Seacraft project purchased.

hallburg · #1 06-17-2011, 12:28 PM

After discovering the virtues of Classic SeaCraft boats I started looking for one. I have a 1978 20' Beechcraft I/O that is a great northwest boat. However, it does not ride well in 2' chop. In my search for a classic seacraft I was only finding them in the south east. Discouraging with the cost to bring one to Oregon. But, to my surprise one showed up on Craigs list only four hours away. I am now the proud owner of a 1974, 23 Tsunami. Someone had already started stripping it. Some soft spots in the floor and deck. Transom? I will find out as I disassemble. How the boat ended up in the Northwest is a mystery. Has anyone seen it before? Will start deconstruction this summer.

Fr. Frank · #2 06-17-2011, 12:52 PM

Beautiful boat.

castalot · #3 06-17-2011, 01:13 PM

Great another one infected with seacraftitis quick there may be hope for this one call the CDC
Welcome to the madness you will be ok at some point

basswacker · #4 06-17-2011, 05:56 PM

Keep us posted on the rebuild

McGillicuddy · #5 06-17-2011, 06:11 PM

Great choice! Be sure to check out John123's Tsunami/Sceptre restoration. He's got his set up really sweet for salmon.

bigeasy1 · #6 06-20-2011, 09:58 AM

Thanks for the kind words Gillie.

Wah,you're going to love that boat.I love the look of the old Sceptre/Tsunami models,and the one you bought looks great.
What are your plans for power and mounting options?Are you going with transom mount or Bracket mounted Outboard/outboards?
You'll have to keep us posted with the progress.There are a load of guys on this site that are a huge help when it comes to restoration questions.

These old Seacraft Tsunami's are just super hulls.It's also just extra special having a boat that looks so different from the mundane boats we see every day.
I have a similar situation as you,in the fact they are rare where I fish(Great Lakes).It never seems to stop drawing the attention of other boaters who are constantly asking what kind of boat it is.
It blows their mind when I tell em it's a 1974.They think it's a late model boat.They can't believe it's approaching 40 yrs old.
It doesn't hurt that they live up to the reputation that they have.It's an awesome riding hull especially in that nasty very steep close together wave pattern that I always seem to get stuck in.

The cockpit is so roomy and makes it great for fishing salmon with downriggers,planer boards, wire line dipsies and copper.At times we run 12 rods without any problems.

Good luck with the resto,and keep us posted.

hallburg · #7 06-21-2011, 01:03 PM

Thanks for the input John. All you users can be proud of such an awesome site. Sharing your knowledge is great. I currently fish a 20’ 1978 Beechcraft (Glasply hull) with a 470 I/O. I gutted it and rebuilt stringers floor etc. about 15 years ago and it has been a great boat, but it is getting worn and it doesn’t ride like a SeaCraft is supposed to. I have never had a ride in a SeaCraft but I do know boats and have built hundreds so when I ran across the information on the SeaCraft design, which I had never heard of, I wanted one. The design makes a lot of sense to me and the 23 hull is exactly the size I had in mind. I fish the Ocean on the Oregon & Washington coast and have been desperate for a hull that better handles the 2 & 3 foot wind waves along with the swell. This boat was partially stripped already and sits on the original Float On trailer which will also needs some work. Got it home did a survey and started tearing it apart to see what I got. Has a 100GL tank that has corrosion from improper install. I found the hull and deck are heavy built but lacking extra build up in some corners as evidenced by stress cracks after 38 years. The liner is a little thin in some parts. Tore apart the storage lid as it was water soaked and weighed 35 LBs. Was amazed how poorly constructed. The floor liner surface appears to be only about one 3/4OZ layer of mat. Way to light and there is no strength in mat. I found typical light wet out of roving in the boat. I guess they were stingy on resin in the day. Found typical soft spots in floor,digs, dings, and scrapes on hull. Bottom of hull looks straight and true, won't know condition until I strip it. Looks like I will have to do a rebuild. Here are a few pics. Don't know what to do about power yet, still investigating. I will keep you updated.

ScottM · #8 06-22-2011, 10:01 AM

Quote:

I have never had a ride in a SeaCraft

Get ready for a pleasant surprise. When my father stepped up to his 23 Sceptre from a Wellcraft V20 CC 13 years ago, that first ride was pretty impressive. Of course the 2 boats are apples and oranges, but that first time we took the SC out, me, my father and brother couldn't believe the difference in ride. The SC is going to lay waste to your Beechcraft.

strick · #9 06-23-2011, 10:51 AM

Wah-

Welcome to the club. I was eye balling that boat on CL a couple weeks ago. Head south for a free seacraft ride. We have running 20, 23 and 25 seacrafts in our inventory.

strick

hallburg · #10 06-24-2011, 12:49 AM

Strick, I saw a SeaCraft listed on CL in northern Calif. a month or two prior to finding this one. However, I didn't see it until a few days after it was posted and when I contacted the seller it was already gone. As I recall it was a 20' which really wasn't what I wanted. I bet I can guess who scooped it up. I was under the impression that there are a few SeaCraft fans in the San Diego area. I see you are in Oakly. Not so far away. I have relatives in the bay area so I might take you up on a ride. It may be awhile before I can get this one rebuilt. I want to get the glass work done this summer while I have some temperature and sun. However, I am getting shoulder surgery in September and I understand it is six months physical therapy and one year to get back to normal. what a bummer! Maybe I will be able to hang hardware and do finish work during recovery.