Overhauling a 1979 20ft MA

[ROBCAR]

About 2 weeks ago a purchased a 20ft MA. The boat was not in bad shape (at least that's what I thought). Perhaps I got inspired by reading Stricks' amazing posts on "here we go again" that gave me the courage to tackle this project. I don't have much experience working with resins, glass or paint. What I do have is a very strong desired and the image in my head of what I would like the boat to look like. I had boats before, but never a Seacraft (my dream boat).

So, I would like to get your thoughts, ideas, suggestions and to share your experiences in order to minimize any major screw ups on my part. I have same pics that I will try to post to give you an idea of what things looked like on day one.

My biggest question now is, since I have to redo the transom (their is mulch inside).......should I close the transom?....I always wanted a bracket, but wouldn't required me to get new steering and controls cables, power steering (doesn't have it) and a cosmetic modification to stern of the boat because of how high the two storage boxes sit in the back?

[eggsuckindog]

Great boat by the way , I would try and keep it as simple as possible as there is plenty of work. Maybe just raise the transom 5" from 20 to 25 seems that would be easier

[Snookerd]

I wouldn't put a bracket on her. Just raise it to a 25.

[ROBCAR]

thank you both for the suggestions. My questions is....Why wouldn't you put a bracket on her (besides the obvious fact of the additional labor and $$$$? just curious.

[ROBCAR]

another silly question I have is ....if i raise the transom another 5 inches, would i need to replace my o/b for one with a 25" shaft?

thanks in advance for any comments or suggestions.

by the way, i already removed the old wood from the transom and have the pictures of the process, but dont know how to post them.

[Snookerd]

The bracket on a 20 center console has been done by a few. Capt. Lloyd went so far as to make his own large floatation tub to give better static trim and it has worked well. The balance of the boat is set back farther with the bracket and the planing characteristics are affected.

[ROBCAR]

Thank you Snookerd for the technical response. I now a little discourage from going with the bracket based on what i now know. But, can I keep the same 20" shaft engine if I raised the transom 5"?

by the way, that is one great looking boat you have as part of your signature....i am green with envy.

[Snookerd]

if i raise the transom another 5 inches, would i need to replace my o/b for one with a 25" shaft?

Yes, the 25" shaft would require you to either go thru the trouble of putting a longer lower unit on there or getting another motor. The extra 5 inches is for keeping the sea out! Go to photobucket.com and open an account for free. You upload pics there and then copy the direct link address and go back to classicseacraft.com while in the process of making a new posting, click the blue colored "image" listing in the instant UBB
Code Section and paste to there.

[ROBCAR]

[image]http://s411.photobucket.com/albums/pp196/ROBCAR/[/image]

ok I am giving it a shot....thanks again Snookerd

[Snookerd]

Nice try, the link to each picture should be next to each individual photo on photobucket, not the web address for photobucket. Keep trying your getting close...........