It's Time
 

Well the house is basically done (never done I know) and I'm thinking about taking the plunge next year. But I need a plan and have some starting questions for the experts.

A little info first. My boat is a 1979 23' cc inboard. I purchased her 12 years ago and she is in very serviceable and safe condition but certainly not perfect. When I got her I replaced the engine with a rebuilt block, rebuilt the transmission, replaced the fuel tanks, and did some general cosmetic work including refinishing the top side and console. I didn't pay alot so she owes me nothing.

My problem is the cosmetic work I did years ago needs to be redone and after reading this site I want to do it right this time. I want to tear her completely down and start over with a full restoration.

The biggest question I have for now is, should I convert to an outboard with a bracket? It seems there would be many advantages including less weight, better fuel consumption/more range, less draft, space inside console, no exhaust below water line, more room for fuel, and no shaft log to leak. I think it would make the boat much more adaptable to my current situation (back bay, inlet, limited offshore). Has anybody done this and are they happy with their decision?

Second, can I get the names of some reputable fiberglass companies in S Jersey. I can handle the cosmetic stuff but, if I go with the bracket, I will have to have the transom replaced. It's moist but sound although I wouldn't want to go the bracket route without having it done. Also, I have a 1/2 tunnel. Should this be filled in if I go with an outboard bracket?

Again, I'm trying to formulate a plan here so your opiniions and comments will be greatly appreciated.

Re: It's Time
 

Ralph,
You're right, the house is NEVER done. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] You may have already answered your own question by stating where/how you fish. Sounds like you're a perfect candidate for an outboard, but the work you need to do to get there is going to be long and labor-intensive.

You raise a good question about the tunnel. I would think this would create a lot of "dirty" water around the lower unit of an OB, causing cavitation. Filling that tunnel in would be major reconstruction.

Re: It's Time
 

Ha Ralph;

I usually am very positive trying to encourage everyone who wants to convert a 23 SeaCraft I/O to a Outboard. To me it just makes a lot of sense but with a prop pocket inboard I would keep it as is. I really like inboards and Love prop pocketed inboard boats. To convert one to a Outboard could be a major undertaking and cost lots of $$$. It probably would be cheaper to convert to a diesel inboard then to convert to a Outboard. That is a very rare boat you have there and I would never ever let that one go.
P.S. Don’t let Otto know about it here on this board he buys everything that is really special and I’m sure he would love to give you a offer on it or swap out with Ya.
FellowShip [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Re: It's Time
 

Ralph, don't even think about reconfiguring an inboard, that would be a travisty. If it where an i/o then yes that would be the first thing I'd do. The SC 23 inboards are probibly the most desired boat out of the SeaCraft line.

If your stuck on having ob's I have a half restored '72 SC SF 23 with a new closed transom and hermco braket I may be willing to trade. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] The boat was original with twin i/o's.

Re: It's Time
 

I agree with the above both that it is not practical to convert an inboard to and outboard. That is a special hull I don't think it draws that much more water that you can't do the inshore thing with it.

I also agree that should you decide to sell or trade to get to a outboard, I'm your guy. An inboard is the last configuration I need to complete my collection.

Your PLAN should consider renovating her the way she is and making whatever modifications you can to keep compromise to a minimum. Alternatively, selling/trading for a 20' or 23' outboard that may or may not need a renovation. A 20' might be a nice boat for what you're doing.

Re: It's Time
 

Hey Dear Abby, what's the deal?? You can't be serious.http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung...smiley-004.gif

Re: It's Time
 

yeah Finny, I'd have to agree: converting an inboard to an outboard simply can't be done [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

But, so you don't lose any money, I'll give you exactly what you paid for that hull of yours [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Re: It's Time
 

Finster did you decide to pass n that 20 sc down here in Miami? Im interested to know what kind of condition it was in

Re: It's Time
 

No I didn't. As it turned out the bottom was blistered and there for useless to me. I was hoping for a clean engine swap and get it in the water. The last thing I was looking for was another boat to work on.
The seller Seabrook is a great guy and prefectly understood my concern and wasn't aware of the problem, or I should say wasn't trying to pawn if off knowingly.

I owe a big thanks to Capt.Brad for going out of his way to look at it for me. I was real close to buying it unseen.

Re: It's Time
 

cool, i was wondering because im tryin to sell my 20 around the same figure but his boat looks in the pictures to be pretty nice. Did Capt Brad say anything about the deck or transom?

Re: It's Time
 

Everything else seemed to be clean. Light normal wear for a 30 year old boat.

Oh yeah, the transom is recent and the deck solid. I was geared up and pretty much sold until we got to the osmatic blistering.

