1968 Starcraft Islander Part 1 barn find with Mercruiser engine 120hp No time like the present DIY
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ก.ย. 2024
- In this episode I find an fantastic old boat. I think I got to it just in time. Any longer and it may have been ruined by the cold. We are going to clean it up and bring it back to fun in the sun. Hang with me on this journey of DIY ignitoin upgrades and other future fun.
I now have a PO box if there is stuff you feel I should have you can ship it to me.
Michael
P.O. Box 387
Wellman, IA 52356
![[[OFFICIAL MV]] เอิ้นขวัญให้อ้าย- อ๊ะอาย สกุณาพร | ค่ายเพลงเป็นหนึ่ง](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/83x6L3X3qh0/mqdefault.jpg)
My Dad who was a WWII veteran, had the same boat that he bought new sometime in the 70s. He passed away in 95 and I sold it to one of his co workers. He used it to troll for salmon on Lake Michigan out of Grand Haven, MI. It worked great on the big lake. That engine never gave him any problem - it was very reliable. This was a great find!
Thanks, I'm happy so far. Time will tell. Thanks for watching and commenting.
My family bought on of these in 68. In line 6. Loved that boat. Fairly fast for 68
I had one just like it 1974 Street six Chevy 185 horse Merc cruiser loved it and many many hours very dependable boat
It's on my bucket list to have one.
It is incredible to see the enthusiasm. It made my day to watch this find of yours. You will have an incredible time out on the water.
Thank you for watching. I do tend to get excited about boats and motors.
When I was younger I remember them boats and they are good and sturdy boats we used to put them on Lake Michigan and no problems good find
Someday I will put one on a great lake. Thanks for watching and commenting.
What a great boat. Nobody deserves it more than you do. Your like a kid in a candy store. Can hardly wait to see it on the water next summer. Good luck getting her all fixed up. I am so jealous.
You and me both! The next few videos are going to have to be about it. It's taking up all my shop space.
This boat is so nice! An unmolested pure original! Great score!
It really is! Thank you for watching.
Looooove it!! What an awesome find!!! Cant wait to see this baby in the water!!
Fingers crossed! More to come on this bad boy.
Wow, I was a freshman in high school in 1968. I always thought everything looked so modern then!!
That's why I likes the old stuff
The pole is for docking an push off. or its to pull someone that is in the water like for reckoning i bet you can use it for all thee above. that's a good find an in nice shape for the age it is you did rally good i will be here watching you getting it up an running an all cleaned up i bet the seats would look nice white and putting white cushions in the bow that be so sweet looking. i was 2 years old win this boat was made lol wow its a good thing you was going to put some antifreeze for boats in you would have never no that the guy did not darn it out correctly that's a big thing you all it will do a lot of damage to the motor or lower end so if you don`t no how a 100% find out how to do it for your boat motor.
Yep I was 4 years old when this was built. Alot of years have passed for our paths to cross.
The pole is for docking and using in locks. You use the hook to pull yourself into the dock or side of the lock. Then you use the end to push off. They usually extend as well by turning the collar under the hook. Olsen it pull the end out and tighten the collar.
Thanks for the info. I can see where it would come in handy on a boat this size.
@@Michaelsbackyardmarina I grew up boating with my dad. That's a boat hook, used to help manage the boat at dockside, to grab stuff floating in the water, etc.
When I was 6-7 years old I would help my dad launch and load our cruiser. I held the bow line in one hand and the stern line in the other, using the boat hook in the stern line hand. With the boat hook and the stern line held taught in the same hand I could control the boat coming off the trailer no problem.
I learned a lot about boating from my dad. He and a friend crossed from Copper Harbor to Isle Royale in our 17' cruiser with camping gear, fuel and food for a two week fishing trip, using only charts, a compass, a hand held speedometer and dead reckoning.
That's a sweet barn find there. I'll enjoy watching the videos on it.
I have the same awesome boat. Mine has a 8hp Yamaha Four Stroke kicker. I Fish/crab in the Pacific year round, handles like a dream.
Very cool! Can't wait to get it on the water..
Wha a fantastic looking boat. Great find!
Thanks
Shots of life sent me!
Welcome aboard
Love those old Starcrafts! Heck of a score for $500.
Thank you.
I really enjoyed this video ( watched it twice so far ). The skies reminded me of the Cyprus Gardens brand wood skies I got with my 1973 15' Bonita I bought new when I was 20 years old. Got the boat, motor, trailer, skies, ski tow rope, two 6 gallon gas tanks and all Coast Guard required equipment for $2395.00. The boat came with a 1973 Johnson 65 HP outboard ( never failed to bring me home ).
