TOPIC: 60s Lone Star...go get it before I do

atlanta.craigslist.org/sat/boa/5005456888.html

it even has the cool jetson stern lite. looks like a great deal.

I gave everyone a fair shot at it, but apparently I got there first. My son and I picked up the Lone Star yesterday. Quite a drive, but I think it was worth it. The boat is a Tracer, confirmed by a plate on the dash that says "Tracer" in script. Perhaps circa 1966 judging from the 1966 Lone Star catalog that has what appears to matching photos.

It's in decent shape but needs a new interior. Got the old rotted back to back seats and the rotted side panels to use as models for new ones. I think I'll move this project ahead of the Jet DeVille on the priority list since it is much closer to being able to hang a motor on.

Seller had the original motor off the boat and I passed on it, but now I am thinking I should have picked it up, too, to have the complete package. It was a West Bend Chrysler, probably a 45HP.

The only number I can find is a plate on the outside upper starboard transom that has only 13610218 on it. Anyone have any data on the numbers for 1960s Lone Stars? I'm wondering if the 61 might be the year.

Let's see some pictures! Looks like the seller took the listing down.

Dale, now we need a lot of pictures. glad you saved her. Greg

Cron, Right now my project is a '64 Lone Star Mystic. Curious to ask you what type of hull does your newbie have? The '64 is a sandwich, no framing, just two fiberglass shells with foam in between. It presents a "challenge" to say the least. When the top was separated the lower spread 1 1/2 inches at the gunwales.

Sabre,

Haven't gotten into it much yet, just a little research on the ol' interweb. Brochure says that it has foam but it think it is just in the floor. Will upload some photos, maybe even start a thread in the projects forum, depending upon how fast I can get going on this thing. Goal is to hang a new (to me) motor on it in August. Hoping to not have to replace the transom this year. Unless I find real problems, planning to just put some new lounge style back to back seats in it, clean up the interior a bit, try to shine it up, and hang the motor. We'll see how it goes. My 13 YO son considers this to be "his" boat and he is anxious to get working on it. He ran out of steam pretty quick, though, yesterday afternoon when he did a little buffing on the faded gelcoat.

Good for you. When I pulled the top off I was surprised to see the transom was in pretty decent shape but was rotting about 4" from the bottom up. There was plenty of beef there to hang a good motor on without an issue except a few years down the road.....scratch that, down the river. If yours is similar I would not worry about it but just know sooner or later it's gunna happen. Great to have your son involved.