Re: It's Time
 

Ralph, just for info, I just repowered a 76 CC with a 350 Marine Power 315 HP carb and it appears with the flow scan, I'm getting better that 2 miles per gallon and running 28-29 MPH. I got the carb due to the fact I can figure things out if required. The prop is a 17" X 16 and will turn up 4600 RPM. Also the packing I used is the newer GFO packing and as many times I played with the prop (disconnect shaft from trans to eliminate the banging effect) does not leak (I'm surprised). I'm not sure if the tunnel would be a problem since boats are made now with a setback (Fountain) and they do this for clean water and can run the motors higher. Good luck with you decision whatever you do. But I do like my ride with the inboard.

Re: It's Time
 

Thanks for the quick replies. I thought that staying inboard would be the result but I was looking for candid opinions. I like the inboard ride. I just wanted to see if it had been done or made sense to do. If so it would have played a major role in my restoration plans.

I'm not interested in selling/trading although she did show up for sale by Margate Marine years ago. I really wasn't interested in selling then either but the guy who listed it owned the marina I was in. Just testing the market I guess. There's a link to the listing on this site.

The first thing I want to decide on is power (I currently have a 454 crusader) so any thoughts on options would be appreciated. Is a diesel worth the extra cost? Knot Working, if you don't mind me asking, approximately how much did the 350 Marine Power cost and what was involved with the changeover?

Also, once I get the boat stripped down (won't be until spring) would anyone in South Jersey be available to take a look and give me their recomendations from experience as to what should be done to the hull? Again, I want to do this right and once, so I don't want to overlook anything. I know there are numerous owners around SJ including Finster whos experience I could benefit from.

Re: It's Time
 

Let me know I always like looking at boats. I'll drag Scott and maybe Don with me, then there will be an excuse to drink beer. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Re: It's Time
 

Ralph,
The engine and trans (FW cooled) was about $8,500 and everyone declared that I didn't need 3" extension's (on the risers) since I was replacing the old 351 Merc, I looked at Miles Off Shore and he had them (he's got a 350 also) and a couple of SeeVee's same way. The biggest problem is making sure that the angle is correct on the shaft alignment, I ended cutting out 1" on the rear motor mount, and adding 3/4" to the front, no big deal just glass work. The diesel is nice but cost's are alot more. The work was done by myself and a friend. My stringer's were replaced sometime back and were in great shape.

Re: It's Time
 

Finster, I'll definately let you know when I get it torn down. I was actually thinking I would trailer to someplace convenient for anybody that would be kind enough to help. Thank you for your offer. I'll buy lunch and beer expense will be the first line item in my budget.

Knot Working, thanks for the info. I'm going to do some research on available power options. I know I have to do some stringer work anyway as I saw some questionable glass work when I had her apart the first time. I'll make any adjustments for the mounts then.

One last question for now. What is the general consensus for refinishing the hull, re-gelcoat or paint?

Re: It's Time
 

I painted above the water line and gel coated the bottom. Painting is easier to do but cost more $$$ gel coating cost less and is a lot more labor intensive. We have some guys that have done both. It’s kind of like pick your own poison they both have their good and bad points. I would have some of the guys look at your gel coat first and then make some comments after looking. Maybe it could be buffed back to good shape, maybe you need a lot of work done on the hull fixing dings and sough, maybe you keep you boat in the water for long periods of time, maybe you take the boat off a trailer 50 times a year. All that could make a difference in your decision.
FellowShip [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

Re: It's Time
 

If the bottom has bottom paint, keep it up. If above the water line was painted last time, do it again since re-gel would involve stripping the old paint. If it's gel now, I'd still go with paint if the boat will be kept in the water, or otherwise outside in full sun.

Re: It's Time
 

Keep it the way it is and put a HEMI in it [img]/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img]

Re: It's Time
 

Ralph, Is that your Red 23 inboard sitting up from the church on Rt 9?? Shoot me an email...I'm right in S Dennis..

Re: It's Time
 

Ralph, sorry I kind of lost touch with this thread. Where are you at with it?

Re: It's Time
 

Dunk, no that's not mine. I've seen the boat you're talking about though. Mine is at my home in West Deptford. There is a picture of my boat in an old thread in the for sale forum called "SeaCrafts Galore". Its the last link in ScottM's post. The guy that owned the marina I was in sold boats for Margate Marine and he asked if he could list it. I wasn't really interested but everythings for sale I guess.

Finster, thanks for asking. I'm still finishing some other projects (most importantly a bar in my basement) so I haven't started to break her down yet. I have been researching some power options and thinking about how to modify the deck to eliminate the drainage problem and come up with some more efficient storage and cooler space. I should be getting started in about a month. I hope your offer to take a look at her still stands. I'm looking forward to getting your opinion and running some ideas by you.

Re: It's Time
 

Hey RalphD... I'm just up the road from you in Tuckahoe. I've worked on a bunch of 23's. Give me a call if you want. I'm sure Finny and I can take a ride up to the boat or if your ok with moving it around you can bring it to my shop in Tuckahoe.

Re: It's Time
 

Don, I'm only in Cleremont during the summer. I have a place at Drfitwood. I'll give you a call.