Seafari Question

[rclauss22]

Anyone know the year the seafari went with the more streamlined/slanted windshield?

[Bushwacker]

I believe it was about 1975 or 76, but I don't believe Potter changed the slope of the windshield. What he did was raise it several inches by putting another section of glass in the lower part which does not open, and the flat raised section of the cabin top, which supports the windshield, was moved forward along with the front of the windshield. This was a good change because it gets the top windshield frame above your sightline when sitting, and provides more cabin headroom and a larger flat surface aft of windshield for mounting electronics, etc. He also added a glovebox behind windshield on passenger side like the Sceptre. He also raised the cockpit sole a couple of inches (the scupper "wells" are about 3" deep vs ~1" deep on earlier models) and reduced the size of the stepdown so it's just big enough to open the cabin door, which made room for a larger 50 gallon fuel tank. A friend of mine bought a new Seafari in 1976 and it had all these features. You'll have to ask the guys with '74 and '75 models if they also have these features to pin down exactly when they were incorporated.

I like everything but the smaller stepdown, because the old one is just big enough for a 70 qt cooler, which moves some weight forward and keeps it from sliding around in rough seas. I also installed an adjustable seat pedestal and lowered it a bit to get windshield frame above my sightline. Next mod I have planned is to redo the instrument panel so I can see the compass and digital gages when sitting down. Am thinking of installing a bulkhead compass like sailboats use, right in front of the helm, and making the gage mounting surface more vertical. Denny

[Bigshrimpin]

I like the larger windshield and the larger fuel tank. If you do end up with an older seafari. I removed the cabin door and dropped in a 128 quart cooler . . . I think a 168 or 150 would fit too, but I've only used a 128. That extra weight is good to have up front and it doesn't budge when it's loaded up with fish.

[Tiny]

Bigshrimpin,

We do the same thing, works great. Also modified the cooler so that it opens (the short side) from the end for easier access. Nice place to sit and put your feet as well, nice counter weight and doesn't budge.

[fdheld34]

also keeps you from stepping out and then down into the pit..ouch