I have a '74 Islander 22' very similar condition when I "inherited" it. I gutted mine to the hull also. I was and am still amazed at how solidly built they are, I do not think they build anything structurally close to this unless it's a crew-boat these days. I also had the 160 Mercruiser grossly under powered given the hull weight, which was done for, hopelessly cracked and mortally wounded. So I decided to begin extending the transom and switch over to twin 150's with a swim platform in between effectively making it 25/26 ft long. The extra flotation off the tail should help it sit and plane better with bodies/fuel and gear onboard. I am having a fuel tank built to fit in the sump below its floor about midship. That is where I am headed for now. Always hunting ideas of what to do about the cuddy cabin and that big sharp angled windshield. I am departing from the original classic designs some but still want to retain some of the character without the squared lines. The hull has a curvy big lady appeal but the deck up is, all sharp with right angles. So I will follow your posts. Best
Wonderful.. I am so glad at a look at the structure.. which I have to say is Damn Nice ! This certainly encourages me to buy one of the starcraft cruisers.. although it may have to be a smaller version. Sorry your transom is rotten.
Compare the structure of this 24 Express with a 22.. a lot more beef and x bracing in the floors, and the provision for tanks stellar. This is really a very desireable hull ! even though a larger boat is a real problem for me.. in terms of towing and launching.. this one is really the best one !
Hey Peter, what happened to this awesome project? That model is my favorite of all the Starcrafts, I own a 1970 Starchief myself. Do you still have the boat?
If I recall correctly, there are a number of screws and bolts holding them on. I had to remove some angle aluminum, and then it was just a case of locating all the screws. Not hard - just time consuming. Some panels came off after only a few screws, others required some searching.
great boat, excited to see the finished product, enjoy!, thanks for sharing
I have the same boat. My transom also is rotting. I'd love to see or hear about how you made out, tips and tricks?
minimal corrosion .. you scored Peter !
I have a '74 Islander 22' very similar condition when I "inherited" it. I gutted mine to the hull also. I was and am still amazed at how solidly built they are, I do not think they build anything structurally close to this unless it's a crew-boat these days. I also had the 160 Mercruiser grossly under powered given the hull weight, which was done for, hopelessly cracked and mortally wounded. So I decided to begin extending the transom and switch over to twin 150's with a swim platform in between effectively making it 25/26 ft long. The extra flotation off the tail should help it sit and plane better with bodies/fuel and gear onboard. I am having a fuel tank built to fit in the sump below its floor about midship. That is where I am headed for now. Always hunting ideas of what to do about the cuddy cabin and that big sharp angled windshield. I am departing from the original classic designs some but still want to retain some of the character without the squared lines. The hull has a curvy big lady appeal but the deck up is, all sharp with right angles. So I will follow your posts. Best
Wonderful.. I am so glad at a look at the structure.. which I have to say is Damn Nice ! This certainly encourages me to buy one of the starcraft cruisers.. although it may have to be a smaller version. Sorry your transom is rotten.
Compare the structure of this 24 Express with a 22.. a lot more beef and x bracing in the floors, and the provision for tanks stellar. This is really a very desireable hull ! even though a larger boat is a real problem for me.. in terms of towing and launching.. this one is really the best one !
Hey Peter, what happened to this awesome project? That model is my favorite of all the Starcrafts, I own a 1970 Starchief myself. Do you still have the boat?
best boat of it's type.
one of the old tricks.. is to put fresh water inside the hull, to spot leaks.. but watch the weight and the support if you do..dont over do it .
ever proceed with this?
Any updates on the Chief?
if you find out how to get the windshield off let me know i have to remove mine as well
MLucio89 Apparently there are T bolts you can access from inside the cabin.
How did you remove side panels?
If I recall correctly, there are a number of screws and bolts holding them on. I had to remove some angle aluminum, and then it was just a case of locating all the screws. Not hard - just time consuming. Some panels came off after only a few screws, others required some searching.
I have a 18 foot StarCraft Chief. I don't use, ran when I parked it. I love that boat, but I don't have time to restore. Any interest?
What ever happened to this project?