Starcraft Islander question...

[bigturk_80]

Fellow Islander owners, if there is someone here who has a more modern Islander, can you PM me a few pics of the interior?  I'm freshening up my 89 with some new floors, coverings, seats, etc.  Problem is, there isn't much reference material online for some of the more modern boats, say 2000 and up. 

 

Thanks in advance.

[Riceyboy287]

I restored an 87 outboard last summer from head to toe. You can pm me with any questions, I have learned those boats very in depth!

[bigturk_80]

Sounds good, I'll get in touch.  Mine is a 221v with the 4.3 inboard, but same principles apply.  I redid the transom 2 seasons ago, and should have just done the floors, foam, and any loose rivets while I was in there.  Oh well. 

[MooseKnuckle VI]

How do you guys like your islander? Neighbor at camp has one and I really like the looks of it. There's one for sale I've been pondering.Not crazy about having a doghouse though, this one has a 4.3merc. How do they handle out in the big lake? I already have a riveted boat but it's not big enough to chase salmon on the nasty days. I'm currently shopping for a larger boat to add to the fleet but pretty set on fiberglass but I like the islanders. Do they troll well? How do they ride in a tight chop like around the trench/stoney point......enough room to fish 4 guys? Enough room in the cuddy for the wife and baby? FWIW I get seasick real easy so when it's anything over 3+ id likely stay home but I want the option of heading out and being safe in whatever I buy. 

 

Thanks!!

[bigturk_80]

Well, here's my personal take on my 221V....

 

Fairly light to tow, in comparison to the same size boat in glass.  Sits high and dry in the water.  This is a comforting feeling, but also makes it catch a breeze fairly easily (most noticeable when turning during a troll).  They ride just fine in a light chop, especially once on plane and on top of the chop.  But like any aluminum boat, once they get to a certain size, you'll get the pounding.  When they pound, they definitely pound a bit harder than glass.  They take a good beating for a riveted boat.  I take mine to the limits on lake Erie, day in and day out.  And in 5 seasons I have had to address 3 rivets.  With that being said, when I pull my floors up, I am going to rebuck my rivets while I'm in there.  In terms of room, I often fish 4 guys no problem.  The cuddy has ample space for your kids. 

 

I'd say the biggest downside to the boat, is the rougher ride in choppier water, and without trim tabs they tend to bite the water and roll a bit if you get caught having to run in the trough.   But if I slow down, I have never found myself in a situation that I felt uncomfortable in, and I've been caught in some heavy heavy weather on Erie several times.

 

The doghouse really isn't that big of a problem.  There's ample room to each side of it.  The 4.3 runs all day for little cost.  I have an area on Erie that I run 27 miles in each direction, troll all day on the main engine, and it uses about 70 bucks in total.  Cruises great at around 27-29mph, and tops out around 35-38.  Trolls all day no probs.  Gets down around 1.8-2.2mph without trolling socks, and with a tiny kick up in throttle, trolls great for salmon at 2.2-3.0mph.

 

All in all, if you find one in decent shape for the right price, can't beat them. 

Edited February 2, 2016 by bigturk_80

[Big Dave]

While you have your floor up replace the fuel tank fill and vent hoses.   Mine were pretty bad and weeping fuel into the floatation. 

[bigturk_80]

Yep, I'll be doing that for sure.  Plan was to change out fill, vent, and pickup line.  Looking to pull up floors, foam, do tank and lines, and address any rivets.  Seal with gluvit on the inside, re-foam, re-floor, and upgrade the interior.  Big job, but I love the boat so I think it's worth while.

[fish-on]

I put diamond plate aluminum down for my floor, Cheaper than the correct way of going with wood and it'll last forever.

[fishmaster13184]

Is the diamondplate floor hot or like a giant mirror baking you?

[fish-on]

No my floor didn't get hot, It didn't shine from the sun either, It dulled down after being on it, A lot of guys liked it, I even helped a couple of guys do there floors the same, Both being Islanders, OB and 2 IOs  Mine I replaced 95 per. of the wood, Even the walls to the dash.  You add up the cost of the plywood the vinyl glue and if you seal the wood properly with resin and fiberglass, You'll have way more the the diamond plate would cost.

Edited February 4, 2016 by fish-on

[steelfire]

 

Unfortunately I don't have many pictures of the interior of my boat. However I do have a couple pictures of some homemade jump seats/storage space my wife made. Yes I said my wife, she is one of those DIY divas you see on TV building houses. The only complaint I have on my 2006 Islander is the lack of rear facing seats and storage compartments. These jump seats took care of that problem. I can fit 4 large plastic tackle bins in each jump seat. They also work well as a step to get in and out of the deep hull.

Edited February 8, 2016 by steelfire

[bigturk_80]

Where did you pick up that rocket launcher setup if you don't mind me asking?  Is it built custom to that size or is it available as is?

[AnglingAddict]

Looks like the launcher is from Great Lakes Planers. Good stuff.

[steelfire]

Bigturk_80, those are indeed Great Lakes Planers Captains packl rockets launchers . I can't say enough about how great they work on my boat. And the company is awesome to deal with!!

[justtracytrolling]

Tony at Great Lakes Planers was great to deal with for me! He had my captains pak and a little custom work in my hands sooner than promised and cheaper than quoted...that never happens anywhere else!

[TileMan Dan]

Ditto on the reviews for Tony and his Great Lakes Planer product line. Adaptable to any set up you might have. Fast shipping also. Going 4 years now with his equipment and no complaints.

[bigturk_80]

Thanks guys, time for me to work some OT.

[steelfire]

about 4 years after having purchased mine, I had a couple rocket launcher knobs crack. They replaced them all and set me extras just in case for FREE!!! I thought that was awesome. Not many companies will do that for customers.