my new 1969 20 sea caft

luna1089 · #1 10-11-2009, 02:10 PM

Hi everyone, am new here and i just got my hands on a 1969 20' sea craft.
There's a couple of things i would like to do to it.
my center console is to far back and i would like to move it forward and the gas tank is under the console. it would be nice if i could put it under the floor. just looking for some insight on these two things. any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

mnwnvc · #2 10-11-2009, 05:28 PM

I also have a 69 CC. There is only 30 inches between the back of the console and the rear boxes. Not enough room for a leaning post or good seat with any room to run down riggers or fishing. I experimented with moving the console forward but it really messed up the lines(look) of the boat. I opted for no seat or post and sit on a fish box when needed. If your floor is stock it is also shaped to key into the console and moving it forward will require cutting the raised portion out and redoing the deck in that area. The boat really looks better with the console in the designed position. You have two choices, more room forward or more room aft. Use would be the deciding factor.
As far as your fuel tank I would leave it under the console. Less fabrication on your deck and real easy to replace. The is also a safety factor in having the tank above deck and it eliminates blowers and side vents. I set my boat to run off the tank under the console or 6 gallon poly tanks. That way I do not need to leave large quantities of fuel in the big tank unless needed. Good luck with your project. M

JW-Tex · #3 10-11-2009, 09:13 PM

Put the fuel tank under the floor as far forward as possible and move the console forward a couple of feet. It improves the look, functionalilty and balance of the boat especially if you are running a newer motor which is heavier than the 1960's motor.

You can narrow your console eight inches or so to get more room (cut down the middle and take a section out and reglass) to walk around and if you relocate the fuel tank under the floor cut the front off the console where the tank was and take out a foot or so, I reglassed mine after cutting out and put six rod holders into the small section that I left which was about four or five inches in front of the console.

The changes you are considering were implemented on later models so really not a problem...just customize to suit your needs.
link to my console after narrowing and removing tank see the last two pictures, the third picture shows the original console should be similar to what you have now.

http://www.classicseacraft.com/jwtex196920/index.html

JW

luna1089 · #4 10-12-2009, 11:19 AM

Thank you both for the advice,i am going to look into both options. ill see how i like it the way it is for a while before i go restoring it. i would also like to put a T-top.
since its my first boat ill go slow on it.
ill see if i can put some pictures up so you guys can see her.
Thanks

luna1089 · #5 10-14-2009, 11:49 PM

Here are some pics of my Sea Craft
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Caymanboy · #6 10-16-2009, 09:23 PM

I don't know much about the 69's, but I have two 70's and the console is stock and looks at least a 1' or more forward of yours, I have put the tank under the deck on both of them, not that big a deal, you can use the excisting deck as a hatch, you also do not need blowers or ventilation, it certainly helps to get the weight forward, gives more room under the console, etc.Just bear in mind when you do anything on these boats, it leads into other things, but they are great boats.

luna1089 · #7 10-17-2009, 02:16 AM

thanks Cayman, i have big dreams for this boat, so i know its going to lead to more. little by little ill get it done, hopefully lol. What size gas tank did you put on your boat's?

Caymanboy · #8 10-17-2009, 01:30 PM

They were 50 gals, in restrospect, with two strokes I would have liked to have gone bigger, next boat will have a four stroke, so I'm sure that will be adequite.

Caymanboy · #9 10-17-2009, 01:37 PM

Here's a pic, even with the leaning post seat there is enough room to walk either behind or infront of the seat.

luna1089 · #10 10-17-2009, 09:05 PM

Man you have a nice setup

. that’s the idea i want to go for on my Sea Craft, except i would like to have a T-top. what’s your mpg with that 50gal tank, and is it enough to go offshore??