25th Anniversary of my 84 Stars and Stripes - All Original

[markismm]

This is a thread of my 1984 Mastercraft Stars and Stripes. This is the 25th Summer this beauty has graced the waters of the Southeast. This boat is absolutely fabulous. It is all completely original including interior. The only modification that has been made is the addition of a Sony DriveSX head unit, Four 6 inch Cadence Kit Speakers, and Two 10 Inch MTX Subwoofers. I am extremely proud of this boat. The only imperfections are small dry cracks in the upholstery of the back seat. I would give anything or pay almost any amount to get my hands on a roll of this exact material/fabric/upholstery. I have spoken with "the upholstery guy" and he indicated that he is not aware of any of this material being in existence, at least in my boats' color. If someone knows of some, dear God, please let me know. I want to keep the boat completely original, but I fear that if i cannot find some material like this within the next two years, I will have no choice but to completely re-upholster the entire boat. Please let me know of any suggestions any one has. Also, let me know your thoughts on my boat. Thanks. Enjoy the pics.

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u280/mandymaholick/DSC_1847.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u280/mandymaholick/DSC_1849.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u280/mandymaholick/DSC_1853.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u280/mandymaholick/DSC_1854.jpg

[3event]

Amazing and inspiring, wow!!!!! Are you the original owner?

There are tons of threads on this site about care, cleaning, and maintenance, but with that kind of history I would be interested to hear what upholstery cleaners/protectants and exterior waxes you have used. That gelcoat looks unbelievable!

[Craig]

I think you have come to the right place. If anyone knows where to find some vinyl they will likely show up on this board. I am a new MC owner myself but every questions I have had so far I have been able to find either in the archives or straight from the folks who grace this board.

That is one nice S&S you have there. You see a lot of boats (like mine) that have been abused and need to be brought back to life. It is wonderful to see an original with an owner who cares about it as well.

[TMCNo1]

Very nice boat and great job on keeping it up!

[markismm]

The main thing I can say about taking care of the Gel Coat and Upholstery is that I have always stored the boat in a garage wihout a cover on it. Additionally, the boat is never left in the water for more than one night. Finally, everytime I take the boat out of the water I take a damp towel and wipe down the entire exterior quickly before storing. Most of the folks that I know that have similar boats either store them outside, use a cover (which invites mildew if the boat is put up wet), or never clean the boat's exterior before putting it up after each use. All of these things will extend the longevity of the gel coat and interior more than any product. Once or twice a year I do use Star Brite Polish with Teflon just as a UV protectant. As for the teak platform, I use the Star Brite three step teak restoration kit once every 3 years or so. This is the part of the boat that so many people abuse or neglect. The most important step by far for the platform, however, is using the teak oil (step 3) after each time the platform is submerged. This takes all but 3 minutes as you put the boat up at the end of the weekend and makes the boat look extraordinary.

[SkiDog]

Wow, sounds like you know how to take care of a boat! Where in the southeast are you?

[markismm]

I live in Midland, GA (basically part of Columbus, GA) and I ski on Lake Oliver during the weekdays near the north dam, and ski at Lake Harding and Lake Martin during the weekends. My father has been a marine mechanic for over 25 years. It is basically a family part-time business we do in his shop behind his house to make a little extra doe. If anyone needs any work on their boats, please give him a call. Its Tom's Marine Service - 706-392-0021.

[russlars]

That's a beautiful Stars and Stripes. Thanks for sharing and good job on keeping it in such pristine condition. Welcome to Team Talk.

[SunCoast 83]

Wow...what a boat! That is awesome that you have cared for it so well. Post more pics and welcome to Team Talk!!

[Monte]

Very nice!!

[h2oskifreak]

Nice looking boat.The condition and shine is amazing for a 25 y/o boat. Did anyone notice the child in the walker a little slumped over or sleeping? Did you put some Coors Light in that childs bottle Mark?

[thatsmrmastercraft]

Very impressive. If everyone took such extraordinary care of their MC, what would all us guys with the project boats do?

