Modern CCSN and early MC-SS

Hi there.
I own a 1990 CCSN196 in good condition.
Now there are two, I bought a, I think pre-1980 or early-1980 Mastercraft Start and Stripes, doesnt fit in this forum but its a classic for sure, I dont know if there is an equal early age Mastercraft forum.
The MC will come in about 3 weeks.
It has a PCM 351W with gold valve covers and modern cast PCM exhaust manifolds. Is this a updated engine shouldnt it be a commander?Velvet drive.
There is probably done a painting job. Does anyone know, have those older boats the same gelcoat type as modern which can be repolished. Do earlys have molded gelcoat colors?
So a lot will be to do. Any help will be great from you, will pu pictures on my photobucket in 3 weeks.

Jos1,

There is a great MC forum that covers the spectrum of MC boats, from the early S&S like yours to the modern XStars. There are several people over there who have done full restorations on those older boats and are a wealth of knowledge. Definitely a good group of guys- much like us. You can find it here:

Team Mastercraft

Interestingly, there are some differences in construction between the older CC and MC boats- I believe MC went to all fiberglass '83.

I for one wouldnt mind seeing a picture- Ive always loved the look of those S&S boats. Being a CC guy, I dont know if I could ever own one- but I guess Stang can get away with it because he owns plenty of CC's!

Guy I work with has an old S&S. Doesn't use it much any more and not at all the last year or two. I talk boats, especially old boats with him occassionally. It got him thinking. He thought he should sell his. So he takes it to the shop, makes sure its in good running order, now he's getting the hull shined up and the upholstry fixed up. Decided not to sell afterall, once he got involved with it again. Good for him. I would have loved to have picked it up, as I too like them, but I didn't have the $ laying around. I'm glad he made the right choice. (by the way Jeff Kostis, he lives in S. Maine)