I love the old Starcraft aluminum boats. I had an uncle that own one when I was 16 years old and he let me use it. An 85 HP Johnson would push that 18' boat 30 to 35mph. We had a blast with it on Little Santa Fe Lake in Florida south of Jacksonville.
Wish I could be beside you working on that beautiful old girl and putting her back on the water. I guess I'm almost as stoked about it as you are. Can hardly wait to see her under power again.
Thank you, I enjoy your enthusiasm in your comment. Thank you for watching.
That’s a sweet Starcraft you’ve got there. I have a 16 foot 1969 Mariner V (also a barn find) that is a super boat. Old Starcraft’s are keepers!
Thank you, Thanks for watching and commenting
That is a great looking boat I have the same engine in my Tempest. Love that engine
Very cool, It is a good engine. I have the same motor in my 1976 Starcraft.
Great score for $500!! I have it's bigger sister, '74 Chieftain. Basically the same hull with a bigger cabin and Chevy straight 6 engine. You're gonna love it.
I'm excited to get it on the water next spring. Thanks for watching and commenting.
My partner in business has same boat ! Has a off shore bracket and new Suzuki motors, 140 and 9.9 ! Unbelievable off shore boat for cheap!!! I’m in Oregon and we 🦀 and fish big water with it and feel really safe! Lot of fun for fraction of a new comparable boat . Great boats look forward to your videos!! Wish I could send pics of ours it awsome!
Thanks for watching. Glad to hear this will be a good boat for big water.
Great boat I love the old Starcrafts
They are a fun boat for sure.
Nice boat! I love the old starcrafts
I am hooked on them. Thank you for watching.
Oh man, so now when I'm out on the water how will I ever grab and use my boat hook without your enthusiasm, it just won't feel right...nice score with the boat, you enjoy bringing it back in service and I'll enjoy watching.....and btw, when you get the grumpy old negative comment know it alls chiming in, you don't have to justify squat with a reply... it makes you happy that's all that matters, just let that noise flap in the breeze...ignore, especially on the internet, is the best response...well maybe just the old "thanks for watching!"
Thank you for the words of encouragement. More to come on this boat for sure.
I have a 68 super sport and I love it! It has cool gauges. Rust oleum grey made it look great! I look forward to seeing your progress.
That is awesome!
Old Starcraft’s are awesome better than a new boat to me,they are bulletproof. I got my Nassau for 100 dollars with a 73 Johnson 40hp.
Fun to find a good deal. Thanks for watching.
Looks like a great project!! excited to see how this plays out.
You and me both!
Nice find and I can’t wait for the next video!
Coming soon!
You are the perfect guy to own that boat and get it back in great shape. Looks like a nice amount of freeboard which I always appreciate. Agree with you on the color of the interior. Would be nice if it was white...would be hard to replace because it looks like it is in nice shape.
Wow, thanks! If the black interior stays then it will have a bimini up 99% of the time in the summer.
Sweet boat, look forward to seeing it on the water!
You and me both!
Found your channel a few days ago and have watched most of your videos. I bought a 1970 Sabrecraft with a 165hp Mercruiser for Christmas.
I have been wanting one with a straight 6 in it. I think that motor would have tons of torque. Let me know how it performs.
@@Michaelsbackyardmarina I will let you know how it does when ( if ? ) I get it started. This boat has sat in a carport since 93 when it’s original owner died. The owners wife died this year and their son sold it to a friend who thought it would make a cheap crab boat . He put 2 new axles and fenders on the trailer and had the front seats reupholstered. He then put in a starter and when it wouldn’t start declared the engine seized and put it up for sale. Enter me. I pulled the front engine mount and turned the engine over with a pry bar so I’m thinking he got an incorrect starter. I haven’t determined if the engine is cracked or not. This boat has a sliding fiberglass top. That and the engine were what sold me on this boat, lol
Great buy i just love the style of those old boats ,be good to see it finished and on the water , cheers from Australia mate
Glad you enjoyed it. I'm an old throw back myself. I love the new technology and the old boats and motors. I'm a little crazy I guess.
Awesome find islanders and Sabres are still highly popular here in michigan for great lakes walleye and salmon trolling
I'm going to have to make it to a great lake some day with this boat.