[Bruce Carr]

So, what color is that anyway? Is it white or cream, I can't tell from the pictures. I think I know where there is some pure white vinyl in the correct pleat.

Bruce

[fatthmjr]

where do you ski on harding, i live there...i usually ski/barefoot the evenings on the river, almost at the sandbar, ski cove is ok when its not so windy. let me know when you are out and we'll have to link up. mike.

[CantRepeat]

Lake Harding is our weekend hideout. I normally ski from the sandbar all the way back down to the channel opening. I've skied from the sandbar to the long bridge launch a few times. We hangout at the sandbar and work the rope swing during the heavy boat traffic times. In fact that photo in my sig is at the Harding sandbar. We make 2 or 3 trips to Martin a year.

We don't go to Oliver much anymore. The water is always so dirty after it rains.

That is a sweet looking S&S. I can't wait to see it on the water!

[wilbucd]

Very Nice! I like the white wall tires too. Just like it came with. Post some pictures of your stereo installation. I am considering adding one to my 85 S&S.

[ttu]

very nice boat. :D

[454Prostar190]

Welcome! Beautiful Boat! The color scheme is great!! I'd also like to see your stereo stereo installation!

[markismm]

My brother and I bought this boat together and we primarily ski about a mile south of the sandbar near the river bend in, near poor (or po) boys landing, and in one cove south of Tom Man's island where the boat club is. We will be out there a great deal this summer. I just got in the water for the first time this past weekend. It was suprisingly tolerable without a wetsuit. We definitely have to get up and ski sometime. My brother's Christmas present this year was a barefoot boom. We never really barefooted much in the past, but started getting into it this past year. If you see me up there stop by and say hey. I'll post some pics of my stereo next.

[markismm]

Unfortunately the color scheme is comprised of a sand/creme color - not white. IF anyone knows where some of this exact material is located, please let me know. I am desperate to get my hands on some. Thanks.

[markismm]

Here are some pics of my stereo. My brother and I designed and built the enclosures. The most challenging parts were the odd angle of the sub box, the odd angles of the driver's enclosure, and mounting the amp so that it was out of the way of the storage area for skis and the like. The most important piece of the stereo from a sheer sound standpoint was the driver's enclosure which sits down to your right and fires directly up at the driver for maximum sound to the driver. Our plan was to modify the boat as little as possible, obtain the maximum sound out of the system, and maintain all of the storage space possible. The system sounds great. It is plenty loud and crystal clear. Another challenging aspect was designing a gunnel support for the added stress of the new barefoot boom my brother just got this past Christmas. We took a 4 x 4 piece of pressure treated lumber nothced it in several places and made it fit behind the passenger side speaker enclosure which was a feat in and of itself. I was afraid that the added stress of the boom would cause spider-webbing in the gel coat without it.

This is the rear-drivers side speaker with the back seat out. With the seat in you can only see the two speakers. The black box on the back of the speaker enclousre is a manual crossover for the tweaters and drivers. A must for playing the speakers at their maximum volume without distortion or worry of blowing a driver. The rear passenger speaker is in the same location and has the same exact enclosure design.
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u280/mandymaholick/DSC_1894.jpg

This is front passenger's side speaker. Essentially the same enclosure as the rear two, but with the wedge design facing backwards. Its amazing that we were able to get a nothced out and carved up pressure treated 4 x 4 behind this speaker enclosure for barefoot boom support.
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u280/mandymaholick/DSC_1896.jpg

This is the driver's enclosure. It fires directly up into the driver's face, but does not get in the way at all when driving.
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u280/mandymaholick/DSC_1898.jpg

The head unit location is in the "glove" box. A very tight squeeze too.
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u280/mandymaholick/DSC_1900.jpg

[markismm]

The amp. It is much cleaner than it looks in this photo. This is mounted underneath the passenger's side of the front end enclosure between two support fiber stringers for the top of the front of the boat. You can also see a portion of the sub box which runs up the driver's side of the storage area.
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u280/mandymaholick/DSC_1903.jpg

