16' Stardust Rebuild

[MattGent]

I had already posted a build log when I completed this rebuild a few years ago. The shop where I buy boat building materials has its own forum, can be found here: http://forums.bateau2.com/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=24678

But I'm repowering, figured I will be more active here and post a few pics.

It was a pretty easy job, just pulled off fencing & accessories, re-decked with PT fir 3/4" panels, bolted down with deck bolts, and sheeted with vinyl. I didn't want carpet for holding water and dog hair.

The boat was "aquired" for free, in exchange for removing it stranded on a club's beach:








Since all this we've run it a few times, but the engine has over-heated, and struggles to start. I don't want to put any more money or time into that, so looking for something new (possibly Suzuki DF25?).

Also, the bimini top was stolen, and I rebuilt the transom with Meranti 1/2" plywood and epoxy resin. I built a cradle so I can use an exisitng non-pontoon trailer for the occaional trip to the ramp (all local towing)

Hoping to get back on the water soon with new power.

Matt

[RcgTexas]

Nice Rig! With that big front deck it looks like it was originally set up to fish! A 25 four stroke would be adequate...... but if you aren't horsepower restricted you may want to compare a 40 for money and spare power. just

[RcgTexas]

OH I forgot! Welcome to the forum!

[MattGent]

The dogs like to hang out up front. It sits a bit bow-down, wish I had moved the console back a bit to balance their weight. I'll build a bench across the back for main seating.

Looking for cheap, quiet, reliable power...we use it for cocktail cruises in the canal out back. I think a 10hp may even be enough for that, but wanted some margin in case I ever put it in the river with a current. We have a couple other boats for covering distance. Looks like a 40hp would be about $2k more which is a no-go.

According to reference performance reports it should run 13-15mph light, 10-12 loaded, which is plenty.

[RcgTexas]

40hp would be about $2k more which is a no-go.

I wake up with sticker shock everyday......... Looks like the 25 is all you need!

[MattGent]

Update with a few pics....I ended up buying the Suzuki DF30. With a generic aluminum Solas 9" prop it runs ~18mph @ 5600. It probably needs an 8" quality prop but they are harder to come by, this works well enough for now.

Also built a new transom, 3 layers of Meranti 1/2" ply as before, but cut down a bit. I also spent my time to drill/fill every hole, and triple coat all the surfaces.

The dogs like it, and it was a good kid hauler over Memorial Day weekend.

[RcgTexas]

nice pics Thanks for posting! Kids and Dogs is where its at!

[MattGent]

In case anyone was curious, a 16' simple pontoon (light!) with two adults aboard and a 30hp four stroke can pull an adult waterskiing. Deep water start on two skis, and no trouble getting up. Three of us each tried it. Could be a mph or two faster on top end but it worked. Pulled a bunch of kids around on kneeboards too.

Fun Memorial Day again!

[Bamaman]

Just think how well it'd pull a skier with 150 hp.

[MattGent]

My little pontoon has moved into its 3rd life. I bought a place on a creek with ocean access, but through a low-clearance bridge. So the boat needed to get lower, and also more fun.

I sketched up a concept, stripped it down to the deck, had a friend fabricate side rails, found a shop to fab a custom AL tank, found a large dock box, built a folding console, and made some side panels. Need to stitch up a new bimini cover, and make a seat backrest to finish it off. Its got lots of open space now, and fits under the bridge in all but the highest king tides.

[curtiscapk]

HOOOOOLY shit!!!!!!!! that's tight!!!!!!!!!! AND AWESOME JOB!!!!!

[Marc K]

Clever move on the laydown helm! Looks like a fun project given the parameters

[TWB]

I gotta say, as impressive as it all is, I like the flag most!

[bansil]

Awesome ride

[ROLAND]

WOW.... as someone else said, THAT IS TIGHT.... From the looks of the pictures it looks as if you only have an inch or two clearance going under that bridge.. Is that accurate, if not, just how much clearance do you have?