74’ Seacraft 23 CC Rebuild

[Glosta23]

So... let the “fun” begin.

My goal is to remove all wood and old foam in stringers. Rebuild transom, deck and top cap. Then refinish hull, mount outboard bracket and install twin 150’s.

Engine and stern drive are out, 900 lbs. combined weight. Console removed and deck hatches opened. Gas tank drained and removed. Most of hardware removed.

MY DILEMMA IS...
The tank measures 36” x 28” x 13.5” and holds 59 gallons of fuel @ 100% capacity. Weight of 59 gallons of fuel is approx 355 lbs. Should I move tank forward of the center console location to compensate for what I assume will be 850 lbs. of engines, plus 200 +/- lbs. of bracket hanging off the stern? I also intend to install a taller console with a T-top as well.

Any build suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance.

[DonV]

I don't think a 59 gallon tank is going to cut it. I'd look at a 85 to 100 depending on how you you your boat. Secondly, why twins? A single 250 - 300 is perfect for that hull. Here's some ideas and to go with.

http://www.classicseacraft.com/commu...ad.php?t=29137

[wattaway2]

I redid my ‘73 I/o much like you plains but with a single 300 etec —originally mine had twin 50gl tanks by opening it up under the console to the front box I was able to install a 100gl main tank and a 30gl “reserve “ plenty of fuel but up there you may not need that much for the type of fishing you do. You will love the full transom ! I made a anchor hatchin the bow as bending over and jamming anchor line just didn’t work for me . Hindsight and after fishing off Plum Isld on my brothers boat you might consider a Bow pulpit and anchor windlass god I know how manny times we pull and drop his anchor fishing the Merrimack river!

[Glosta23]

DonV - I looked at the link you shared and also the IG thread seacraftrenovation72. Great info and photos! Thank you.

A question I have is; why did you opt to entirely remove the stringers as opposed to cutting off the tops and hogging out the foam?

[Capt Terry]

Glosta23-
With all the changes you are considering you may want to consult my post of ESTIMATING CG SHIFT....... it is in a sticky. Original post was 9-24-16.
Best wishes on your project.

[Old'sCool]

Originally Posted by Capt Terry

Glosta23-
With all the changes you are considering you may want to consult my post of ESTIMATING CG SHIFT....... it is in a sticky. Original post was 9-24-16.
Best wishes on your project.

This is the best advice you'll read here based on your plans.

[Glosta23]

Thank you Capt. Terry. Great info and I'll be sure to do my calculations before hanging anything on the transom.

[Capt Terry]

Originally Posted by Glosta23

Thank you Capt. Terry. Great info and I'll be sure to do my calculations before hanging anything on the transom.

You are most welcome. I suspect others have been intimidated by the math or just decided to wing it. I made it as simple as I could- just plug your numbers in for mine. Certainly should be better than guessing. Best wishes and looking forward to results.

[Old'sCool]

118 gal from Sunshine/Hermco bracket/Yam 300 4S. Very happy with mine. Did not move tank fwd but batteries are. I would recommend moving the tank fwd. With a 165 mile trolling trip I'll use about 2/3 of the 118 gal

[Glosta23]

Guys, thanks for the responses.

DonV - I agree that a larger tank would be better. I was actually surprised first time I put eyes on the tank. Will probably bump it up to 85-100 gallons like you suggest. I like twins for the redundancy should something go wrong. And for ability to spin boat on axis. Thanks for the link, I will be sure to check it out.

Wattaway2 - Great point regarding pulling the anchor. That's what kids are for!... BTW... glad to see you're in a warmer climate now... : )

Old'sCool - I'll be sure to keep batteries as far forward as possible too. I think with a floatation bracket I should be pretty good with retaining a good center of balance. Old engine, outdrive and battery were about 1,000 lbs. and removing wet wood in transom and engine beds will lighten rear of boat as well.