1970 Seafari conversion to CC

[afishin82]

Thanks for the advice fishstretcher. The reason I want to rebuild this boat is because I enjoy projects like this and really want a boat set up exactly the way that I want. My big boat is all fixed up and I need a new project and ran across this little guy for next to nothing. I have done my fair share of glass work and think I can build a pretty sweet boat that will be solid as a rock!! As for the engine, I can get a sweet deal on an etec 115 right now and might pull the trigger. What are your performance numbers with that f100?

[FishStretcher]

I have my F100 set up for rough seas and very low speed planing so it has a hydroshield flying wing UNDER the prop which has a lot of high speed drag. And I have a stern lifting 4 blade prop. Plus I have a kicker on the transom. With that setup I don't need tabs. And it planes at 12 or 13 knots.

With that setup, WOT is 28 knots, 33?MPH. Holeshot is great even with low HP.

But a 3B prop with an above prop fin with a 115 would be LOTS faster. I am sure someone else has numbers for that.

Mine works for me. Once in a while when it is dead flat calm, I would like a few more knots. But the rest of the time it kicks butt for how I use it.

[afishin82]

Well got the transom out and quite a bit of grinding done. She is starting to look a little better. Cant wait to start laying up some glass! Also got a cover to help with the rain and get some shade!

[afishin82]

pics

[flyingfrizzle]

You got a blank canvas to work with, study many rebuild post and make decisions wisely. Lots of good information up here to learn from and many will help along the way. She looks as bare as my 71 20'. Lot of work ahead of you, count on it taking 3 times as long to do it and 3 times as much money but you will have a boat 3 times as nice as most others once your done! Good luck on your venture.

[deerhunter]

I have a 71 safari and could never imagine cutting it up but too each his own. good luck with the makeover. wish you were closer could use some of the parts you have leftover. I have a 115 merc. works fine with plenty of speed.

[afishin82]

I def have some left over parts I wont be using! I am conflicted on what the best core material would be for the sides of the hull. I dont want to put any wood back in the boat. I was wondering if coremat would be sufficient along with three support/rod holders spaced evenly down the sides. Something like the pic and a box for the fuel fill.

[afishin82]

Got a good bit of grinding done still a bit to go! Im gonna use polyester resin for the whole project so gotta make sure its scuffed pretty good! If I were to to use vynelester resin would the grinding still be neccessary?

[Ryan]

Nice! Now the fun begins.

[FishStretcher]

Originally Posted by afishin82

Got a good bit of grinding done still a bit to go! Im gonna use polyester resin for the whole project so gotta make sure its scuffed pretty good! If I were to to use vynelester resin would the grinding still be neccessary?

Yes and no. Unless you need it flattened out, gritblast it instead. It is WAY faster. And it gets in corners. Don't skimp on washing up after and degreasing BEFORE you grind.

You need to clean and roughen for any adhesive bond.

Vinylester is technically epoxy. It just is cured like polyester. So if you get a good vinylester it is likely to stick better and be far tougher than polyester. You will know this for certain if you ever have to remove it.