70’s Starcraft 14’ Seafarer “By Golly”

[Makaw]

I was able to start wiring utility lights. I have both blue and white LEDs. The softer blue are for higher “deck” lighting and I’m keeping the whites lower.


Blue on the bow deck.


One white recessed under the steering console to have some helpful working lighting when I’m in the helm seat.

 

[Makaw]

Also starting the last of my structural additions. Tackling the port side reinforcement first, rear deck/seating will be last because I have no idea what to do there.

For the side hull reinforcement, I got a mock up cut last night and the pen lines show that I’m seriously toying the idea of incorporating some rod storage here that goes forward under the bow deck.

 

[Makaw]

Found some spare pvc tube in my garage, so it looks like rod tubes are a-go!

 

[Makaw]

Busy weekend but managed to get my first side strut rough cut.

 

[Crazyboat]

I'm never a fan of putting all that weight up front on a small light boat, I much rather the operator be seated in the rear or have the console mounted at the mid seat location to avoid plowing through the water. I do however love the photo of you as a kid in that boat.

 

[Makaw]

@Crazyboat The original configuration was a forward console, and since I couldn't shorten the steering cable (and didn't want to buy a new one), I was pretty limited with helm locations relative to forward/stern positions. For me the modifications have very much been about tradeoffs. Yes, it pushes a lot when not on plane, but it's not nose-heavy like you would think. That is due to low weight distribution of other items, mainly deep cycle batteries. Runs great solo, and when I have a buddy with me, they sit toward the stern. The extra battery weight also helps stabilize the boat significantly when not moving. Considering I'm mostly running solo for fishing using my trolling motor, this has actually been a benefit because my weight is well-centered. The bigger downside for me is that I'm simply losing a lot of spare capacity, so it is, at maximum, a 2-man (adult) boat.

 

[Makaw]

I’m not great at documenting the various steps of each piece with pictures, but this will give you some idea of my process for adding elements like the side support.

1. Work up a fairly specific design plan (usually in my head)
2. Create a template for the wood piece
3. Rough cut the wood and test fit
4. Do some fine cutting to adjust as needed (keep in mind sealer, glue and carpet adds to dimensional specs, so if I’m carpeting I usually trim wood to allow 1/8”-1/4” gap for these things)
5. Next I try and pre-drill fastener holes if I know where I’ll be adding stainless steel wood screws
6. Finish sanding and clean off dust
7. At least a few coats of sealer (I’m using a high quality 25 year deck sealer)
8. Glue carpet, which is usually a few steps in itself
9. Install and hope it fits!

 

[Makaw]

This is generally how I glue, one side at a time, weighing it down to get maximum interaction with the outdoor glue. It has worked pretty well. I’m some instances I have to use staples to help hold the carpet, but on flat areas the adhesive works great and has a rock solid hold.





These rod holder/support pieces were definitely the hardest I’ve had to carpet so far. Not fun.

 

[Makaw]

I’m happy with how it turned out! I wasn’t sure if the rod storage would be worth it, but I think I’ll be glad to have it.

 

[Stand Up]

Good job. Thanks for sharing.

 

[David Atkins]

Planning, taking your time and not rushing when working each phase of the project all add to the quality of the restorage / project, very nice looking job!

 

[JohnT]

That's awesome job on the restoration, I will only give one piece of advice. I did the same kind of restoration on a Lone Star 14footer, and loved it fished out of it all over and had a great time with family and friends in it and like always you think you need to have more room bigger motor etc, so I sold it and I regretted till this day. So hang on to it, its a great project and it's yours with no payment.

 

[Makaw]

@Stand Up @David Atkins @JohnT Thank you guys!

John, that’s great advice that I plan on taking. No plans on the boat going anywhere, especially with its sentimental value.

 

[Makaw]

I’ve really cranked on the boat the past few days to have it back in action for fishing. New EVA foam non-slip “floor” got installed and the new rear seat/deck is on too. Wired in two more lights and cleaned up the wiring under the front deck. Installed one of the rod tubes, going to hold on the other because I’m not sure how to mount it. I’m loving this boat!

 

[David Atkins]

@Stand Up @David Atkins @JohnT Thank you guys!

John, that’s great advice that I plan on taking. No plans on the boat going anywhere, especially with its sentimental value.

John is right, I had a wide body jon boat my Dad and I fished out of for years, had a guy at boat dealer talk me out of it on trade on a fiberglass bass boat, got to be a bit of trouble when my Dad could no longer help me load and unload the boat in back of my pick-up truck. Wishing I would have kept the jon boat because of the sentimental aspect, Dad is gone now but I remember all of those great days fishing with him in that jon boat.

And boy you have done an amazing job since last we spoke, looks terrific, great job!