Starcraft Transom Rebuild

Tim Speight

Tim Speight

Active member
I really like using the StarCraft v-shaped hulls for tender boats...very roomy, handle and ride well.

However, their original construction utilized a 1.5" thick wooden transom which is about 70" wide.

The combination of the transom span, a four stroke engine that weighs in excess of 350lbs, and the push/pull of a fully loaded duck boat for a couple of seasons led to a stern that looked like some type of Banana. Didn't inspire a lot of confidence for use during the 2017 season.

Fortunately, my hunting partner Mr. Jim Williams found a very talented young welder that has a passion for duck boats.

Luke Bartlett from Bart Custom Boats & Welding tore out the Banana part of the old StarCraft and replaced it with a rock solid aluminum version...even added a swim platform.

Here's a couple of photos of the finished product:





View attachment Starcraft Transom 1.JPGView attachment Starcraft transom.jpg
 
Tim,

Just an observation and a suggestion before you get further along. It appears that the engine mounting bolts will be going thru the new aluminum in a hollow area of the tubing. I'm not sure this is a good thing as the hollow will tend to collapse. I would suggest that you have your welder weld in four solid pins (predrilled for the engine mounting bolts) for the engine mount pattern. 1 1/2 inch or 2.0 inchOD with a 17/32 hole thru it on a lathe, then welded into place. That way the engine bolts can be torqued down and will stay tight over time.

PS. I am assuming [:/] you used hollow rectangular tubing in the rebuild. (due to weight concerns) If you used solid material, disregard my above suggestion.
 
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