This is another pic of the sub enclosure.
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u280/mandymaholick/DSC_1905.jpg

And another pic of the sub enclosure. I only put a grill on the sub facing the passenger side as this comes in contact with the storage area. The other sub is essentially protected by the driver's foot rest.
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u280/mandymaholick/DSC_1538.jpg

One final pic of the driver's speaker enclosure.
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u280/mandymaholick/DSC_1901.jpg

[h2oskifreak]

I like your work. If you ever sold the boat those would come right out and nobody woould even knoe they were there. Plus, it doesn't take away from such a straight exapmle. I have a collector car, but put my stereo in a similar way to not destroy the future value or desirability.

[wilbucd]

Nice work. I will use some of your ideas for sure.....Thanks for the pics.

[jasonba1]

Call Jim Jackson at viper customs he can probably help you out with the interior he has restored several stars and stripes. His number is 865-388-4096.. Tell him you saw it on this site and you should get a discount.

[TMCNo1]

This is a thread of my 1984 Mastercraft Stars and Stripes. This is the 25th Summer this beauty has graced the waters of the Southeast. This boat is absolutely fabulous. It is all completely original including interior. The only modification that has been made is the addition of a Sony DriveSX head unit, Four 6 inch Cadence Kit Speakers, and Two 10 Inch MTX Subwoofers. I am extremely proud of this boat. The only imperfections are small dry cracks in the upholstery of the back seat. I would give anything or pay almost any amount to get my hands on a roll of this exact material/fabric/upholstery. I have spoken with "the upholstery guy" and he indicated that he is not aware of any of this material being in existence, at least in my boats' color. If someone knows of some, dear God, please let me know. I want to keep the boat completely original, but I fear that if i cannot find some material like this within the next two years, I will have no choice but to completely re-upholster the entire boat. Please let me know of any suggestions any one has. Also, let me know your thoughts on my boat. Thanks. Enjoy the pics.

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u280/mandymaholick/DSC_1847.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u280/mandymaholick/DSC_1849.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u280/mandymaholick/DSC_1853.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u280/mandymaholick/DSC_1854.jpg

This guy just got a interior done and the material stripe pattern looks much like yours, you may want to contact him and his upholsterer, http://www.mastercraft.com/teamtalk/showpost.php?p=594407&postcount=1.

[xstarplease]

Awesome boat. I'm curious where you got the cover for the spare tire. I've been trying to buy one, but it seems that one for a 14" are hard to come by. Thanks

And that link is to my boat. The interior is similar to your boat but instead of two thin heat pressed lines side by side it has one thicker line. It wouldn't match your interior.

[TMCNo1]

Awesome boat. I'm curious where you got the cover for the spare tire. I've been trying to buy one, but it seems that one for a 14" are hard to come by. Thanks

And that link is to my boat. The interior is similar to your boat but instead of two thin heat pressed lines side by side it has one thicker line. It wouldn't match your interior.

Oh crap, well I tried, looked similar, but........................:o

[russlars]

Awesome boat. I'm curious where you got the cover for the spare tire. I've been trying to buy one, but it seems that one for a 14" are hard to come by. Thanks

And that link is to my boat. The interior is similar to your boat but instead of two thin heat pressed lines side by side it has one thicker line. It wouldn't match your interior.
I recently purchased a 14" spare tire cover from the proshop, but I just checked and they no longer have them listed.:confused: Maybe your dealer could help you out.

[xstarplease]

Oh crap, well I tried, looked similar, but........................:o

I'm sure he appreciates the effort. From the research I have done, it seems the material he is after is forever gone. I think the material I used is the next best thing.

And russlars, I don't really have a dealer. I have bought a couple items from BAW. I guess they are the closest thing to me having a dealer. The only trouble is we're located a few states a part. They are trying to locate me a 50 amp alternator as we speak. I will ask them about the spare cover when they call back about the alternator.

