Seafari batteries forward advice?

[Rufneck]

I just positioned battery boxes in the center hatch aft of the cabin bulkhead. That is prime real estate, but I didn't want them aft and just didn't feel comfortable putting them inside the cabin bulkhead. The battery selector switch is under the steering wheel.

The only issue that I see is losing the storage space, but it is just something I will work around. I built one each seat box port and starboard and both of them have storage. I also gained a lot of storage space when the transom was enclosed. I am more concerned without having a built in insulated fishbox, but I got a big ol 250 quart YETI cooler that fits nicely across aft end of the cockpit if necessary.

[SailorChlud]

Bushwacker:

Cool use of the old splashwell. I will likely have an oil tank too, as the 4cycle motors are out of my price range at the moment. I am looking at late 90's to early 2000's 2 strokes available in Jersey/NY area that run around $2500 -$3500. Anything rebuilt with a warranty or light use is over $4000 around here.

I think I can get the oil tank under the splashwell area.

And McGillicuddy - I like your livewell repurposing for the battery.

[Vezo, Part II]

I do not have pics at this time of my '77 Seafari, but PO had custom built boxes, wider at base and narrowing on top, and shorter bases for helm and port seats. Port base houses second battery, which balances the boat perfectly at rest, and brought weight forward. Any shop could do this, but I believe it was done by Yacht Doctors in Seminole/St. Pete, Fla. and may have the molds if you wanted to go this route. I really like the arrangement, and shorter seat stansions feel more stable. No idea of cost.

Vezo, Part II

Could have pics by Jan. 12, if interested.

[SailorChlud]

Thanks, Vezo - I have seen other storage boxes like what you described, so pics are not necessary. I think that is more construction than I want to do right now, but may add them down the road if there is time in future seasons. Right now, I wanted to stay more original than that. Between the fiberglass work done already, the motor and the other systems I need to do, the cost has climbed and the time factor has climbed as well. Going to try to get it all together by June, so I can enjoy the all too brief Jersey summer.

[Vezo, Part II]

Where is your home port?

[SailorChlud]

Rufneck:

Your rebuild thread was very illuminating. neat project, and it seemed to come out great.

On the 72 Seafari I have, there is no hatch access aft of the step down into the cabin - the fuel tank is right there. Thus, no space for the batteries.

[SailorChlud]

Vezo:

We are located in the New Brunswick area, and in years past we trailer our boats between cruising grounds in Buzzards Bay, Raritan Bay, and Barnegat Bay.

Likely 80% of the time we are in Toms'River or Sandy Hook area. You?

[Vezo, Part II]

Too funny John. I am from Red Bank, Middletown area, first 25 years of my life. My Dad was a wood shop teacher and Mom was an RN, who managed to get summers off. Beach house in Ocean Gate, south side of Toms River at Barnegat Bay. 13 Whaler moored to a beer keg. Last week of July, first week of June every summer vacationed at a great uncles in So. Wellfleet, Mass.. Late teens started boating in Raritan Bay, and surf fishing from Sandy Hook for Stripers. At 25 moved to Hilton Head to become a paid firefighter and bought my first SeaCraft at 30. Small world.

Michael.

[SailorChlud]

Michael:

Great times on the Jersey shore, eh? Us too. As kids, my parents took us to LBI for the last couple of weeks of the summer every year. For the past 10-12 years, my wife, 3 boys and I have been visiting my brother-in-law on Cape Cod in Pocasset, then Falmouth, where we cruise the Vineyard sound and Buzzards Bay. Love that area.

We had a daysailer that we trailered all over for the last 5-6 years, and often launched at Ocean Gate Marina - love that spot. Easy to choose the river, or the bay for the day. Now on to a new project with the Seacraft and looking forward to a changeup. the two photos are the Brother-in-law's Seacraft 18 SF, and our old Daysailer.

Thanks for the advice!