New SeaCraft Owner

Halfshell · #1 07-13-2003, 09:28 PM

Hello,
I have just added a boat to the fleet. It is a 1975 20' with a 165 Mercruiser I/O. The boat appears to be in good shape with respect to the normal worries and researching topics on this website prior to buying has been a huge asset. I have a couple of questions and I hope someone might know the answer to or have an opinion on. The first is...How is the fuel tank (Under the Console) installed in these boats. Foamed..? or something different. Also, this model has the helmseat as a pad on the Motorbox since there is no room between the console and the motorbox for pedestals. Has anyone with a similar layout installed seats on the motorbox or fabricated some kind of backrest. Insight / opinions appreciated. Thanks very much.

brhodes · #2 07-14-2003, 10:24 AM

Hey Halfshell

I've got a 1970 cc I/O. My tank is strapped down with two metal straps with rubber inbetween them and the tank itself. We just had to reseal the sending unit because of leaking fumes. I just bought the boat last April, so I'm still working out all the bugs. I will probably take a closer look at the gas tank situation at the end of this season.

The previous owner installed a nice custom leaning post which I removed. It was way too big for that area. Right now, I'm leaving that section open. I can't really reach the steering from the engine box. But, I can sit there and fish. I've heard SeaCraft is putting a small leaning post in the new boats. Boat U.S., West Marine, etc, have a small leaning post in their catalogues. It has two rod holders which look like a back rest could be fitted into. I'm going to just run mine this season and think on what to put in, if anything. I like the uncluttered look and the room that comes with no seat back there. I'm sure I'll change tune after a few long days on the water.

Bruce

Halfshell · #3 07-14-2003, 12:40 PM

Bruce,
Thanks for the reply. I live on the other side of the beltway from you in Fairfax. The boat will stay on the OBX though. Is your leaning post secured to the deck or to the top of the engine box (with shorter legs)...? Also, do you have the 165 or the 140..? How does it work for you re: MPH and GPH..?
Thanks again.

brhodes · #4 07-17-2003, 11:36 AM

I've got the 140. On the first test run, we topped out at 27 mph. Right now the boat is on the trailer which is sitting waiting to be inspected. The trailer was never titled in Maryland so I'm going through the whole process now. What's really maddening is that we leave tomorrow for vacation in Florida. So, I won't be able to test her out again until after the 27th. I'm sure my buddy will take her out while I'm gone since he offered to pick her up after the inspection.

The leaning post was screwed down to the deck. Again, it's a nice leaning post but it is just too big for that little area.

Bruce