SeaCraft 23' WA

[CaptLloyd]

I own a '88 23WA, and love the walkaround layout with the great Seacraft ride! I looked at Sceptres , but getting to the bow is a PITA.

I bought mine last year, it was in sub-par condition, and I knew I would turn it into a project at some point. I did the neccasary work to make it safe and usable, and I used it about 20 times before the 200 Merc blew up in August. I thought I was doing everything right to make that motor last, new impellor, new thermostats, rebuilt carbs, new switch boxes, oil injection was disabled and I premixed, etc, but #1 cylinder siezed and damaged the crank and block.

Now it's a project. I sold the motor for parts, and plan to repower with Suzuki 250 4 stroke. I felt the 200 hp was alittle weak, but it sure knew how to suck gas. The transom needs replacing, so it will be enclosed, and add a Hermco bracket. The fuel tank hadn't failed, but I pulled it and found several spots of bad corrosion due to the foam. It was just a matter of time, so I had a new one made. While I have the fuel tank out, I found some loose tabbing on the port side stringer, I'll address this before installing the new tank.

Remember, you are looking at a 20+ year old boat. If the fuel tank is original, it will need replacing soon (which is a seriuos PITA on these boats, I had to cut out the motor well to get mine out). Unless it has been trailered it whole life (like Gary's), the transom is probably suspect. Tracker's wiring isn't something to brag about, and some of the hardware is sub-par.

I don't want to sound negative and scare you away from the 23WA, but these are things I've learned over the last year. I like mine, I knew I was buying a project, and that was refected in what I paid for it. Once the project is done, I'm planning on having a safe, reliable boat my family will enjoy for many years

Get a survey and Good Luck!

Lloyd