72 20’ SF Rebuild In RI

[Scottman]

First ever post to a website.

I bought a transomless and floorless 72 20 SF with the intention of doing a complete restoration.

The basic plan is:
Keep it pretty close to the original look with the casting deck, original console and stern seating.
Transom mount a Suzuki 140. The new transom fabricated from 2 layers of 3/4” Coosa Board
Install the replacement fuel tank under the deck.
Raise the deck 1-1/2” with the cockpit drains led out the transom.
Use all synthetic core materials and epoxy resins.
Someday paint everything with Awlcraft or similar.

I am learning a lot from the website, but still have a lot to learn.

Thoughts?

[Old'sCool]

Read all you can here before beginning especially the COG formula/calculation. Looks like you're on the right track though!

[Beaver]

Welcome to the site and congrats on your Seacraft. I hope you enjoy the process. Sounds like you’ll have a really nice boat when finished.

[Rbphipper]

I have to say Congrats on your very first Seacraft project. I had one just like that and sold it to this very nice gentleman from Rhode Island. It looks like your in full resto mode. Can't wait to see more pictures. If it wasn't for this site and all the experience and knowledge I would never had started a similar project. Good luck and Happy New Year!!!!

[kmoose]

If you are going to raise the deck I would go with side scuppers. Way less work, no holes in transom to fail and perform better.

[Coppertop]

Hello, very excited to see this post as I am about to embark on a very similar restoration. I also have a 72 20’ SF and plan to replace transom (increase height to 25”) raise deck, re-power w 140 Suzuki keep the original center console and bow rails. I have had the boat 6 years and love the look and feel. Would you mind sharing the make/model of the replacement fuel tank you chose? We are just cutting into the boat, I will share pics as we progress. Thanks.

[Rbphipper]

Scott, you've been busy or sailing? Have you decided to pour new flotation foam? I'm at that point with deck removed and really don't know if it's absolutely necessary due to age of old foam. How do you check for wet foam? Core sections with a pipe? I wonder if that's been done? Otherwise how do you check without tearing it out? I search this site all the time and have analysis paralysis. I wish there was a basic instructional guideline with photos to help beginners. Seems there's many ways to skin the cat.

[Rbphipper]

I'm pretty much doing the same as you and coppertop. '72 20. Transom done with Coosa. Now trying to decide on below (foam), deck material, scuppers, raise deck. I chose not to pull the cap, as decks sound solid.

[uncleboo]

Originally Posted by Rbphipper

Scott, you've been busy or sailing? Have you decided to pour new flotation foam? I'm at that point with deck removed and really don't know if it's absolutely necessary due to age of old foam. How do you check for wet foam? Core sections with a pipe? I wonder if that's been done? Otherwise how do you check without tearing it out? I search this site all the time and have analysis paralysis. I wish there was a basic instructional guideline with photos to help beginners. Seems there's many ways to skin the cat.

Drill a few small holes at the base on the inboard side and let gravity help you.

[Rbphipper]

So if no water seeps out I should not worry about replacing foam?