boats are made.

Give the guys on here some time to respond. This isn't an online chatforum like a lot of the others. Most of us are outdoors as much as possible and not on the computer as much as possible with me being the exception.

What other pland do you have? What is the floorplan/layout now? Some more pics would be nice. Then some of the guys can offer more advice based on current condition and your ideas.

What size is the boat? length, Beam width, floor width, HP and year of motor, etc. All of these things will help people offer suggestions on your build.

Welcome to Tinboats. You will find that this place is great and some of the guys on here (Not me) are real pro's when it comes to doing these mods.

 

[reedjj]

One suggestion I have for you is to look at current/new models of boats that are similar in size to yours from Tracker, Starcraft, ALumacraft, etc and pic a floor plan/model that your really like and try to copy it or replicate it with your build. If you do this you can of course make even more modifications to the design or alter the design that you like to fit your personal needs.

Another couple of tips for you.....BEWARE this can and does become an addiction (not just a one time thing).

I know the urge to hurry and get it done so you can get on the water quickly is there. DO NOT LET IT RUSH YOU! Take your time, use good quality proucts on your build, do it right the first time. Look for good deals on stuff such as seats lights etc. Don't compromise. Build it the way you want it.

Finding good deals and doing this restoration or modificationon a budget is part of the fun of it. Anyone can go out and buy a boat.

When you get done with this and you have something you can be proud of, it will feel great! If you are doing it with someone it will be even better and an experience that you both can be proud of and remember for years to come. Not to mention enjoy it together for years to come.

Good luck!

 

[reedjj]

Since you have the split windshield, I think. Something like these might work for you. Its what I would try to do with it anyway....

https://www.lundboats.com/boats/2011-aluminum/rebel-xl/1625-rebel-xl-boat

https://www.lundboats.com/boats/2011-aluminum/impact/1675-impact-new

https://www.lundboats.com/boats/2011-aluminum/explorer/16751725-explorer-boat

https://www.alumacraft.com/2011-models/dominator-series/165-cs/#info

And my personal favorite is this model in a the Center Console configuration... https://www.alumacraft.com/2011-models/navigator-series/175-sport/

These are all similar in size to yours. You have a lot of options available to you.