What boat is this? Starcraft??

[Mhall222]

This 1988 starcraft with 200 merc is for sale somewhat local and i honestly was thinking of just using the motor on my Skater 18. I have exhausted google looking for a 19ft starcraft bass boat from 1988 but have found absolutely zero. Any ideas on what model it may be and if it may be a good hull for a possible future project? I was told the engine runs great but something is wrong with the lower unit (could be major or minor?) He is asking $1100 for the boat and motor.

[Great East Predictor]

They made a runabout that was a knockoff of a laser 380 for a couple years, maybe they copied the bass boats as well.

[Mhall222]

Well, I went and picked it up. Its not the prettiest boat but it could actually be cleaned up and maybe some clear shot over the top side and it would be a fairly nice boat. The engine I have not run yet but i did a cold compression test and got 118-121 across all cylinders. I am a bit disappointed but maybe its needless. The serial on the mid section is coming back as a 1982 xr2 150hp but, the rest of the engine seems to possibly be something else. The cowl says 200 but i told the guy it may be something as small as a 125 no matter what the cowl says. I have taken pictures of about every number i can find on the engine and now trying to see exactly what I have here. I am sure hoping its a 200 but im doubtful.

[Mhall222]

Here are some engine pics. Maybe someone can help me ID what I have here.

[Capt.Insane-o]

Yep, thats all kinds of stuff put together there.

[Mhall222]

Motor fires up and runs great. I have only run it a few seconds at a time but it pops off and seems to all be well with the engine itself. One reason the boat was listed so cheap is the PO thought the lower unit was damaged (he said the prop would not turn) Well first thing i did was put the motor in gear and try to turn the prop and what was thought to be a damaged lower unit was just a prop hub being blown out. The prop is a 25P Quicksilver light speed and it darn near perfect but i was reading they were horrible about having plastic hub failures. The hull still has nice shinny gelcoat but the top is pealing so i may explore some kind of clear coat to make the top look good again.

For boats without a low water pickup, what is the general rule of thumb for jack pate height? The boat has a manual jackplate and right now the motor is sitting pretty low. If I keep the boat for any length of time i may add a bobs nose cone or something to be able to get the motor up out of the water.

[XstreamVking]

If it was turning a 25p prop it might be a 200? Of some configuration......

[Mhall222]

It is a 200 on a 150 midsection. It looks like a mix match of parts but it sure starts up and runs nice. I am needing a new plastic prop hub insert and I am going to take this boat for a ride and see how she runs. Only thing I would like at the moment is a low water pickup lower unit so i can lift the motor as it is sitting way low right now.

[Flex]

Dude that's a score! Just 1100$ for the motor. Needs no engine work, and could probably scrap boat and sell trailer and get half your money back if you didn't want to mess with it.

[Mhall222]

My plan is to refurbish the top side of the gelcote and put new carpet down and sell the boat for about $4K or so. This boat is really in good shape and the bottom half of the hull is still in super nice shape with a few chips and dings but overall the gel is still nice and shinny. The top side has been sprayed with clear which is chipping so I am going to strip all that off and buff out the gel or I hope I am at least. Originally I went to buy the boat for the motor but the whole boat is pretty dang solid and nice so I think I will change directions and try to make a few bucks on this one. Besides I would really like a nice 250xs for my skater 18 project anyhow.