@@Michaelsbackyardmarina I love old boats and big water myself and my son fixed up a 85 sylvan with a 90hp evenrude that's what we use on Saginaw bay as a walleye boat anytime your ready for a great lakes adventure let me now
Nice find. It reminds me of myself back in the late 80's, when I bought a Grew 245, with a ford 351, 230 horse Mercruiser drive in it, on a Easy loader trailer . I put downriggers on it, and used it to fish for salmon on lake Ontario, when the derby used to be on. We used to catch a half dozen 24 pounders, pretty well every time we went out. For a 24 1/2 foot boat, it would do close to 45 miles per hour. I certainly didn't get it for $500.00 though.
Very cool! I can't wait to get it on some big water.
@@Michaelsbackyardmarina Merry Christmas. Can't wait to see how you make out with it.
It’s a very handy piece. It also extends out .
It looks like it would extend and collapse.
I had a 1975 Starcraft 25' Chieftain with a 188hp Mercruiser for many years. Loved it and trailered it all over MN and Lake Superior region. It had a galley, enclosed head and double bunks so we used it for camping both on the water and on the trailer. I wonder who has it now and if they enjoy it as much as we did.
I bet they are enjoying it. Why did you let it go?
Awesome boat you got there 👍👍
Thanks 👍
You must have been extra good this year... what a gift Santa brought you. You sound like my kids on Christmas morning... what a great find for just $500. Merry Christmas.
Happy holidays! I do get a bit excited about boat stuff. Merry Christmas
My fathers 64 starcraft chieftain of very similar style just with a larger cabin and te same 3.0 Marc runs right around 30 up top crusies 22 very nicely great little boat for the Chesapeake or your great lakes
Very cool! Can't wait to get it on the waterl.
nice doat dude god bless Americans
Live free my fellow American. Thanks for watching.
My first boat in the late 80’s was a Starcraft of that vintage but mine was an outboard. I did a lot of Lake Michigan fishing on it.
I really like these old boats. Thanks for watching and commenting
Sweeeet dream machine YES !
Thanks, it's going to be a fun one for sure
It a boat hook used to help you to dock the boat or pick up a mooring. Can also be used when you come along side another vessel to prevent bumping etc.
Thank you for the feedback. I can see where that would be handy.
Pretty cool. I have a 96 17ft Starcraft fishing boat and love it. But having another cutty cab for the wife so she can be comfortable with a small bathroom like we had on our 20ft Fiberform would be great. That had a 170 mercurser inbd/outbid water cooled. Had to drain it every fall. Only thing that ever went out on it was the starter which I had rebuilt locally. The flooring was bad so sold it. Didn't want to deal with it at the time.
Very cool! I put a floor in my 18' Starcraft. Have a video of it on this channel. It's a little work but not as bad as I thought. I would do it again because you can get a great deal on a boat with a bad floor.
Yep, we got what we wanted out of it because the motor was great. The guy who bought it worked for Bayliner and had to strip it to the hull and fiberglass all the floor supports then put down marine plywood which is expensive. I finally saw him towing it on the road 2 years later. I think he replaced the transome too and refiberglassed it. Looked nice
I seen a big boat like this down the road from my house it had a Ford 300 straight 6 with OMC outdrive
I really don't care for the OMC outdrive if it's the old stuff.
Congratulations!!!
Thank you so much 😀
You can run a bus heater off the Mercruser. That boat if in sound condition is good for ocean if one watches the weather.I had a slightly smaller one I used on the straight of Juan De Fuca here in Western Canada.The trailer is probably worth what you paid!!! Have fun with it.
I agree with the other comment about the wharf pole.Good for retrieving your crab trap float etc.as well.Look for loose rivets. P.S. I see at the end the Merc doesnt have a heat exchanger with closed cooling system so negative on the bus heater. Still great unit if used in freshwater. Exciting stuff.
I have a closed loop system on my Rinker Built.
A gem for sure
Thank you, and thanks for watching.
Starcrafts were built by a company that originally made septic tanks. They were robust with closely spaced rivets which made them very strong and water tight.
Interesting fun fact for sure, thanks for watching, I have a couple of them now and I really like the old riveted boats, thanks for watching
Nice find!
Thanks!
@@Michaelsbackyardmarina Im looking forward to this rejuvenation. looks to be in great shap already but knowing you itll be gone through.. Enjoyed the episode. Take care.
There appears to be snaps on the outside of the boat. I beleive those are for a cover, maybe original. A custom made cover might be the ticket. Great Buy.Will be watching.
I would love a fitted cover for overnights. Time will tell if I can come up with one.
If those are Cypress Garden skis you should refinish them...that pole is a pole for pushing off..grabbing docks and ropes...most anything you need a reach for.
I like the skis in the aged state they are in. Thanks for the pole information.