[markismm]

I posted the same thing on your page about your 83 S&S, but in case you did not see it, what type of material is it - vinyl - canvas - cloth - or do you know? If you can, please take an up close photo of the material and post it. I would like to see the material up close as mine has a weird kind of texture - kind of like a blue jean waive or knap. "The upholstery guy" actually calls it blue jean or denim. Does yours have any pattern to it?

[SunCoast 83]

I had the same denim material in mine, I had new vinyl and new padding put in about 4 years ago. I added the black pipping for accent. Like you, I strive to stay as orignal as possible (I am looking for the original brush aluminum dash panels now. My vinyl guy told me that the ridges in the original fabric design harbor too much water and dirt.

http://mastercraft.com/teamtalk/attachment.php?attachmentid=46697&stc=1&d=1241056751

http://mastercraft.com/teamtalk/attachment.php?attachmentid=46696&stc=1&d=1241056751

[xstarplease]

I posted the same thing on your page about your 83 S&S, but in case you did not see it, what type of material is it - vinyl - canvas - cloth - or do you know? If you can, please take an up close photo of the material and post it. I would like to see the material up close as mine has a weird kind of texture - kind of like a blue jean waive or knap. "The upholstery guy" actually calls it blue jean or denim. Does yours have any pattern to it?

It is vinyl. I know what you mean about the "blue jean" texture. The upholstery (original) I took off was the same way. It also had the 2 thin heat pressed lines like yours does with the simulated thread in the center of the lines. The new stuff doesn't have that.

I will get you a close up and a picture of the amp install as soon as I get a chance. My install isn't nearly as clean as yours. I basically built a box that I screwed into the floor in the bow and screwed the amp into that. It sits the amp about 7 inches off the floor about 1 foot in front of the observer's seat. It is somewhat a temporary thing because I'm going to install a sub eventually and build a box for that as well as change the location of the amp.

What do you have for an alternator on your boat, and are you running one battery?
Chuck at BAW is trying to locate me a 50amp alternator right now that will hook up the same as the current alternator (ext. reg.). Hopefully he comes up with something, and that will make the swap really simple.

[markismm]

I have a LEECE NEVILLE Alternator that puts out 37 amps. I has been completely adequate thus far with respect to powering all of the accesories and stereo including amp. I will be happy to provide you the model number if you would like it. I think LEECE NEVILLE makes a 50 amp alternator in the same size too.

[xstarplease]

I have a LEECE NEVILLE Alternator that puts out 37 amps. I has been completely adequate thus far with respect to powering all of the accesories and stereo including amp. I will be happy to provide you the model number if you would like it. I think LEECE NEVILLE makes a 50 amp alternator in the same size too.

Yeah, that would be great. Also, where did you buy the spare tire cover? Thanks a lot!

[markismm]

You can get the tire cover from:

http://www.nefwm.com/eshopprod_cat_2939-25880_product_345707.14_MASTERCRAFT_TIRE_COVER.htm

As for the alternator model, take a look at these pics below:

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u280/mandymaholick/DSC_2048.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u280/mandymaholick/DSC_2050.jpg

[fatthmjr]

Are you skiing or footing this weekend, the weatherman is calling for 90 degree's, sunny, and no chance of rain...i guess we'll see. let me know if you want to link up, weekend or weekday.

[CantRepeat]

I think we are finally heading out to the Harding after some six days of straight rain. I just changed out the strut bushings and put on new prop! I think I'm gonna do some Air Chair runs this weekend!

[JASON@MIDWEST]

I DO CUSTOM AND RESTORATION UPHOLSTERY AND ONE OF MY SUPPLIERS SAYS THAT THEY CAN DUPLICATE THAT PLEATING. I WOULD NEED A SAMPLE, SO WE COULD GET THE COLOR MATCH CORRECT. AND WE COULD REUPHOLSTER YOUR COMPLETE INTERIOR AS IT WAS ORIGINALLY OR REPAIR JUST WHAT NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, YOU CAN EMAIL ME @ JASON@MIDWESTAUTOTOPS.COM

[markismm]

The same stuff in my boat - the beige / sand color denim type material? I will send you a pm right now if you can to disucss the sale of the material. Please let me know. Mark.