Call me crazy

[Billybob]

To answer your question - yes.
Sell the Seafari project and buy a 23 CC project.

[manitunc]

Why? This "free" boat will be way more expensive than any craigslist find. If you want a 21' center console, get one. You are basically going to chop up every part of that boat. And if your wife and kids need a potty space, the seafari has one already. It is unlikely that you can fit a big enough console into that boat to make a potty comfortable and with two fuel tanks, you will be left with virtually no space for storage. With a Lefty Kreh style coffin box, how will you get under the console to use the potty? These hulls arent very wide to start with, so side entry will be an issue.

Just use it as is for a year before you start chopping.

[bmajvi]

Is that a crazy idea? My gut says probably so. What you're getting here is pretty decent advice, based on a lot of experience. While the hull is free, the amount of time, materials and labor you're talking about is a major investment. Nobody who starts a project like this thinks it'll happen to them, but many projects are never completed for a whole bunch of reasons - things pop up in your life that change how much of that time, money, effort and commitment can be devoted to "the project," so it winds up sitting partially completed and unusable for long periods of time.

I agree that a better plan would be to get the Seafari in running shape with maybe a decent used motor, use it (gets you and your crew on the water this summer) and look for a 23 project boat. Make that your dream boat, and as the 23 gets ready to splash put the 20 up for sale. Good luck however you go!

[Locke N Load]

All great advice and why I started the thread. I appreciate it. I am leaning towards the get the Seafari running and use it until a 23 CC comes along that will be perfect once customized to my needs plan of attack. The Seafari still needs a transom and engine so plenty to get my urge for a project fulfilled without being overwhelming. A good prelude to a bigger 23 CC project when the time comes. Time to adjust the plan accordingly.

[Capt Terry]

Locke n Load
Sounds like a good plan to simply repair the Seafari and not convert it. As a Seafari owner for 42 yesrs, I suggest you msy find it more versatile than you currently imagine.

[Locke N Load]

Now if only this damned weather would break so I can actually get some work going.

[wattaway2]

Living in a.Fla. I love cc’sgetting air around you is a necessity in the summertime .I try and get up to Plum Isld Ma to fish One or twice a yr. I have to say it’s damn nice to have something big to get behind while I’m up there

[SailorChlud]

As the owner of a 72 Seafari, I have to say, I think you are mad! Just kidding, but there is SOOOO much work in what you described, that it defies description why you would do that to this style boat at all - when a good project center console hull is fairly easy to find to start with - for free or virtually free. There is plenty of room for two people to fish this hull, and I cannot tell you how many times I have heard guys that own CC's tell me they wished they had my boat with the windscreen - for themselves, not just for their wives and girls. Stepping down into the footwell and getting behind the windscreen while driving in rain is actually pleasant! And financially, it is a sure way to the poor house - there is no way you can do what you described in LESS than double what starting with a CC hull would cost. Sorry, but my 2 Cents. Good luck what ever way you go, but knowing that only 350 Seafaris were made in 20 foot size, I winced reading your plans....

[Locke N Load]

Haha. I knew the SeaCraft purists eventually would come out to tell me not to carve her up. I was 99% CC conversion a week ago. A couple days ago it was 50/50. Now I am probably 90% keep it a Seafari.

When I was going to strip her down to the keel and build her back up the plan was pretty straightforward. Now I need to think about how deep to go to make her seaworthy without wasting time and effort if the plan will be to someday sell. I know the transom needs to be done. I will need to check the stringers and fuel tank. Rewiring will be done. I will need an engine. Plus many more things.

[Bigshrimpin]

stringers are usually fine on the seafaris. Make sure you test/replace the scuppers out the bottom. Jamestown stocks the 6" flaired tubes. I have the tool to flare the ends if you want to borrow it.