I Bought A "New" Boat On Black Friday

[Todd in NY]

Its a 1974 Sears 16ft aluminum boat with a 65" beam. Max HP rating is 25, max load is 950 pounds, actual length is 15'10". The boat came with a trailer and a 1973 Evinrude 25hp outboard, converted over to electric start, with all new wiring and new coils. It also came with an anchor, Garmin 240 FF with speed and temp, and 2 oars. I'm on my cell phone now, but I will try to post pics.

Ok, only one pic would post. I'll try to attach more pics tomorrow from my computer. The lower unit has rust stains from the test barrel. I'll try some CLR to remove them. Looking forward to hitting the water with this boat. It looks and feels very solid, and I'm impressed with the quality and craftsmanship of the hull and transom.

[Todd in NY]

More pics...

 

 

I have to re-center the motor before I use the boat (we were working in the rain when I bought the boat, and we put the motor back on real fast after running it in the test barrel). I'll also replace the old Garmin with my Helix 5 DI GPS fish finder. I have to add a battery box and my transom mount 40# trolling motor and I'll be set to fish. It already has 4 Berkley rod holders for trolling.

 

I also have to re-name the boat to "Rock Bottom", because it's a basic boat that I can operate on a rock bottom budget

Edited December 2, 2015 by Todd in NY

[rolmops]

That looks like a great winter project. This is a great little rig to fish along the weed beds. Perch and pike will be in real danger now.

[Todd in NY]

A great winter project indeed. This boat will replace my little Sea Nymph 14A, which is only 13' 6". Now I can fish 3 people comfortably without taking my 19ft boat out. The weather forecast looks good enough this Sunday for a test run. Maybe I can land some trout on a small local lake. I'll keep working on it this winter as long as the weather holds out. I wish there was a way to figure out who made this boat. The manufacturer is listed as Sears and the model # is 286-61416. I'll replace the transom wood in the spring time, but I like how the transom is built. Here's a pic of the transom supports inside the boat, and the capacity plate...

[Todd in NY]

Turns out that this boat was made by Lowe, according to the HIN that starts with LWN.

[greenboatluke]

Great winter project. I have one of my own with a 14' 1966 Starcraft. Boat I grew up fishing in and my grandfather left it to me. Your pics gave me an idea, the 25 horse engine has no distinguishing markings. I believe it's either a mariner or Yamaha. When I get it on a stand I'm gonna post pics and see what the guys say.

Good luck with your project. Happy you found the make!

Edited December 19, 2015 by greenboatluke

[Todd in NY]

Thanks, and congrats on your hand-me-down Starcraft! Lucky for me, this boat still has the original transom wood inside the boat, because that's where the capacity plate is located. The HIN plate is on the outside of the transom on the right side, and it is hard to read. I might take this old girl fishing Christmas day, just because its something I've never done before.

It'll be interesting to see who made your 25hp motor. A local shop did a full service on my 25hp motor, rebuilt the carb and replaced the water pump. I used Simple Green to remove the rust stains from the lower unit. She's ready to fish now.

Edited December 21, 2015 by Todd in NY