That pole/hook is used to grab the dock when you're coming in. You don't usually see one in smaller boats, but for larger boats like that size or bigger they're pretty common, I think.
Thank you. This is the biggest deepest boat I have owned so far. Now it all makes sense.
Nice score. were looking forward to seeing a video of a Mississippi river trip, with drone footage. LOL keep up the great work me friend.
Thanks 👍 My next project was going to be the fast twin I got from you. Then the frozen motor happened.
Dang...finding that water in the hose was scary...hope you found it in time. Will look forward to the next video,
I hope so too, I'm glad I had a warm place to put it. Temps dropped down to 3 degrees just 3 days later and the block would have been ruined for sure if it isn't already.
Merry Christmas to you!
Same to you!
That vessel will go just about anywhere. You could literally tour the great Lakes with that. Get some new canvas and away you go.
man shes cool i just got a 1968 22ft chisftain
email me some pictures of the Chieftain
Hey Michael,
I loved your reaction to the boat hook, lol.
Starcraft Islanders were a very common boat on Lake Erie, used extensively for walleye and perch fishing. I remembered see Fast Twins on these trolling for walleye out around West Sister Island and Niagara Reef a lot back in the 70’s.
As far as the Islander’s weight…the boat with outdrive installed, trailer and two full 18 gal fuel tanks, anchor, lines and the boat hook I’m guessing between 3000 - 3100 lbs. I’m sure black seats were not original on the Islander.
Not counting my rowboat for the reservoirs and me boating on Lake Erie, all of my boats ranged from 18-26 foot, so I always had boat hooks for docking. Of all the boats we had in the past, I’d have to say the 1977 23ft Sportcraft was my favorite. It had the 470 Mercruiser (170hp 4-cylinder). We had it for 22-years. Great walleye boat for Lake Erie only thing better is a Lyman. made in Sandusky Ohio.
FYI…We would paint he drain plugs on the engine either bright white or florescent yellow to easily identify them for winterization.
Wow that was a long comment. Thank you for the information and for watching.
I love to find one to buy
Keep searching, they are out there. Thanks for watching and commenting
They are hard to find I find one while ago they wanted $5,200 for it
You need to show this to the Car Wizard!
I will have to check him out. Thanks for watching and commenting.
its a gaff pole. use it to reach overboard. you can push with the end or you can pick up or pull with the hook(grab you anchor chain crab pot bouey dock cleat etc) thats gently used for sure.
Gaff Pole.... cool it has a name.
Also mix mortar sand inward paint redo the Forward Correction on last text Re die upholstery
Thanks for the tips, thanks for watching
Awesome!
Thanks!
In case anyone isn't aware, those plastic fuel filters are a big no-no on inboard gasoline engines for US registered boats. One could lose insurance coverage, get sued, or criminally charged in certain situations if that is found on the boat during a boat fire investigation.
I do hope the one in the video will be replaced with a USCG approved inboard gasoline filter. Fuel delivery components is one area people don't have to spend an arm and a leg, but should never be a cheapskate on either.
Good info.
Docking hook and using to pull in crab floats
It's for grabbing your lines to try off.
Thanks for the info.
It's a boat Pole Also repaint redial Is upholstery
Thanks and thanks,
Nice Starcraft. Love those older Aluminum boats. That would work well in some of Iowa’s shallower lakes on rough, windy days. I sent you a Messenger note on your personal Facebook page about inboard parts etc that I have here in Iowa if you are interested. Thanks and keep the videos coming.
We shall see. It's definitly bigger than my 18 footer. should handle the rough stuff even better.
That pole is for docking . I use mine for pushing off or grabbing dock lines .
Thank you for the info. Now it makes sense. Thank you for watching and leaving a comment.
my guess is that pole is either a gaff hook for fish or it says easy in to help dock extend to pullyourself to dock or hold out to not hit dock so hard for rookies
Yep that's what the others are saysing. It's a dock pole. Looks like it may be handy.
It’s a mooring and launching hook
Thanks for the info and watching
How about making it a hardtop? that would be Ace.
That would be interesting
Oh shit.......two ejection seats.....lol
for sure
I have a1990 StarCraft heritage 221
Looked it up, looks like a nice boat, thanks for watching
....lol........ejection seat..when the fuel tank blows up.......boom.....lol....
could happen
You talked about putting the Islander in the Mississippi River, where would you put it in? My guess is Fairport State Recreation Area
Looks like a good spot for sure
Did the cats come with it? Nice boat see them on Detroit river. Cruising and fishing for walleye, perch etc.. The old timers love therm, and that means something!
