possible seafari

[cdavisdb]

I've found a "maybe" replacement for my 25 Seafari, , 20 ft, 1972 hull, 2004 Merc 4 stroke EFI, injectors replaced two years ago, supposed to have a good transom. I haven't looked at the boat yet( its a long way off) but I'd appreciate opinions from the more knowledgeable on his forum, before I do look at it.

Any tips on what I should look for in this model year?

Same on the engine. Any general idea on reliability for this vintage Merc? Particularly important maintenance that should have been done by the present owner?

What should I expect for efficient cruising speed, say at 4000 rpm, maybe 3500?

Even though its a northern boat, with a motor of this vintage, should I be thinking replacement? I want about 10 reliable years out of the boat(in North Carolina).


Anybody in the New Bedford. MA, area that might be able to look at it?

Thanks in advance

Connor

[DonV]

Hey Conner, not positive but I think Yamaha made those four strokes for Mercury. I know in 05, 06 time frame they were all Yamaha four strokes up to 225. Have a friend who has two of the 2005 Merc/Yamaha 225's.

[flyingfrizzle]

The 1972 hulls will have the four stinger set up and lower decks. Seems like in late 73 or in 74 they went to the big foam box stringers and the decks had the taller fake wood plank design. The 72 should have the older deck layout. Seems like there were a few other differences on the pre 74's.


The mercury four strokes from the mid 2000's were black painted Yamahas like mentioned I believe. The lower hp ourboards should be ok if it was kept up and has lower hours. The Black painted Mercury/Yamaha 225s of 2004 had the same corrosion issues though. Doubt the 20 seafari has a 225 on it but don't think you mentioned HP. Might not be as fuel efficient as the later ones but decent power heads.

[JBASS02]

Originally Posted by flyingfrizzle

The 1972 hulls will have the four stinger set up and lower decks. Seems like in late 73 or in 74 they went to the big foam box stringers and the decks had the taller fake wood plank design. The 72 should have the older deck layout. Seems like there were a few other differences on the pre 74's.


The mercury four strokes from the mid 2000's were black painted Yamahas like mentioned I believe. The lower hp ourboards should be ok if it was kept up and has lower hours. The Black painted Mercury/Yamaha 225s of 2004 had the same corrosion issues though. Doubt the 20 seafari has a 225 on it but don't think you mentioned HP. Might not be as fuel efficient as the later ones but decent power heads.

I think they changed the stringer layout mid '72. My '72 has the big box stringers. Other rebuild thread show '72s with the 4 stringer layout.

[cdavisdb]

Thanks guys,

This motor has injectors, so EFI, not carbed (I think) Interesting on Yamaha making Mercs, did not know that. That vintage had some severe corrosion issues with the exhaust, but I had the impression that was in the bigger motors, 200+ Sound right?

Hours are "supposed" to be about 1000, owner not sure. Would you consider that high hours?

I much prefer the 4 stringer hulls. Did the 1972 have a bunch of foam between the stringers or was that area empty as in earlier 20s? I used to have a Seafari around 1970 with no foam, you could see under the deck from the cabin hatches to the transom.

Thanks again


Connor

[Vezo, Part II]

How are you Connor? I always remember Denny saying that his favorite modification to the Seafari 20, was 1976 when Potter added rake to the windshield, allowing more dash space for electronics. For whatever it’s worth. Best of luck in your search.

Michael.

[Bigshrimpin]

Originally Posted by cdavisdb

I've found a "maybe" replacement for my 25 Seafari, , 20 ft, 1972 hull, 2004 Merc 4 stroke EFI, injectors replaced two years ago, supposed to have a good transom. I haven't looked at the boat yet( its a long way off) but I'd appreciate opinions from the more knowledgeable on his forum, before I do look at it.

Any tips on what I should look for in this model year?

Same on the engine. Any general idea on reliability for this vintage Merc? Particularly important maintenance that should have been done by the present owner?

What should I expect for efficient cruising speed, say at 4000 rpm, maybe 3500?

Even though its a northern boat, with a motor of this vintage, should I be thinking replacement? I want about 10 reliable years out of the boat(in North Carolina).


Anybody in the New Bedford. MA, area that might be able to look at it?

Thanks in advance

Connor

Connor - I'm just seeing this now for the first time. I'm 20minutes away if you want, I'd be happy to take a ride.

[cdavisdb]

Yes, definitely, Thanks

I'll pm you his contact info

Connor