Seafari 20

rampeyboy · #1 07-06-2011, 10:49 AM

Hello, I am thinking of purchasing this boat (inboard 4 cylinder)for my family of 5. 99.9% of our usage will be a large freshwater lake, and for pleasure riding, skiing, etc. It is larger than my current boat. The current owner says it needs a carb, or carb work. Are these carbs still available? Any suspect areas to inspect before purchase? How can I check for wood rot, particularly the transom? Thanks!
Boyce

Blue_Heron · #2 07-06-2011, 01:22 PM

Not enough info to get a good answer. For instance, what's the year, make, and model of the power package?
Dave

Fr. Frank · #3 07-06-2011, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Not enough info to get a good answer. For instance, what's the year, make, and model of the power package?
Dave

Actually, the carbs and ignition parts for all the various 4 cyl sterndrives found in the Seafari 20' are very available, right back to the '69 120 hp OMC stringer-drive models.

Bushwacker · #4 07-07-2011, 12:53 AM

The carbs on those motors are very simple and easy to overhaul. Just make sure you get a kit with ethanol-resistant floats, gaskets, etc. I'd pull the fuel tank (easy to do unless some idiot foamed in the tank) to check it for leaks and maybe replace all the fuel hoses with ethanol resistant type if that hasn't already been done.

I bought my '72 model in 1975 and it's still rock solid, although I have replaced the scupper tubes a couple of times. There is a plywood bulkhead forward of the head that has reportely had some of the tabbing come loose from the stringers on a boat that's been used hard, although mine is ok and it's seen some hard use. Bulkhead is visible thru the front hatch under the bunks, which also provides access to the thru-hulls for the head. One other potential problem area was the 4" dia. thru-transom inlet/outlet for the live well under stern seat, which tended to leak and soak the transom, but I think that was unique to the outboard models; don't think the I/O's had that feature. The condition of the outdrive would be my only other concern. A soft deck, particularly the fuel tank hatch cover is also a possibility, but that's easy to spot as well as fix. You might want to check the transom from inside around the cut-out for the outdrive for evidence of rot in that area. Might also check the bulkhead between cabin and cockpit for signs of rot at bottom; the sheetmetal screws in that area tend to loosen, so I changed mine to toggle bolts/machine screws with Loctite on them.

The Seafari 20 is the most versatile of all the SeaCraft models, is very well made, and makes a great family boat! The I/O version is very economical to run. Check out the Boating Magazine test of it in the literature section. Send me a PM with email address if you want electronic files of original factory brochures. Denny

rampeyboy · #5 07-07-2011, 08:03 AM

Thanks for the quick responses guys. I am going to look at the boat today. I'm a bit concerned about the engine. I found out last night the carb has been off for some time. Wonder if the engine has been properly protected from things getting into it through the carb mount....at any rate the price seems ok if the rest of the boat is right. Asking $1295 for it. Will report back tonight if all goes well....

Fr. Frank · #6 07-07-2011, 05:10 PM

if the rest of the boat is halfway decent that's an excellent price. A reman'd long-block is under $1K.

rampeyboy · #7 07-07-2011, 06:54 PM

OK, back from looking at the boat. My feelings on this boat is if a person wants a project/restoration boat, it is OK. For me though, it's probably more than I want to take on (too many other projects).
My evaluation:
engine should be considered a core. It might be OK, but has been sitting for an undetermined amount of time with the plugs out and carb is off (and now unaccounted for).

outdrive condition is unknown. The throttle moves from about the 3 oclock position to the 12 oclock position and no farther. Could be by design or maybe something is stuck??

The hull is decent looking with minor scrapes here and there. There is one spot of damage on the rear upper part of the boat as if someone ran into it or docked it hard. Not a show stopper in my opinion. I did note that the transom had some soft spots?? Reaching through the square storage compartment door and pushing on the inside of the transom, I noted it "gave" as if it was hollow! From the outside, I could see noticable movement when pressing on the outside of the transom in the same area. I would say at least the first 12 inches from the corner of the hull towards the middle of the transom are this way. The door for the cabin is off, but accounted for. The top is there, but it was stowed and I wasn't interested enough in the boat to open it up to check it's condition. Judging from the brilliance of the blue canvas I would assume it was not very old.

The trailer is non original and has wheels on it off a Honda or something. The tires at best work but look funky cause they are undersized. Probably not rated for the load either.

If any of ya'll are interested, it is listed in the Greenville SC Craigslist. He seemed pretty stuck on the price as they had to find a trailer for it, and claimed they paid $6-700 for the trailer. They've only had it for about 6 months. Probably found out the engine was no good, and trying to unload it. Maybe I will rethink it later, but for the time being my search goes on. I'm not stuck on owning a SeaCraft, but love ya'lls enthusiasm for the brand. Love to hear from ya'll if one of you do buy it!

Boyce