It looks like they did the way they were hanging around it.
It is a "Boat Hook!"
Nevey had a boat big enough to need one. I can see where it would be handy. Thanks for watching and commenting
The pole is probably meant for pulling in the boat for docking
You are correct. Other comments have clued me in. It makes sense due to the size of the boat.
Start looking! You will find new white " take out" seats for less than recovering! Craigslist and ebay.
I will start doing that.
Replace that wood transom to fiberglass or aluminium....I have lots of experience with couplers failing if the transom wood becomes compromised by moisture or time.
Been stranded then towed from out on lake Michigan a few times because of this. I had the exact same islander with the exact same 120hl I/O. Beware!
I will be checking to see how solid the transom is for sure.
@@Michaelsbackyardmarina if the transom flexes even slightly the rubber coupler will burn up instantly without warning. You'll smell the burnt rubber smell and your motor will revv but your out drive won't turn. If you dont have a secondary motor (smaller reserve outboard) kicker ...you'll be calling for a tow. We went thru 3 couplers before we found a experienced enough marine mechanic that diagnosed the problem and replaced transom correctly. Problem solved 36 more salmon trips and we retired the boat. Hopefully you never go thru that one of frustration.....best wishes:)
Let's see ------ a long shaft 10 HP, 4 cycle would be nice, to use your on board fuel.
that would be nice to have.
Let me know when she’s up for sale.
Not sure I will be selling this one. Thanks for watching.
I've been an avid subscriber for quite a while. To ask me to leave the channel because I don't share your opinions sucks. Take care of yourself and I hope someday you learn some tolerance for people with a different opinion about religion. It is a big world full of all kinds of people. I hope that you figure out what is important are the things that bring us together. All the best with this channel and the other one you just started.
I have no idea what you are talking about.
@@Michaelsbackyardmarina 17:47 mark in your video. I respect your right to believe what you want but you can't respect mine. Had you left it at "God bless America" you wouldn't be hearing from me. It was when you said if I didn't believe what you believe I should leave... I did as you asked and left.. Take care and I hope you open your heart and mind to different opinions about the role of religion. Thanks for the things you taught me I wish it could have gone on longer.
Even free boats are money pits.
For sure, but its fun, thanks for watching
Nice long boat! I’m wondering though if it’s underpowered with only a 120 hp in it? I’m excited to see it fixed up and out on your lake.
Not sure yet. We will learn together next spring. The guy I bought it from said it would do over 35 mph. Not sure that is true. My current 18' boat does 31 mph with a 17 pitch prop same exact motor.
Nice find! I just completely refurbished a 1990 amateur race boat from Tennessee. I heard you mention 40 outboards haha. Any chance you have a mercury 25hp short shaft electric start? A lot to ask I know haha
Sorry I do not have any Mercs that size. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Straight six
I would love to find one with a straight 6
It’s a dock hook.
That makes sense. Thanks
Its a gaff hook for picking up lines boys or crabpots are you sure you know about boats
I'm sure I know about some boats. I have 5 other boats Never had a boat large enough to need one of these.
It's there anything wrong with putting this boats in salt water?cause I see everyone saying that it's good for lake?
I don't see why you couldn't run this in salt water. Here in the midwest we are a long way from saltwater and I see a lot of the comments are for the great lakes area.
Are you pulling that thing with a Jeep Liberty? If not, what kind of engine do you have in that old guy!
I do and it pulls it well, the jeep has a 3.7 V6 and the boat currently has a 120hp mercruiser.
@@Michaelsbackyardmarina Awesome! I have a 3.5 V6. Would that pull a boat like that you think?
I'll give you five hundred for the or and the water skis
$500 and the skis and boat paddle that was in the video is yours. Cash pick up only. Email me.
And if you want more than those I got awesome vintage wooden skis. Snow and water.
Need a bigger shop
no doubt, maybe some day
I got a free Glastron with trailer and papers...merc 470...
Nice. I have a Rinkerbuilt with the 470 motor. I will be getting it running this coming summer.
man ,that's a bute.
I'm loving it so far, it is a brute. Thank you for watching and commenting
rad yo
Thanks
Where do you find parts for a boat and engine that old?
marineengine.com and my local napa store
@@Michaelsbackyardmarina I was looking to buy a 1968 Staircase but looking at that site and another I found, parts are expensive for this boat being almost 60 years old.
Out of here won't be back.
Ok thanks for your time.
Wheres the 470 rinker
Rinker is in the shed under a cover for the winter waiting for warm weather so I can get it back in the shop to get that 470 running again.