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Starflite getting wet!

JT Patroni

JT Patroni

Well-known member
Tomorrow morning the Starflite will get the long awaited splash.

I will take my portable GPS to see what I get for the start of the season.

Boat is loaded with all the necessary gear and extra tools for the shake down. Since so many have had troubles starting this season I just want to be as prepared as I can.
 
CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait to hear how it does! Man- I loved following that build! GREAT....... no.......I mean...... AWESOME- JOB!
 
I will post the results of the first outing in the evening. With any kind of luck I will came back with a big smile on my face. :drool: My daughters boyfriend is going with me. I think he is more excited than I am. :lol:
 
Starflite first splash

Ok, here it goes!

I guess by carrying so many tools and extra parts I was able to scare off
any demons. The motor idled a little rough at the beginning but that cleared out after 1/2 hour running.
No water leaks from anywhere so I think the bilge pump wants to go on strike.
I put the Raker 14-1/2 x 22 on. With very little trim off the pin in # 2 hole
I was heading over 6000 rpm. To me that is great. I had 12 gallons of gas in the tank and a 210 lb passenger with me (along with all the parts and tools). The GPS decided to be out to lunch while on the water, even tough it was working in the truck on the way to the ramp so I am not sure of my speed. Even with my sunglasses on it was hard to see where I was going (wind in face). I can only estimate 60 to 62 mph.

Hole shot was strong with just a little cavitation. Planed off at 3200 rpm.

I feel that I should change the water pump and the gear lube in the lower just as a piece of mind since it will be my first year with this motor.

I don't need a mirror to know that there is a grin on my face.

I want to express my thanks and graditude to all that helped guide me and answer all my questions through the restoration. The information provided to me was invaluable.

Go Checkmate Forum !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I will try to find someone that can take some pics on my next outing.

My rubrail arrived while I was out with the boat. I know what I will be doing during this weekend. After that is installed I can put the rear seat back in and enjoy the summer.

Hobie stopped by and is already making plans for an outing.
 
AWESOME!

JT,

congrats on the outing... I have enjoyed reading about the resto. I have used your pics to get an idea of what mine looks like torn apart. In fact, my boat is identical to yours excpet the original hull colors are swapped. mine is red where yours was white, etc.

I saw the Johnson on the back, but what size is it? Good info on the prop, too! I have the same one and will be putting it on this weekend to see how she runs.

- Mike
 
jmshipp said:
JT,

congrats on the outing... I have enjoyed reading about the resto. I have used your pics to get an idea of what mine looks like torn apart. In fact, my boat is identical to yours excpet the original hull colors are swapped. mine is red where yours was white, etc.

I saw the Johnson on the back, but what size is it? Good info on the prop, too! I have the same one and will be putting it on this weekend to see how she runs.

- Mike
Click to expand...

It is a 3.0L 200 hp. According to a OMC dealer friend it is actually a 225 hp with 200 carbs and intake. Thanks for the nice comments.

Jim
 
Glad you got it out with no problems. Hopefully with what has happened for most of us at the begining of the season, you broke the cycle. I will be getting the enchanter broke in this coming week as the motor gets dropped in saturday!!!
 
JT, you've done an excellent job on that Starflite. Congrats on the first outing and here's to many more. I can't wait until I get to make this very same post for my Predictor.
 
yellowfiero88 said:
Glad you got it out with no problems. Hopefully with what has happened for most of us at the begining of the season, you broke the cycle. I will be getting the enchanter broke in this coming week as the motor gets dropped in saturday!!!
Click to expand...

I also hope I have broken the cycle for all the Mate owners that have and are going through major repair/reconstruction. The summer is here, now it is the time for fun and enjoyment.

Good luck with your repower. Work slow, look over everything twice and
enjoy what you are doing.
 
MateFever said:
JT, you've done an excellent job on that Starflite. Congrats on the first outing and here's to many more. I can't wait until I get to make this very same post for my Predictor.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your compliments. I will be waiting and watching for your progress and launch.
 
Thank you Brian. I also hope I have helped break the cycle of bad luck.

Good luck with your install today. Do you think you will launch by Monday?

Jim
 
No. I am waiting on a different thermostat housing that will prob be here wed or thursday. Needed one with one set out outlets and internal valving instead of 2sets of outlets. I could have used the old and made them T together and then to the headers but it would look like poo!! Plus the new one is polished SS instead of old painted cast iron
w00t.gif
 
I agree that if you rush just to get it done that is never turns out
the way you really want it. Second best never wins the big prize.

I didn't rush cause I knew I just wouldn't be happy with myself.
 
BADBK said:
That's awesome, now where are the pictures of it in the water????
Click to expand...

Pictures will be available during this week. Where I put the boat in the water there wasn't any place to get a decent shot.

I promise to get a few shots and post them.

Jim
 
Sam I am said:
Pictures, man!!!! Pictures!!!!
Click to expand...

Ok, I have a few pictures, but not in the water. Today I finished the last major piece of work by installing the rub rail.

IMG_5070.jpg

IMG_5071.jpg

IMG_5067.jpg

I still have to apply the Checkmate name to the both sides of the hull.
I also have 2 horse heads that are 12" high and 16" long to be applied to the middle of each side. After that I will stand back and look the boat over to see what alse can be applied without over doing it. So far I have not seen a Starflite in all white but I have received many compliments by other boat owners in my area. Hobie stopped by and was amazed how good it did look.

Tomorrow I can get a high tide around 4 PM. I will see if I can get someone to take pictures of it in our merky brown Cape May water.

I have updated the Photobucket tonight with other pics.
 
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