first post!

NoDoze · #1 08-01-2006, 01:32 AM

Hi there!
I just picked up my first Seacraft. Its a 69' 20ft Seafari i/o that I hope to convert to a CC w/ full transom and outboard bracket.
After stripping the boat down, from what I can see the boat has solid stringers and hull, and seems to have a good transom and floor. The fuel tank is sound as well.
The cap has seen better days though.
I thought I would cut the cap around the cuddy and begin removing the inner liner. I am hoping to put in a complete deck, raised a few inches, and keep it flat across the entire length to make as much fishing room as possible. The liner in bonded to the hull sides to create a blukhead support. Has anyone removed these?
Have any members attempted to convert a cuddy model to CC?

Thanks,
NoDoze
Project NoDough

Lenny · #2 08-01-2006, 08:52 AM

Welcome aboard, I think you will find the consensus is the 20 is not a good candidate for a bracket and outboard, too much weight in all the wrong places, I have just started a 69 20 cc with an I/O and plan to keep it that way, love the lines and I think with a closed cooling system all will be well. Good luck and post pic's when ya can

NoDoze · #3 08-01-2006, 10:30 AM

Want2fish, that will be an awesome boat! I love the lines of the i/o also.
I understand the concerns of a bracket on a 20. The current i/o setup has the scuppers underwater already. But I will be removing alot of glass and weight, as well as moving the tank and console forward. Raising the floor 2", possibly using a composite to lighten the floor load too.
I have seen some very nice 20's w/ brackets on this site, I only hope mine comes out as nicely.
But nothing is written in stone, and anything can change at this stage in the project.
BTW, this site has some of the most informative members and some the most beautiful Ive seen.

Just grind down the bullkheads where they meet the hull?

oldbluesplayer · #4 08-01-2006, 11:07 AM

NoDoze - welcome to CSC !

As a Seafari owner, ob model, with a transom notch, I can appreciate the desire for a closed transom - but I agree with previous comments re: brackets on a 20' - I'm not at all sure that's the way to go - if I were you I'd stick with the IO, upgrade to a new Mercruiser / Alpha drive, have the full transom that came with, maybe raise the floor 2", and be done with it.

But I guess I also question cutting a Seafari up to make a CC. Now, I don't know where you live/ boat, but the 20' hull is quite a bit smaller than the 23' hull - up here in New England on the north shore, I've been quite happy to have the closed bow the cuddy provides, not to mention that it provides lockable, out of the weather, storage, and a bit of privacy for the potty, etc. And, while mine is a '73, and there may be some construction differences, I think you're biting off a way big task to make that much of a significant change - I just know that in 4 footers, I have often taken a little water over the bow, and I'm glad it's not open - were it a 23', I think that would be a big difference.

Not to say it can't be done - my brother took a 23' SeaBird that was an IO, cuddy cabin model, lifted off the entire cap, and converted it to a CC, closed the hole in the transom, and hung a bracket and an OB - yes, that's a very fishing friendly layout, but again, that's on a 23'. Looking at the original construction of the SeaBird, vs, the SeaCraft Seafari, I think doing that same thing would be much tougher on the Seafari, and your going to end up completely redesigning / rebuilding the gunnels.

Guess I'd recommend think about your use - you alone, you and a girlfriend, you and a wife and kid, you and a bunch of fishing buddies, and see where that leads you.

good luck !

Bill

NoDoze · #5 08-01-2006, 01:43 PM

OBP,
I hear ya on cuttin up a Seafari. But I need a CC, as it this will be a dedicated striper boat in CT.
When comparing options, paying $3-7k for CC with a clapped out motor that will most likely need a new transom, floor etc. anyway, I could pay a few hundred for a less popular model, take the boat down to basics, have the full transom cap and redo it to my specs. Hopefully its more muscle work than $$. Already lost a rachet under the motor

I agree, rebuilding the cap will be the hardest part.
If anyone needs parts for their 20 let me know

NoDoze · #6 08-02-2006, 12:55 AM

Well I removed the tank, and it looks to be in good shape. No pitting. The platform it sat on was just glassed on one side, didnt take much to yank that out. It was at the beginning stages of rot, cant believe it survived 35 years. I dont think this boat has had alot of continuous use through its life.
After taking a hard look at the boat tonight, Ill be considering removing the transom cap and notching the back, instead of a bracket. Ill wait till when I get closer to make a decision.

John R · #7 08-07-2006, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Well I removed the tank, and it looks to be in good shape. No pitting. The platform it sat on was just glassed on one side, didnt take much to yank that out. It was at the beginning stages of rot, cant believe it survived 35 years. I dont think this boat has had alot of continuous use through its life.
After taking a hard look at the boat tonight, Ill be considering removing the transom cap and notching the back, instead of a bracket. Ill wait till when I get closer to make a decision.

You're a sick bastard Krispy - but you found the right place for info on your project - good luck! M will divorce you (or at least consider it) by the time you are done...

Bigshrimpin · #8 08-07-2006, 03:56 PM

NoDoze - That safari i/o is an awesome fishing platform. With a Safari you can spend the night in the cabin anchored up and be out fishing the Block Island rips 10minutes after you wake up. Not to mention the 4 clyinder I/O is very cheap to operate . . . 4+mpg.

If your signature is at all accurate "Project NoDough" . . . then you're making a big mistake thinking that you'll get away paying less for the proposed modifications . . . rather than selling the safari and buying . . . a 20sf.

Look at how well balanced this boat is:

Bigshrimpin · #9 08-07-2006, 04:03 PM

This one is for sale for $3,500 in your neck of the woods.
http://www.classicseacraft.com/forum...b=5&o=&fpart=1

NoDoze · #10 08-07-2006, 05:03 PM

Hmm, maybe its the cutting a Seafari that has people bumming.
But other then a whole lotta choppin' glass (free), I see it as just replacing the transom (needed on most project SC's) raising the floor (also done on alot of 20' projects) and adding a lip to the cap edge where the top is cut. A couple ribs for support. For the $500 purchase price (incl. trailer) its a significant savings over buying an SF that would need the majority of that work anyway.
Ive decided to go w/ the notched transom.
Ill add some pics in the next couple of days, since Im still just pulling pieces off.
Ill also have a bunch of OEM parts for Seafari owners, original glass, doors,trim, hatches etc.

Question, can I leave strips of the original floor still attached to the stringers and glass on another 3/4" ply to raise the floor?