Classic 1978 center console 18' SF

[conchcuzzy]

Looking to restore/repair/replace deck and transom on my 1978 SeaCraft 18SF located in Key West. Boat is in excellent overall shape, but the deck was replaced about 10 yrs ago and was not sealed or glassed on the bottom, and now has major soft spots.

If transom needs to be replaced, is there a benefit in terms of ride to staying at 20in, or should I bring it up to 25in? Boat has a manual jack plate. After I re-powered from 1999 Johnson 150 to a new Etec 150, the transom seems to be having trouble with the weight, or more likely the power, of the new motor and is slightly bowing (curving) out. Slightly, but it's noticeable. The new motor is 20in, so if I bring the transom up, that will have to be addressed...

I saw Garrison Bight Marina in the background of some of trader's pics and wonder if anyone can recommend a boat builder or glass repair shop to perform this work in Key West/Lower Keys.

Thank you for your help.

Cuzzy

[uncleboo]

I would raise it to 25" which is what I will be doing. With the 20" transom, the motor sits mighty low in the water. The hydraulic steering and all the rigging wires and cables are under water in the splashwell while fishing, (me at the helm and 1 fishing buddy in the back fighting fish. The biggest problem is with the center of gravity being that far back, mine falls off plane around 2800-3000 rpm. Good luck with it and post lots of pics.

[conchcuzzy]

Thanks, Uncleboo. Water getting in the splashwell (then potentially into the bilge if there's any leaks around the insert) while fishing, and also while at rest is why I want to raise the transom, as well as potentially bringing the bottom motor mounting bolts above the water line.

In my experience with this hull planing at various rpm is more a function of prop than anything else, ymmv.

As soon as this wind dies down I will have them pull it off the rack for me. Pics to follow...

[Seacraft84]

Definitely raise it to 25". Bottom bolts will still be in the water tho.

[Billpotter]

I did an 18 12 years ago. We still own her- for now. Offspring has grown much bigger- need more space- moving into the 23' when she is complete, and putting the 18' up for adoption. Put a solid motor well wall of poly up 9" sealed tight with two drain checks for the deck. Yamaha 130 on a 20" transom tilted clears fine. From blue water experience, I'd stick with the 20" motor's lower center of gravity------ Put plugs in the transom drain sleeves, sealed the bilge access, installed a Rule 2000 with float with all the time power in the motor well. Over the transom water gets pumped back overboard very quickly- drilled two 3/4" drain holes at the aft corners of the deck straight into the bilge to drain casual water that gets on the deck, with plugs to put in on the rare occasions that I want to. installed two Rule 2000 pumps with ultra safety switches in the bilge with big dash indicator lights; powered by a Group 27 dual purpose battery for each pump (2 total) forward under the console. Set up a high water alarm with a float switch and a car alarm (they never fail). Put an isolated solar panel on the T top to keep the batteries topped off. This set up lived in the water full time for 5 years. I have many times been out in "what the heck am I doing out here" conditions fishing, and the set up has worked very well. My family has gone all over the place in the Bahamas with it, including crossing more than twice alone on her own bottom: I'd highly recommend it.

[conchcuzzy]

Bill, thank you for sharing your first-hand experience. Many of the comments on csc notwithstanding, I am leaning toward keeping the 20" motor for the reason you stated. I think I can raise the transom to 21 or 22" and set the 20" motor to the lowest mounting position.

I have what looks like the original motor well wall/insert (just the bottom, not the top cover) that I will probably glass in or otherwise seal. I will most likely remove the manual jack plate, but it looks like there is plenty of clearance for the 150 etec.

Bringing the boat to Spencer's for assessment and recommendation after next week.

[erebus]

I redid the transom in my 1975 18SF last winter, and kept the 20" transom.
I goosed it up a little (an inch or two) when I was laminating, so I guess it's a 22" transom. Motor (merc 115 2 -stroke) still fits fine with room to go down one set of holes if need be.
No regrets.

[conchcuzzy]

Finally, got the boat over to Spencer's boat yard this weekend. We'll go through it on Monday and come up with a plan of attack.

[conchcuzzy]

Some pics:

[erebus]

Hey, got any specs on your bimini?
Looks like a nice 4 bow with stainless steel tubing?
Just what I want for my 18SF here on the Cape!

Did it come with the boat, or did you purchase it later?
Brand? Dimensions?