Classic SeaCraft Community - Help with '75 18 ft Seacraft project

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Re: Help with 18' SeaCraft Project

Adam yes there is a huge difference in performance, i went with a 30in setback on the bracket, I went with a doelfin instead of trim tabs and it rides great.
Tony

Re: Help with 18' SeaCraft Project

Quote:

. . .If I understand correctly I need a tube welded in for the throttle cables,wiring harness, and power cables to go thru then a sleeve goes over all of it to the motor and it secures with a clamp around the aluminum tube that is welded in. Sorry for all the questions but on this website everyone is so helpful even with my stupid questions. Thanks again.

Adam, like I used to tell the guys that worked for me, no such thing as a stupid question . . . only stupid mistakes!

Your understanding of the rigging tube assembly is correct, assuming you want to rig it like Don Herman does. You could just drill a hole in the bracket and secure the tube with epoxy, but if you're having one made up, seems like it would be cleaner to just have one welded in before they powdercoat or paint it. You'll still need a smaller hole for the hydraulic steering lines.

Regarding trim tabs, I use them primarily for lateral (side-to-side trim). A deep-V will tend to lean into the wind; the wind blows you off course, so when you crank in some rudder to correct, boat will roll in the direction you turn the helm. When you lay a deep-V on it's side, it's NOT a deep V anymore! When waves are coming at you at some angle off the bow, rolling the boat just a few degrees AWAY from the waves with the trim tabs increases your deadrise relative to the waves and will create a big improvement in the ride! You can do the same thing by moving gear or crew around, but the tabs are more convenient. I also use a Doelfin for fore & aft trim, and on a 25" motor on a bracket, it makes a big difference. Also if you're stern heavy, a 4 blade prop will also give you some stern lift.

Re: Help with 18' SeaCraft Project

Quote:

no such thing as a stupid question . . . only stupid mistakes!

Yeah. Usually caused by not asking questions in the 1st place.

Quote:

Regarding trim tabs, I use them primarily for lateral (side-to-side trim). A deep-V will tend to lean into the wind; the wind blows you off course, so when you crank in some rudder to correct, boat will roll in the direction you turn the helm. When you lay a deep-V on it's side, it's NOT a deep V anymore! When waves are coming at you at some angle off the bow, rolling the boat just a few degrees AWAY from the waves with the trim tabs increases your deadrise relative to the waves and will create a big improvement in the ride!

...Also if you're stern heavy, a 4 blade prop will also give you some stern lift.

Excellent advice!!

Re: Help with 18' SeaCraft Project

Thanks for answering all my questions. I found the cable clam fittings and also found a few rigging tube kits. I need to get one of those even if I get the tube welded into the bracket so I can use it thru the transom.

As for using balsa core instead of penski board......I am pretty set on using the composite just because I know I will never have to worry about anything after that. I helped my dad redo his skiff a few years back and he used the composite. It is some of the easiest material to work with and as soon as you glass it, it is there for life. I know it might sound like I'm hard headed on this part of it, but peace of mind goes a long way. It is very very light weight as well. Anything I can do to make the boat a little lighter (especially in the stern) the better. Anyway, thanks for all the input so far.

Re: Help with 18' SeaCraft Project

I saw some bottom paint remover in west marine the other day and I was wondering if anyone had ever used any of this before. It says it won't harm the gelcoat. Also can anyone tell me what the best thing to get to clean some oxidation on my aluminum t-top. I want to try and make it shiny again. Thanks.

Re: Help with 18' SeaCraft Project

Who would have thought echs class of 2000 would have two seacraft fans :)

Re: Help with 18' SeaCraft Project

Whats up Tyler. Yeah I bought a seacraft and am in the middle of redoing everything. You will have to come take a look at it sometime.

Re: Help with 18' SeaCraft Project

Hey man were did you get the penske board and let me know what your doing about the live well.I'm thinking of getting rid of my livewell too its a pain in the ***.Dad had an 18 when I was a kid had lots of fun in it.

Re: Help with 18' SeaCraft Project

I am not putting the live well back into the floor. I might put one in the seat in front of the console or a small one in the new full transom. Not sure if I put it in the transom it might add to much weight right in the stern. My brother-in-law ordered the penski board for me from somewhere, I'm not sure. What size motor did your dads have on it. I am trying to decide what I need to look for.

Re: Help with 18' SeaCraft Project

Dads boat was I think an 1986 or 1987 with a 150 mariner.I want to say close to 50 top end.The only reason I remember the year is a guy my dad knows got a 20 the next year it was a tracker model like mine I think 1987/88 was trackers first year.I believe I read that somewere when I was looking at my boat.Anyway I remember dad racing his buddy in the 20 with a 175, dad beat him.My 20 had a 150 yamaha on it 2 stroke it self bailed fine had good power to.